It would be much of a stretch of the imagination to believe a D700x will come be released in the future. I’ve been asked a few times now what I think will hapen, so here are some thoughts.

I’d be expecting something around near the end of 2009 if it is released. And there are two ways Nikon could go with this. Put in the same 24 MP sensor as the D3x since this seems the most obvious to nearly everyone.

However, Nikon would have a huge problem with pricing. Since the D3x is $3000 more expensive than it’s sister D3, it would mean Nikon would have do to the same with the D700x. That would make it a $6000 camera.

This is somethng Nikon could do here. By putting in a sensor of less resolution, say 18MP, it would give some users the high MP they need, Nikon could reduce the price of the camera to say US$4,500. Far more realistic, and far more affordable. It gives a clear path for the cameras as well. You want the higher resolution, you buy the D3x.

The other part about using a strategy like this would mean there’s also a future upgrade to the 24MP.

One problem with putting in an 18MP chip in the D700x is the internet forums. There would be a lot of crying and whinging. The Canon 5DII would probably look like a bargain with more MP’s as well. Which , quite frankly at US$2700 is a bargain.

So Nikon has themselves in a bit of a pickle caused by the pricing strategy of the D3x. The other strategy they may decide to adapt is to not actually release the D700x in 2009 at all. Squeeze a bit more out of the D3x, and then really reduce the price later. What would that potential mean? A D3x that is $6500 and a D700x that is $3500.

The last thing is what to do with video? If Nikon want’s to get in the game, they simply have to offer 1080i/60 and 1080P/30. This would make it a serious tool for photojournalist and others looking at the video feature.

Moving on, here are some speculative specifications that we could see. I’ve put options for an 18MP and 24MP sensor where there could be differences in specs.

ISO: 100-3200 (18MP), 100-1600 (24MP)

AF: CAM3500FX, 51 points

Shutter: 1/8,000 ~ 30 sec, bulb. Carbon fiber and Kevlar.

Flash Sync: 1/250.

Built-in Flash: Yes

Live View: Yes

Rear LCD: Articulating screen (maybe)

Strorage: Compact Flash  

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