Where to Pre-Order the Nikon D3x

As you likely read in our article from a few days ago, Nikon officially announced the emergence of the Nikon D3x, as expected. In fact, the Nikon D3x was released a few days prior to the expected announcement date of December 1st (today). Unlike the highly anticipated Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon is coming quickly to market with its new full frame 24.5 megapixel behemoth. The new D3x is already available for pre-order from some retailers.

There still remains no official release date, but word from Nikon indicates that the D3x should begin shipping to retailers sometime around the end of December. Hope is that most hopeful D3x owners will have their shiny new DSLR in hand before 2009 rolls around. Just how likely this is remains to be seen.

Though full specs for the Nikon D3x are already available, several questions still remain about the true nature of the camera. Assumptions are that Nikon wisely is positioning the camera not to steal sales from its already wildly successful D3 and D700 models. Speculation is that the new D3x is targeting landscape and studio photographers by aiming for high performance in the areas of detail and dynamic range, and is perhaps somewhat bowing out of the high ISO wars Canon and Nikon are currently embroiled in with their slightly lower end pro-sumer models.

Most educated consumers are anticipating that the D3x uses the same sensor as the Sony A900. Sony has a long history of manufacturing sensors for Nikon, and although Nikon has never clarified who makes the sensors for the D3 and D700, several similarities (such as the fact that both the new D3x and the Sony A900 are both 24.5 megapixels) suggest that Sony may be behind the sensor in the new D3x.

Expectation is that pre-production models will land shortly in the hands of experienced photographers, so much of this guess work should shortly be rendered pointless by hands-on first impressions. Whatever the case, the D3x is expected to be highly desired and in shortly supply. If the current situation with the Canon 5D Mark II is any indicator, where only the very first tier of pre-orders have received their cameras or are scheduled to receive them soon, jumping at a chance to reserve one of these beasts early is the move if it is a must-have for you. So, if you're ready to commit, head to one of the retailers in the table above and preserve your place in line.

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