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.

All Nikon’s digital SLRs so far, by comparison, use the company’s DX sensor size with a 1.5 factor. Some D3 rumors, though, say the D3 will use a 1.1 factor, meaning that the sensor is nearly full-frame. That constraint would likely mean that the newer DX-specific lenses wouldn’t work. Some French info also 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. Not sure what the report means by “near” full-frame. But if this comes true, it will be an interesting landscape with the full-frame DLR cameras.

Website : Reports suggests high-end 18 Megapixel Nikon “D3″ for summer