Currently the only 24+ MP camera Nikon sells is the $7,999 D3X. The $2,999 D700 sports the same FX-series sensor but is only shooting 12.1MP. Would the D400 supersede the D700 for the number two slot or would the new camera slide in under the $3k price only to leave the amazing D700 to slowly fade out?

Nikon does need to keep up in the megapixal race and hopefully, the D400 would be equipped with the same FX sensor the D3X has to keep pace with the 24MP Canons. Either way, if Nikon makes the camera detailed here, they will have a hot seller. 

pconline via nikonrumors

As Nikon’s new flagship model, the successor of the D3 – or “the Boss” as photo nerds call it – the D3X has plenty of new features for a lot of money.

The first part of a recent showcase in Budapest, Hungary was a 30-minute long presentation of the D3X, comparing the D3X to the D3.

We were also able to confirm that the “world premiere” will be this Friday, December 19th.

Let’s see some details.

The D3X is more sensitive, faster, larger, better, nicer, and sexier than the D3. I won’t go into technical details here since it’s better if you read it yourself, but the main advantage of this camera is the built-in image editing function.

Nikon built an interface which is a shortcut system — basically a set of pre-defined image processing setups. After you define some of these, you can quickly access them on the large LCD screen, allowing you to quickly process your shot right after exposure. Nikon’s position is that using presets saves time. They don’t, however, consider the fact that once you use a preset on a shot, you can’t revert to the original unprocessed image. That could be bad if, for instance, you just shot the perfect picture but you forgot to take off the high saturation preset before shooting.

Engineers at Nikon also created a color and angle tracking auto-focus system. According to the presenter, this is cool because the machine automatically finds the face and focuses on it. So you don’t have to do anything but concentrate on image composition.

The D3X feels great. It features a nice design and a sturdy build, resisting humidity and dust. Startup time is immediate, too — once you turn the D3X on, you can take photos right away. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take any actual photos of the camera itself.

Another great feature is GPS and Wi-Fi. If you’re into nature photography, for instance, you can set the camera in a 50 meter (164 feet) radius of your laptop and control it wirelessly.

This all sounds compelling, right? Well how about the $8000 retail price? That’s just for the body, no lens included, so start saving up. According to Hungarian site Tripont.hu (the reseller who hosted the event), the Nikon D3X will go on sale worldwide this Friday, December 19th. The highlighted part at the bottom of that link says “Don’t forget the rule, purchase and bill is only available starting on the 19th.”

Nikon finally took the wraps off the D3X tonight and everything we’ve been hearing about it are true. The full frame DSLR from Nikon features a 24.5-megapixel CMOS sensor and ability to capture five frames per second. Start-up time is pretty quick at 0.12 seconds with a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds. And the optional GPS is pretty cool for geotagging.

Newly developed Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm sensing area)

24.5 million effective pixels

Superior-resolution image quality equivalent to medium-format digital cameras

High-speed continuous shooting of up to approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (24.5 megapixels) / 5:4 (20.4 megapixels); 7 frames per second in DX format (10.5megapixels)*1

Wide ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600 at normal setting, with low noise performance

Two Live View modes — Handheld and Tripod

High-density 51-point (world’s largest number*2) AF system

If you’ve got $7999.95 lying around then hit the jump for the full release.

TOKYO —Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon D3X digital SLR. This exciting new camera employs a Nikon FX-format CMOS imaging sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm) with an imaging area equivalent to 35mm film, and its 24.5 effective megapixels deliver images of striking quality and resolution.

Designed to meet the demands of a growing multitude of serious professionals, such as studio photographers, for whom exquisite detail is a vital part of their work, the D3X achieves resolution comparable to medium-format cameras — with an entirely new level of operating ease. It’s perfect for the broadest range of detailed work, from fashion and product shootings, to weddings, architecture, landscapes and large poster production. And it shares the robust body structure of the D3, for superior mobility and operation in virtually any shooting environment, indoors or out.

