Nikon D3X 24.5-megapixel digital SLR announced

Though it's hardly a surprise, Nikon has finally announced its new 24.5-megapixel D3X dSLR. Priced at $7,999.95, the professional shooter replaces the Nikon D3 at the top of the Nikon dSLR lineup, competing directly with the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III (which also sports a $7,999 price tag).

The D3X's body is virtually identical to the D3, and it also shares many of the same specifications save for the higher resolution, which affects other specs such as the 5-fps continuous shooting speed at full resolution (down from the D3's 9-fps speed--more pixels equals slower shooting). The D3X has a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 1600, but its extended ISO range reaches only 6400 (vs. the D3's 25,600). Like the D3, the D3X sports a 51-point autofocus system, the same 100% coverage viewfinder, and the same 3-inch, 922,000-dot LCD with two Live View shooting modes (for handheld or tripod shooting).

For more info see Nikon's D3X info page or download the detailed PDF brochure.