No surprises here whatsoever, as this info has been available for months but now it's official (if anyone cares haha):
Here is what the 60D is "competing" with price-wise, only a $100 USD difference between the two. Performance wise, it's direct competition to the 7D for hundreds less. Can't wait to see what they do to the D300s successor!
For anyone who didn't know, this is the D90 replacement.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10...nikond7000.asp
Highlights:
Higher resolution sensor (16.2MP vs. 12.3MP)
Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW)
1080p HD movie mode
Limited movie editing functionality
AF possible during video shooting (but we're not over-optimistic on this score)
Live View switch (basically the same as D3100)
Faster AF in live view mode.
Twin SD card slots
Non-CPU lens data function (allows registration of up to 9 non-G lenses with manual apertures)
Magnesium alloy body shell
Wider ISO span (100-25,600 including 'H1' and 'H2')
Newly developed 39-point AF system
'Quiet' single frame advance mode
'Proper' mirror lock-up (as distinct from 'exposure delay mode')
Lockable drive mode dial
Higher maximum frame rate (6fps) with a Continuous Lo shooting option (1-5fps)
100% viewfinder
Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW) recording in compressed or lossless compressed formats
Up to 9 'non-CPU' lenses can be registered (same as D300s/D3s/D3X)
New EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery
New MB-D11 battery pack (magnesium alloy construction)
Nikon DX-format, newly developed 16.2MP CMOS sensor: with expanded sensitivity range, this high-pixel sensor offers outstanding colour and detail for both pictures and movie
New EXPEED 2 image processing: achieves higher image quality, higher speed processing and multiple functions, with lower energy consumption
High ISO (100-6400, extendable up to 25600) sensitivity: offers low noise whilst still providing extremely sharp detail
New 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor: the high-pixel RGB sensor will enhance the effectiveness of the Scene Recognition System for high-quality images every time
Newly developed AF system featuring 39 focus points including 9 cross-type sensors in the center: delivers superior subject acquisition and tracking performance, so you can achieve the right focus no matter where your subject is on the screen
Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder with approx 100% frame coverage and 0.94x magnification: for the most precise view and focus of any scene
High durability with magnesium alloy top and rear, sealing against dust and moisture: allowing you to shoot with confidence even in the toughest conditions
Full HD D-Movie with AF-F modes and in-camera editing functions to choose the start and end points of your movies and save individual frames as still images. It also supports an external microphone input for quality stereo sound recording
HDMI connectivity: so you can view your images or watch your HDTV movies on a full HD television
Easy access Live View with new Contrast-detect AF modes: face detection with contrast AF is faster and more powerful than ever. Up to 35 people can be detected within approx. 0.08 seconds, even if subjects are not directly looking at the camera. Subject Tracking keeps moving subjects in focus. Normal area AF is recommended for pinpoint focus and wide-area AF for handheld shooting
Durable shutter unit with shutter speed up to 1/8,000: proved by 150,000 cycles of shutter-release testing
Twin SD memory card slots: offer more capacity for saving images, more options for organising your images and videos or extra backup so you can manage your images exactly as you want them.
High Speed Continuous shooting at 6FPS: With approx. 0.05-second release time lag and 6 frames-per-second shooting, you won’t miss a moment
Extensive playback functions: including 72-thumbnail display, calendar display and image sorting by date
In-camera retouch functions (retouch menu) including movie editing function and new color sketch
Tone and colour control: Picture Controls lets you set the look and mood of your pictures and movies before you shoot
ViewNX 2 free bundled software, will be bundled with the D7000: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movies
7.5 cm (3-in.) LCD Monitor:, the approximately 920k-dot TFT LCD monitor has a VGA wide-viewing angle (170°) with reinforced glass so you can immediately see your work in detail
Supports a wide variety of NIKKOR lenses
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15 : intelligent power management to give maximum performance with minimized power usage
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Other goodies include a new 35/1.4 AFS, 200/2 VR II, and SB-700 flash.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091511nikon35mm.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10...nikon200mm.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091509sb700.asp
Also older news, but Nikon now also has direct competition to the Canon G12:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikonp7000/