Development background
The Nikon D3 digital SLR, released November 2007, has garnered glowing tributes for image quality, sensitivity and speed performance from leading professional photographers throughout the world. This stunning success has prompted a mounting demand for a similar Nikon model that would offer a greater pixel count and higher resolution. A camera that would provide superb mobility and ergonomics while offering image quality equivalent to medium-format digital cameras.

In response to these requests, Nikon has developed the D3X, an exciting new digital SLR with a Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm sensing area) that delivers 24.5 effective megapixels, uses the same body structure as the D3, and boasts the same outstanding mobility and operability.

Major features

1. Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels
The D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing resolution. What’s more, we’ve optimized the pixel characteristics to provide a higher S/N ratio and wider dynamic range by securing a greater amount of light received by each pixel, thereby reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise.

2. Wide sensitivity range starting at ISO 100
At normal setting, the D3X offers a wide range of sensitivity — from ISO 100, suitable for stroboscopic setting in studio shoots, to ISO 1600. It realizes superior image quality with less noise at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings. What’s more, the sensitivity range can be increased by two stops (up to ISO 6400 equivalent) and decreased by one stop (down to ISO 50 equivalent), offering an even greater diversity of shooting possibilities. Auto sensitivity control is also available.

3. New EXPEED-based image processing
A new image processing system, based on Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED digital image processing and specially optimized for the D3X, provides superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system achieves precise color reproduction for the broadest spectrum of hues, plus vivid saturation and smooth gradation, conveying colors as you see them, even with the slight changes in color tones you perceive. Furthermore, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function, which was designed to minimize noise occurrence, achieves this without interfering with other factors, including hue.

4. High-speed performance meets the most rigorous professional demands
Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of 0.12 second*1 and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 second*3*4. It delivers a continuous shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16)*4*5. Also, the D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed card that enables 35 MB recording equivalent to the D3. The D3X is capable of recording approx. 7.1 MB (JPEG, image size L, NORMAL) of data captured in FX format at speeds of approx. 5 frames per second.

*3: Based on CIPA Guidelines
*4: In 12-bit A/D conversion mode
*5: The maximum frame rate can be chosen using Custom setting d2 [Shooting speed]. The rate is tested under the following conditions: focus mode set to C, exposure mode set to S or M, shutter speed set to 1/250 sec. or faster, with other settings set to default. If VR is on when a VR lens is used, the indicated speed may not be attained. The maximum number of shots at the maximum frame rate is determined by the selected image size and quality. The frame rate slows when the memory buffer fills.

5. Realizing reliable auto control: Scene Recognition System
As with the D3, the D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well. The results are applied to control Autofocus, Auto Exposure, i-TTL Balanced Fill-flash and Auto White Balance, thereby achieving control of the highest.

6. AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, originally incorporated in the D3, offers proven outstanding performance. All 51 focus points, including the 15 cross-type sensors located at the center, are effective in all AF NIKKOR lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. Three AF-area modes — Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF — are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. Moreover, in Scene Recognition System, subject identification and tracking information is applied to improve subject acquisition performance in Dynamic-area AF mode and focusing accuracy for human subjects in Auto-area AF mode.

7. Superior durability
Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure light weight and rugged reliability. Strict O-ring sealing at critical connected parts effectively restricts dust and moisture.

The shutter unit, developed and manufactured by Nikon, employs a new material (carbon fiber/Kevlar® hybrid) for the shutter blades, guaranteeing excellent durability through 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with a shutter monitor.

8. High-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 920k-dots (VGA), 170° wide-viewing angle and reinforced glass
The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high resolution of approx. 920k-d ots (VGA). Enlarged playback images also appear in extremely high resolution for easy focus confirmation. The wide viewing angle of 170° makes it easy to check composition in Live View shooting for both high and low angles.

