Nikon has introduced three new DSLRs in 2012, with at least one more DSLR announcement to go this year (likely the D5100 or D300s "replacement"). Curiously, the low and high end of the interchangeable lens camera lineup is reasonably current and highly competitive:
- Low: J1, V1, D3200
- Mid: D5100, D7000, D300s
- High: D800, D4
As I noted before, it's that middle that seems to be perplexing Nikon somewhat and may be subject to some change. If the D300s becomes an entry FX body as many expect, that makes the DX lineup look a bit anemic (not to mention the still missing DX lenses).
I personally think that Nikon needs to be here:
- CX: J1, V1, Z1 (the Z1 being a more enthusiast tailored version). The prices need to be pushed downward from their current points so that CX clearly lives below and up to DX (e.g., Z1 being top of the line and priced at the D3200 price point).
- DX: D3200, D5200, D7200, D8000 (the D8000 being an integrated vertical grip pro caliber DX). The price points are okay, but there are a considerable number of missing lenses to keep DX living healthily (see next article).
- FX: D400, D800, D4 (the D400 being an entry FX body that replaces the D700's current position in the lineup).