According to Nikon Rumors, the D800 will come in two flavors. We can only guess that they may be optimized along the lines of the D3x and D3s. That is, one will pack as many pixels as possible (36.3 megapixels) and be the choice for studio and lanscape, while the other will give superior low light capabilities (50-25,600 ISO) and outstanding dynamic range for amazing sports and wildlife photography.

One possibility is a model without an anti-aliasing filter. Most consumer digital cameras feature an optical filter in front of the image sensor. Anti-aliasing filters reduce sharpness, but remove color artifacts (jagged edges) and Morie patterns. Some image sensors, such as the Sigma Foveon 3X, have three separate layers (one for each color) and eliminate the need for an anti-aliasing filter.

Digicame Info has confirmed the Nikon D700 successor will be called the Nikon D800.

Specs include:

• 36.3 megapixels
• 4 frames per second continuous shooting in body only
• 6 frames per second will be used to DX mode with the optional battery pack
• improved resolution by eliminating the low-pass filter
• Full HD video in 1920x1080p 30fps
• External sound input
• Available wireless transmitter
• 86K pixel split control, AF, exposure, white balance, etc.
• Face Recognition AF feature
• Larger LCD monitor with automatic brightness adjustment
• Two media cards slots: CF and SD cards
• Shutter life rated 200,000 cycles.
• Price approximately $4,000
• The announcement will be made October 26, 2011 with release on November 24.

Further information suggests that the D3S successor (the D4) will be released in February 2012. The camera will provide 18 megapixels at 10 to 11 frames per second. The AF system will also be improved. The D3X will likely disappear without a successor.

Nikon Rumors has reporting receiving some additional info and gives a 99% probability to the name “D800″ and the sensor size of 36MP.

Nikon used their world-wide press meetings to introduce 6 new Coolpix cameras. These include the P7100 offering a full-featured camera in a lightweight body, the AW100 ruggedized body that is waterproof and freezeproof, and four S-Series cameras offering fun and compact styling capable of HD video. One camera, the S1200pj, features a built-in projector that is able to project your pictures or even your iPad or iPhone screen with its 20-lumen projector.

Nikon did not release any DSLR or even their mirrorless camera. In the past, Coolpix announcements have been made shortly before new DSLR. This may point to an upcoming Nikon D800 announcement in the next few weeks, possibly in September.

History of recent Coolpix announcements followed by new DLSR:

August 17, 2010 – Coolpix S1100pj, S5100
August 19, 2010 – DSLR D3100

September 8, 2010 – Coolpix P7000, S8100, S80
September 15, 2010 – DSLR D7000

Feb 8, 2011 – Coolpix P300, P500, S9100, L120, S6100, S3100, S4100, L24
April 5, 2011 – DSLR D5100

August 24, 2011 – Coolpix P7100, AW100, S1200pj, S8200, S6200, S100
August-September (?) 2011 – DSLR (?)

• Two Nikon Announcements in September? [nikonrumors.com]

1. Many retailers (Adorama, B&H, Amazon, J&R, Calumet Photo, Ritz Camera) are out of stock on the D700 as of today.
2. Some retailers have reported the D700 is discontinued and will not be restocked (Best Buy).
3. The D700 was announced on July 1, 2008, making it the oldest DSLR in the current Nikon lineup.
4. The D700 update/replacement is the most overdue DSLR in Nikon’s history. Nikon has updated their pro DSLR every 2 years: D1 1999, D1h & D1x 2001, D2 2003, D2x 2005, D2xs 2006, D3 2007, D3x 2008, D3s 2009, and their semi-pro every 2-3 years: D100 2002, D200 2005, D300 2007, D300s 2009.
5. Various sources report that two new FX cameras will be announced together this year.
6. Nikon has increased its sales forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. We would expect to see new product release(s) to make this a reality.
7. The $5000+ D3s is the only Nikon DSLR to offer full-frame video. We would expect Nikon would answer this with a lower priced video-capable full-frame camera very soon to compete with the current Canon 5D Mark II and the upcoming 5D Mark III.
8. The D700 has the fewer megapixels (12.1)  than every camera in the current Nikon lineup (D3s also has 12.1); only the $450 D3000 has fewer megapixels (10.2) and has been updated already by the D3100.
9. Beat the Canon 5D Mark III to market. Canon may release the 5D Mark III as early as 1st quarter 2012.
10. Nikon has scheduled a major press announcement on August 24, 2011.

Nikon has filed United States Application US20110194020 today. It appears to be for a digital camera, and a continuation of a previous patent (12068231) filed on February 4, 2008.

Nikon Announced the D3 and D300 on August 23, 2007.

Nikon Announced the D700 on July 1, 2008.

Here is the new patent application filed today:

Nikon Patent Application August 11, 2011 (US20110194020A1) PDF (437 KB)

(Note: The diagram is a generic one used in several previous patent applications.)

Could this be the D4 or D800?