9. Two Live View modes available
In Handheld mode, which allows the frame to be recomposed prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still subjects and tripod stabilization; it allows focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area. Optional software Camera Control Pro 2 enables monitor focus and control shutter release from a computer. And optical Wireless Transmitter WT-4 enables wireless remote camera control and image transfer.

10. Picture Control System
Picture Control System offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. Choose one and use as is, or adjust image creation factors (Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue). Optional Picture Controls (Portrait, Landscape, D2XMODE I, D2XMODE II and D2XMODE III) are available at the Nikon website for downloading and installation to your camera.

11. Active D-Lighting — reproducing brightness as you see it
In settings with strong contrast, Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, determines an exposure by utilizing a gradation of highlights, detects lost shadows, then reproduces them after digital processing. Rather than simply expanding the dynamic range, Active D-Lighting prevents images from looking flat through localized tone control technology, and creates realistic contrast while compensating lost shadows and highlights. Choose from Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off setting prior to shooting.

12. Electronic virtual horizon
An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. In Live View shooting, virtual horizon is displayed in the LCD above the monitor image. It can also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator of the viewfinder.

13. UDMA-compatible memory card double slot
The CompactFlash (CF) card slots are UDMA-compatible for high-speed data transfer. With the double slot, you can choose from Continuous recording, Backup recording, and RAW + JPEG Separation recording (records the same image in RAW and JPEG on different cards). You can also copy the data from one card to another.

14. GPS Unit GP-1 (optional)
GPS records shooting information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Coordinated with map information, you can create an original map using images.

Other features

Lateral chromatic aberration reduction creates images with a clear periphery using original image processing technology to significantly reduce color aberrations

Vignette Control effectively prevents reduction of light at the periphery

Optical viewfinder achieves approx. 100%*6 frame coverage and 0.7x*7 magnification in FX format

Three sensing areas: FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16), and 5:4 (30 x 24)

Customizable function button

Choice of black or white letters for shooting information display

AF fine adjustment with professional standard of accuracy

Compliant with HDMI™ for high-definition image playback

Lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge*8

*6 Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal) in FX format, approx. 97% (vertical/horizontal) in DX format, approx. 100% (vertical) and approx. 97% (horizontal) in 5:4
*7 With 50mm f/1.4 lens set at infinity, -1.0m-1
*8 Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode; based on CIPA Standards

There once was a time that companies could keep upcoming products under wraps until they were announced in traditional press releases and product catalogs; remember those days? Then the Internet came around and everyone lost company loyalty with spy shots and product leaks, but maybe Nikon actually went back to the ‘ol days with the Nikon D3x.

The upcoming SLR has been spotted in Nikon’s own Pro magazine revealing most of the juicy details. The D3x will have a FX-format, 24.5MP sensor that will shot 5fps at full resolution or 7fps at 10MP. The basic functions of the D3 remain but reportable there has been some ISO tweaks.

It doesn’t matter if these details were intentionally announced or not, the D3x has been outed. Now all we need is a price and launch date.

Update: More pictures, many more specs here at Nikon Rumors.

Some German photography message board claims that the Nikon D3 will be replaced—that’s key, replaced, and not sold side-by-side—by either the D3x or D4 as early as February, 2009. The original post even has two stats for us: 24 megapixels and 6-7 photos per second in burst mode.

The only reason we’re even acknowledging this rumor is because it does sync up with that expected BIG announcement or press conference Nikon is planning for November 20.

In any event the make-believe photographers here are looking forward to see what, if anything, Nikon has in store.

via Nikon Rumors

Whatever it is it’s going to take place in Copenhagen and they’re not being very sheepish about it. Is it the MX or D3x? I guess we’ll find out in a week or sooner as leaks tend to trickle out days in advance.

via PB

Will Nikon do the obvious and release a D3x? Will it release the camera this December for $6,499? Will the camera have a 24.4-megapixel image sensor? Will it have the same body as its progenitor, the D3? Will it be able to shoot at a rate of 9 frames per second?

We don’t know, but we wouldn’t mind playing around with such a camera.