Nikon's 12-Megapixel D2x has been around since 2004 so it's high time for a replacement.

Rumours of a new high-end Nikon - being called the D3 for obvious reasons - are hotting up with sources predicting a June launch and August/September availability.

According to reports, improvements will come in the form of a near full frame sensor (which will mean shots equivalent to that you'd get with a 35mm film camera) with some French info suggesting the new DSLR will have a 18 megapixel sensor, manufactured by Sony.

A new processor is also reportedly in the works which would mean improvements to low-light shooting with better noise reduction for high ISO shots.

Such improvements would see Nikon's professional level digital SLR range brought up to date in order to better compete with Canon's successful high-end offerings.

>> Via - Crave