Nikon D4 mid-2011 release ?!

Nikon rumors reports:

"ReallyRightStuff sent out their 2011 catalog today and they have a entry for a new BD4 or BD4-L plates for Nikon D4 camera. The comment section says “Camera to be released mid 2011. Check website for plate details”

The wide spread belief is that Nikon does not share information in advance with different vendors about unreleased cameras. On the other hand RRS is a serious company with excellent products and I am not sure why would they speculate on a future Nikon camera in their official 2011 catalog."

An inevitable D4 will suredly come, but it will be interesting to see how far Nikon could raise the bar over the sensor technology of the D3s. At least one thing you can count on, it will have the exact same body as the D3(s) so no new housing will be required

I find this very hard to believe, Nikon takes about 4 years to replace their flagship pro cameras, and the D3x was announced in December of 2008, exactly 2 years ago, so unless Nikon completely changed it's product cycling philosophy, the D3x should be about half way into it's lifetime. I think the D700 replacement will come before a possible D4. Here some Nikon release dates:

D3x: Dec/2008

D700: Jul/2008

D3: Aug/2007

D2x: Sep/2004

D2h: Dec/2003

D1x: Fed/2001

D1: Feb/1999

I would tend to agree you and think 2012 or so, but even Thom Hogan is predicting a D4 by mid-2011:

"D4: announced by August 2011

new Nikon 18mp sensor with at least D3-like capability, maybe better

completely new AF system

better metering system (upgraded from D7000)

Hard core video features (perhaps even 1080P/60)

Integrated GPS

USB 3.0

Updated UDMA specs

Big question: D4h and D4x, or D4 only? The high-megapixel FX sensor rumors swirling around Sony include a Nikon variant. The question is whether Nikon has moved up the pro "studio" camera to be introduced with the pro "performance" camera again (last time that happened was the D1h/D1x intro). I think the odds are good that they could, as the only real engineering difference is the sensor, and the sensor appears to be ready. Still, there's a big potential pileup in terms of marketing differentiation if Nikon pulls out all the stops (D400, D800, D4h, D4x). I can't see them doing more than three of those choices in one year, and even that is expecting them to be aggressive. I expect at most two high megapixel announcements (D4, D800). "

He also predicts a D800 as well.

"To summarize what I think Nikon's interchangeable lens lineup will look like at the end of the (2011) year from top of the line to bottom:

D4 and D3x (though possibly D4h/D4x combo instead)

D800

D400

D7000

D5100

D3100

CP8000 (mirrorless)"

Wondering about D400? With the D7000 and the upcoming D800 has it become irrelevant? Curious to the specs.

Wondering about D400? With the D7000 and the upcoming D800 has it become irrelevant? Curious to the specs.

Thom's words

"D400: announced late in the year (August or later). The real question is what changes from a D300s?

The D7000 16mp sensor, but with faster frame rates (both still and video)

A new focus sensor, likely a derivative of the D4's

1080P/24/25/30, 720P/24/25/30/60

Hard core pro body (more gasketing, possibly integrated grip)

Integrated GPS?

EN-EL15 battery?

Or, here's the alternative rumor: 24mp Nikon/Sony DX (yes DX) sensor in the D300s body with the D7000 metering and autofocus. This alternative doesn't make sense to me because it is literally at the limit of discernible resolution returns. Moreover, virtually all of Nikon's DX lenses will come up short in resolution, meaning we'd need another cycle of DX lenses. Makes sense from the "we'll make things that force them to buy again new" standpoint, but makes no sense at all when examined from a practical standpoint. Moreover, this would be the end of the line for DX as far as I'm concerned. Final note: if 24mp DX is the D400 alternative chosen, then the D800 probably won't appear in 2011. Nikon would be very confused trying to market a high megapixel D400, D800, and D4 at the same time. Thus, I'm sticking with 16mp, more hard core pro, as outlined above.

"