[Speculation] New Olympus and Nikon Cameras

[Rex914]

From what I've heard, Oly will be introducing a "lot" of cameras on Aug. 29. Nikon will be following up on Sept. 1.

Apart from that, I have no solid information about what will be released. But I can make some guesses.

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Nikon *may* be introducing its long awaited D200, but the chances of that are slim given that there are no rumors apart from that complete spec sheet leak (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11444). If it were coming, we would hear more by now.

On the Oly side of DSLR's, I'm expecting an announcement of the E-500, a minor update to its E-300 DSLR. I am not expecting an upgrade to the E-1 at this point. Oly may also be rolling out a lens or two.

Olympus should be also revealing its new entry/entries into the ultrazoom range, one to replace the aging C-765/770 and one to replace the C-8080. I could safely assume that both will have IS at this point, or they could pull a Fuji and stubbornly not do that.

Nikon should be replacing its entire 8XXX line with a new camera that is hopefully snappier than its sluggish offering right now. This camera should be priced around $700.

Finally, there will be a slew of boring point and shoots from both camps. Nikon may be replacing its midrange ultrazoom, the CP 4800 while Olympus may be refreshing some of its older entries and offering an upgrade to its somewhat new C-7070 because that was released far behind schedule.

That's my guess at this point. Apart from the D200 and the 2 flagship ultrazooms, this looks to be as routine as Canon's upgrades.

Any thoughts or additional guesses?

[tim11]

Traditionally, Nikon means quality. I can hardly see any P&S Nikon cams mentioned in 'Which Camera Should I Buy?'. Plus, if Nikon forum is any indication, does this mean Nikon cameras has gone down in quality?

[ProblemSolver]

Some added rumors to the Olympus DSLR topic. Olympus may release a completely new DSLR to compete with Canon, Nikon, etc. The C9090 Wide Zoom sounds good in rumors: 9MP, 8X optical, swiveling+rotating LCD. Sony is to announce the first ever Sony DSLR next year and will proabbly be doing minor upgrades until then.

[erichlund]

Traditionally, Nikon means quality. I can hardly see any P&S Nikon cams mentioned in 'Which Camera Should I Buy?'. Plus, if Nikon forum is any indication, does this mean Nikon cameras has gone down in quality?
Nikon has been pretty much "hit and miss" in the P&S field. The Coolpix 990 and its siblings were blockbusters, but I'm not sure they've had a true chart topper since then. There've been some good cameras. It's just there have been others that have had better performance or more features or faster glass. I'd guess they're not putting much effort into it, and with good reason. P&S cameras are not real profitable. Perhaps instead of being on the bleeding edge, they are building competent products that they can sell at a small profit. Profit's a good thing.

Cheers,
Eric

[Rex914]

Rumors suggest that the 5900/7900 will be replaced. These rumors crop up from several instances where Ritz Camera stores told customers that the 5900/7900 were being discontinued. Some speculate that various problems attached to these cameras would prompt such a move.

In the event that they do get replaced, I expect very similar specs and more maintenance style upgrades rather than significant feature additions given that these 2 models are very new.

[zero]

and one to replace the C-8080.

If they put a focus ring and manual zoom on this one, then I would call this year the year of prosumer (where the manufacturers actually managed to provide this true pro feature). Samsung, Panasonic, Kodak, Fuji.......all have at least one pro model with a focus ring and manual zoom.

[Rex914]

I now have some more confirmation that at least the 5900 is being discontinued. A quick Pricegrabber check shows that it's disappeared from the majority of stores, and only the typical holdouts (that have tons of stock to burn through) still have it.