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.

The original Canon EOS 5D is still one of the best cameras around for pure image quality and high ISO performance, it can’t cut it on ergonomics, features or speed however. That was of course until the Nikon D3 came out and blew everyone away with it’s performance, image quality and high ISO performance.

But for many portrait shooters it’s great, the new EOS 1Ds MKIII is of course better, but also WAY more expensive.

Recently specs for the 5D replacement have been leaked, these have not been confirmed, but we expect to see some kind of preview by April/May as it’s well due for an update.

• 15.3 MP full frame CMOS sensor
• Weather sealing same as 1Ds Mark III
• Dual Digic III with all-new “CXR” NR system reported to best 3rd party NR software.
• 14 bit A/D conversion
• ISO 12800 (C.F. up to 25600)
• Reported 1 2/3 stop sensitivity improvement
• All-new 29-point TTL CMOS sensor with 12 cross-type for F/2.8 or faster lens
• Micro lens fine adjustment for up to 14 lenses
• 300,000 exposure shutter durability
• 6.0 / 3.0 fps
• 3.0″ LCD 922,000 pixels
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Live View (improved from 450D; latest generation)
• MSRP $3499, available June 2

Pretty interesting eh? That will put it at around RM11,000 over here! Street price of RM9,000 maybe is it really worth it over the D300? Or pay a little more for the superb D3.

We will have to wait and see, the name hasn’t been finalized yet, but it should be announced within the next couple of months if this info is accurate.

Since the release of the Canon EOS 1D MKII - which is an incredible camera…people have been waiting with baited breath for the announcement of the 1Ds MKIII full frame beast.

And here it it! What a camera, getting into MF (Medium Format) territory with 21 megapixels, Imagine the detail you can get from this beast.

Pictured with the excellent 50mm f/1.2 L lens.

Canon raises the stakes in the professional photography market with the launch of the 21 Megapixel, 5 frame per second EOS-1Ds Mark III. Delivering 14-bit depth resolution from a newly developed 35mm full frame CMOS sensor, Canon’s new flagship digital SLR produces files that convert to over 100MB uncompressed 16-bit TIFF, setting a new benchmark in image resolution and sharpness for 35mm-format digital photography.

As well as producing outstanding colour rendition, Dual DIGIC III processors drive 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 Large JPEGs (12 RAW) – unrivalled by any other camera at this resolution. This capacity to shoot such large images uninterrupted is regarded as a big driver in switching studio photographers to the EOS platform.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III inherits the new technology platform introduced earlier this year in the EOS-1D Mark III, including 63-zone exposure metering, 19 cross-type auto focus system, a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Highlight Tone Priority function expands dynamic range for more depth and detail in bright areas. The launch is supported with the announcement of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle lens, the Lens 2.

“Taking image quality and versatility to unprecedented levels, the EOS-1Ds Mark III redefines commercial photography conventions”, said Karz Suzuki, Head of Canon Professional Services. “The camera will strengthen Canon’s popularity amongst professional studio photographers. Culminating 20 years of EOS development, the EOS-1Ds Mark III represents a definitive moment in our company’s photographic history.”

Key features

• 21 Megapixel full frame (35mm) CMOS sensor
• 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames
• Dual “DIGIC III” processors
• Highlight Tone Priority
• Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26 focus assist points
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)
• 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode
• Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter

Now we just need to see what Nikon comes out with, with the new D3x or D3h, or perhaps both! Apparently some big news is going to be released this week - perhaps in 3 days.

So let’s wait and see.