Nikon D8000 Rumor: Thom Hogan says maybe 2010

Thom Hogan has released his 2010 predictions (see source link below), and is predicting a D90 Redux, although he expects it to be called the D8000 instead of D90s.

He expects a different sensor, different AF, and improved video.

Our take: Yes the D90 hits 2 years old in 2010, so a redux is due. If Nikon introduce a new sensor we'd expect it to be the D7000 not D8000 (since Nikon likes to bring in the "upper end" models starting with 7 - i.e. the advance consumer bodies went D70->D70s->D80->D90, and the pro-sumer FX bodies started at D700).

However Nikon has been heavily reusing sensors to help control costs (think D200->D80->D40x->D60->D3000 all with derivatives of the same sensor, and so far the D300 sensor has been seen in the D300->D90->D5000->D300s). Given the D90's massive success, we still believe it more likely to see an iterated D90s rather than a new body/sensor (either D7000 or D8000).

Source: Thom Hogan on 12/4/2009.

Review:
I doubt if they reuse the 12MP sensor. Ramping up the consumer level D90/D3000 while having let the 300s reuse the current model would keep step with Canon's move in the T2i. You may save money with the 12MP but you won't make any. Business runs on revenue streams. Anyone waiting for an upgrade would run to Canon if they upped only the ISO or added yet another menu item/button. They'd be looking for a used D90 at half price. No. Not gonna happen. Nikon has to remain competitive and can only do so by increasing the MP regardless of savvy photographers opinions. PR campaigns win with splash.