Now this is somewhat unexpected, everyone was thinking the next thing from Nikon would be the heralded (and already much leaked) Nikon D3x with the Sony 24.4 megapixel full-frame (FX) sensor.

The latest rumour on the block is a mid-range FX sensor body, something like the Nikon D300 body with the same sensor as the Nikon D3! This would be a direct competitor to the Canon 5D and whatever replaces it (7D or 5D MKII).

• 12.1 megapixels
• 14 bit A/D conversion
• 16 bit image processing
• 51 focus points
• A single Compact Flash slot
• Tough magnesium body.
• Compatible with MB-D10 Battery Grip

The big question is, is it real and will it come out before the much talked about Canon 5D MKII, which should be coming out soon too.

And people are still wondering about the Nikon D90 (the D80 replacement).

According to the rumours the D700 should be priced at US $ 2999.

Canon is hitting the market with a new entry level dSLR to compete with the Nikon D40x and Nikon D60 offerings from Nikon and other entry level models like the Sony A200 and the Olympus E-420.

Features:

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
• Up to 3 frames per second
• 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
• DIGIC III image processor
• Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
• Compact and lightweight body
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

It looks like Canon might be shifting their line-up a little to compete more evenly with Nikon.

This camera is lower spec than the 450D, means the next 4xxD series might be more in line with D80/D90 when it comes out and the next 40D/50D will shift up a gear to be more in line with the D300.

That leaves the 1000D series to compete with D40/D60/E-300/A200 etc.

It’s certainly an interesting development.

If they can someone hooked on the Nikon or Canon system by offering a competitive dSLR at only slightly more than a high end prosumer compact or bridge camera….they will make a lot more in the long run selling lenses, accessories, upgrade bodies etc.

It’s a slippery slope once you’ve started and now they’ve realised that they are pouring resources into the very bottom of the market.

This is good for us too in the long run, the more people using low end cameras means cheaper sensors for us and more money for R&D, whatever new tech they develop will go in the high end cams first.