This is the email I received from a reader describing a recent Nikon event organized for major authorized dealers in a country I will not mention online in order not to get anyone in trouble:
They essentially explain what happened with Nikon since March 11th (earthquake, tsunami, Fukushima, etc.) and what major decisions have been taken since concerning the product plants situated in the area.
They told us that most of the machines have been moved to a new plant in Malaysia and most of the employees have been moved as well with some monetary compensation. Then, some photo slides of the Malaysian plant have been shown. The new facility is already producing cameras and lenses. Expect to see “Made in Malaysia” Nikon product very soon.
Now, as you can imagine, everybody asked for the D700 and D3 replacement schedule. Here is what the Nikon rep said: “Two new FX bodies will be announced by the end of August. Availability in Fall.” Even though the rep wasn’t explicit about which current cameras are going to be replaced, it was quite clear they were talking about “old body designs” (guess D700 and D3). Nevertheless, the two FX cameras will be aimed at different customers who have different needs: one camera for “expert” photographers, the other for “pro” photographers. Technical spec and form factors will be significantly different as well.
Could it be that the camera for the “expert” photographers is actually the previously rumored D400? In any case, the major announcement scheduled for the end of August seems to be on track and has not be delayed by the recent tragedy in Japan. All information so far points to the announcement of two new DSLR cameras. The Nikon Coolpix line will also be upgraded, probably somewhere in the middle of August.
