Digital Home Thoughts: Nikon D90 Replacement Imminent?

I follow Nikon Rumors on Twitter, and enjoy watching the crazy - and sometimes not so crazy - rumours about Nikon cameras and lenses get bandied about. They've definitely seemed more solid lately though, because it seems like Nikon is gearing up to release some new DSLRs. Today's rumour is focused on the D90 replacement DSLR. It's rumoured to have a 16 MP DX sensor (cropped), noise performance similar to the D700, full HD 1080p video, and feature the continual auto-focus system that was hinted at earlier. Noise performance similar to a D700? Sounds almost too good to be true, especially given the bump up to 16 megapixels, but Nikon has certain achieved a knack for superb noise performance in their cameras, so it's not unreasonable to think that some of that technology would trickle down to lower-end cameras. The rumour also says 8 frames per second, which I find quite hard to believe - Nikon uses FPS limitations to separate their cameras, and the D90 has 4.5 fps now. I'd say 5fps or 6fps would be reasonable; not eight.

Of course, what I'm really waiting for is the successor to the D300/D300s. I still love my D300, but I'd found myself tempted lately by the D700 to get the lower sensor noise - yet I'd hate to give up the 50% extra zoom reach I get with all my lenses on the DX body now. I have a whack of cash saved up for my next DSLR...I'm just waiting for Nikon to release it!