Rumors about Nikon’s next big announcement / release are back. The same 15 lens rumor is now complimented by rumors that Nikon will have THREE new DSLR bodies to bring out, including at least one 35mm DSLR.

I’m predicting:

1.) A resurrection of the LBCAST sensor that comes in the D2H / D2Hs, probably with 8-10 megapixels this time. Expect amazing ISO 1600, 3200, and 6400 performace like the old D2Hs had… Only problem is that it will probably cost as much as the Canon 1DmkIII, ~$4,000. Yikes! Only question is, will it be DX crop or “full frame”? We’ll just have to wait and see.

2.) A “FF” D2 model, possibly called something like “D3Xf” or whatever. About 20-24 megapixels, and with a “DX crop mode” that alows you to shoot with DX lenses at lower resolution but increased FPS. (speed) Too bad this one will be even more pricey, similar to the $6,000-$8,000 price tags on Canon 1-series “FF” bodies. OUCH! Oh and just to clairify, the rumors are actually saying that Nikon might go with some sort of 1.1x crop, which sounds weird but I’m just repeating what I hear…

3.) The “consumer’s full-frame body”, something above the D200 but not quite D2 series- A competitor to the Canon 5D but with the features that Canon left out of that camera- pro grade AF, pro grade durability, (weather sealing etc.) and pro grade button layout. (No scene modes, sorry!)

Of course these may not all be announced all at once in 2-3 months like the rumors say, but these are all cameras that Nikon will EVENTUALLY have to release in order to stay in business. What am I betting is the most likely? Probably the D3H and the D3Xf.

Then there are 15 lenses to guess about. I think I’ve written about this before. Heck, maybe I’ve written about the bodies before, but just forgot. But I’ll recap really quick:

A lot of 35mm SLR lenses need to be “equalled” in DX DSLR format. The wide angle and mid-range primes, mostly, and specialty wide angle / mid range primes, like perspective correction lenses etc… Personally what I’d be most excited to see is a 16mm or 17mm f/1.4 AFS DX. I know it would cost a lot, but it would be amazing for ultra-low light situations and for ultra-dreamy portraits…

Then, a lot of 35mm SLR lenses simply need to be “updated” with AF-S motors instead of AF-D motors. Yes, screw drive AF is pretty fast, especially when it’s on a D2 series body, but the silence of AF-S type AF is indeed golden. Plus the ability to always grab the focus ring and focus manually without ever having to flip any switches is priceless, too.

Rumor and specilation says that a lot of lenses are also going to get VR, and that would be cool but most people are getting a little TOO carried away and hoping for lenses like f/1.4 AF-S VR lenses, which I think is silly. But hey, we’ll see what happens!

Take care, fellow geeks!

-Matt-