Nikon DSLR Buying Recommendations

Reason: The Nikon D3x was released in late 2008, and there is a chance of a minor update some time in 2010 (D3xs - probably around the same time that Canon releases its 1Ds Mk IV). A full replacement (D4 Series) should follow in 2011 or 2012.

Released: Nov 30th, 2008

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Reason: Released in Fall 2009, this camera should remain current until the release of the Nikon D4, which we expect some time in 2011.

Released: Oct 14th, 2009

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Reason: Announced in the summer of 2008, the Nikon D700 is already over 2 years old.

Speculation on a replacement is rife: Nikon reps are saying 'no replacement in 2010', which means the camera may be on a 3 year release cycle, similar to the Canon 5D series. If true, expect the replacement (likely called a D800 with higher resolution and video) around the summer of 2011.

However rumors of a D700s (D700 with D3s sensor) and D700x (D700 with D3x sensor) have also been getting significant attention, and would fit Nikon's pattern of reusing sensors from higher end bodies around 9 month after their release. However the D700x is looking less likely since it is now over 18 months since the D3x release.

Bottom line, the D700 is an exceptionally good camera, it's replacement could be announced next week, or as late as summer 2011 - at this point there is no established pattern for a release schedule of a "Full Frame Prosumer" body from Nikon.

Released: Jul 1st, 2008

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Reason: Announced in July 2009, prosumer Nikon DXXX models typically have a 18-24 month lifespan before being updates, so we don't expect a replacement until the end of 2010 at the earliest, with summer 2011 being likely based on past experience.

Released: Jul 30th, 2009

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Reason: The Nikon D90 was released in late 2008, so that would typically put a replacement due somewhere in either 2010 or 2011.

The Nikon D90 would be a good candidate for an "s" model in 2010 (D90s) with improved video, or alternately replaced with a new model (possibly called the D7000).

Released: Aug 27th, 2008

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Reason: Recently released, we expect this camera to be current into 2011 at least.

Released: Apr 14th, 2009

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Reason: Nikon's entry level cameras usually stick around a year or two. The D3000 was announced in July 2009, so late 2010 would be the earliest we'd expect to see a replacement.

However, this camera is based around a CCD sensor first introduced in the D200 in 2005, and is significantly behind the the technology used in the D5000 - if you are looking for a camera now, we'd have to recommend the D5000 over this camera, otherwise we'd recommend waiting to see what it is replaced with.

Released: Jul 30th, 2009

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