Nikon D3 announcing this month?

Nikon may be set to finally replace its D2 series of top-end digital SLR cameras, according to two separate claims. Likely to simply be called the D3, the camera will reportedly be announced in June and would represent a major improvement over the D2x first seen in late 2004. The camera would be one of the first portable Nikon digital SLRs to include a near full-frame sensor, according to reports: a 1 to 1.1 ratio would make its shots nearly equivalent to a standard 35mm film camera with an otherwise identical lens.

Other features would be upgraded along with the larger sensor, which will put Nikon's top camera on better footing versus Canon's equivalent EOS-1d Mark III. Sensor depth should increase from 12.4 to 18.7 megapixels through a Sony-made part. Lower-light shooting will also be easier, says one source, which suggests a newer processor with better noise reduction for high-ISO images.

If validated, the camera should reach stores as soon as August but no later than September, shipping in time for fall photography shows such as PMA. A concept rendering of a future D3 is shown below. [via Crave and Norm Olsen]