About two years ago Nikon swore that they would never produce a full-framed sensor DSLR camera. At that point, one could argue about such details as light fall-off in the corners, higher cost, investments people have made in smaller frame digital-specific lenses, and increased camera size.

It seems that Nikon has been watching Canon produce several full-frame sensor digital SLRs and decided that they want a piece of that pie. What does Nikon do? They produce the D3 in a rugged body and aim squarely at the professional crowd in a 12.1 mega-pixel DSLR with a $5000 price-tag.

It's not too little or too late, but it is too pricey for just 12.1 mega-pixels. This camera better be flawless and have lots of supporting market push to compete with Canon's growing group of full-frame cameras. Watch this camera closely and see where Nikon takes it. I'd look for a more modestly priced camera to be introduced in the near future that has a much better price and full-frame configuration. If I were at the helm of Nikon's ship that's the direction I would steer.