We're not exactly sure what's going to replace the entry-level Nikon D40, but the Nikon D3000 seems to be the candidate of the moment. We've heard numerous rumors and speculations about a Nikon D4000, but that's too far in the distance right now. Today we found images of the D3000 hovering about the net on Lenstip and Electronista. The Lenstip story has been mysteriously removed without explanation. Occasionally, that means a take-down notice was issued by the concerned manufacturer, which is a tacit confirmation, but Lenstip has offered no clues. We're still waiting for an official announcement from Nikon, but for now we can imagine that a D3000 will be joining the D5000 in Nikon's affordable DSLR stable, along with the speculated Nikon D4000 wedged in the middle.
The Nikon D5000 wowed us with a stellar image performance, great manual controls and shipped in two different lens packages for a reasonable price tag. We can only imagine the D3000 will produce similar results, though on a scaled-down budget level platform. That means less manual controls and a less advanced imaging system , which is more conducive to beginner photography. According to the D3000 images, Nikon's new entry-level DSLR looks like a more compact Nikon D5000, with identical control placement along the front and top of the camera. However, the back will be another story, most likely featuring a smaller fixed LCD. Perhaps we'll get live view on Nikon's new entry-level model, which would be a major bonus. We don't expect the D3000 to record HD video either, and the lack of HDMI port and mic pickups are tipoffs.
The Nikon D300s is also rumored to join the D300, only adding video capability, thanks to the small microphone holes visible in the leaked pictures. HD camcorders better watch out, for sooner or later DSLRs will be tough acts to compete with. We already saw what the Canon EOS 5D could do, and it was frighteningly impressive. Its 1080p video quality rivaled certain prosumer camcorders and a few independent filmmakers have actually used the 5D for professional applications. Though the D300 is a few classes behind the 5D in terms of price and features, we think the D300s will be a 1080p contender that's worth comparing. We're seeing the D300s fall right below the $2000 mark while the 5D is positioned half a grand higher at $2500. So if the D300s is going for video, it has to be 1080p.
Nikon has a few press conferences coming up, and it's almost inevitable that the D3000, D4000 and D300s will make their official appearances within the coming weeks. At the moment, all we have are leaked images that may or may not be legit.
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