CDI rumours - D300, 40D, Olympus E-P1 Sony 12MPix

[Franglais]

This morning's Chasseurs d'Images (french magazine) has two pages of rumours. They usually have insider info from Nikon but not Canon. Here goes:

JULY 2007

Sony : new 12/13Mpix APS-C sensor to be first seen in high-performance version in Nikon D300 (Nikon supply the steppers used to make the chips)
Nikon : D300. Like the D200 but with the 12M/13pix sensor, autofocus from D2X (?), new image processor, up to 3200 ISO with option to 6400 ISO
Panasonic : new 4/3 system reflex of their own design

AUGUST 2007

Canon : 40D replaces 30D. 12/13 MPix sensor, perhaps with 5D autofocus but the rest is same as 30D (viewfinder, flash, screen..)

SEPTEMBER 2007

Sony : Alpha 200 with the new 12/13Mpix sensor
Nikon : First appearance of D3 at Rugby World Cup

OCTOBER 2007

Olympus : E-P1 reflex for experts

NOVEMBER 2007

Nikon : D3 available

2008

Canon : 3D, 500D
Leica : R10
Sony: Alpha Pro, new sensor format close to classic 24x36mm

[MJS]

It figures since I just got the D200.

[deckcadet]

A D300 in that time frame would not mesh with Nikon's release cycle pattern, which can be tracked back through several generations. That level of camera always comes out *after* the corresponding generation of pro body is on the market, while in terms of body cycles the D2 series is due or even overdue for replacement while the D200 is mid cycle

[Franglais]

A D300 in that time frame would not mesh with Nikon's release cycle pattern, which can be tracked back through several generations. That level of camera always comes out *after* the corresponding generation of pro body is on the market, while in terms of body cycles the D2 series is due or even overdue for replacement while the D200 is mid cycle

I agree but all it takes for the D300 to become a possibility is for Sony to reduce their "consumer" sensor release cycle to 2 years instead of 4 years. Canon are on a 2 year cycle and it did them a lot of good bringing out 8MPix cameras with the latest technology while Nikon and the others were obliged to stick with the 6Mpix sensor. The D300 would be an update to the D200 - and would mean that 12 months from now most of the new DSLR's on the market would be 12MPix.

We won't have long to wait anyway. Nikon are rumoured to be making an announcement on 25th July.

BTW I forgot to mention that the Canon 40D is supposed to have a new shutter (1/8000 and flash sync 1/250 like the D200) and to havea dust-removal mechanism.