Rumors: D800? New Canon FF body?

There seems to be a return of the rumors as the new year progresses. Most interesting are those that discuss the new Full Frame bodies from both manufacturers.

NikonRumors.com has amongst other things reported some interesting notes about an imminent D800 release. A camera that will have:

• 18MP FX Sensor
• 98% Viewfinder
• no pop up flash
• updated AF module
• full HD Video
• March 2011 release

There are certain things about this set of specifications that worry me. Although the D7000 and D3100 both arrived with new sensors, I still feel that the D800 should inherit a sensor from the D4. If this 18MP FX sensor is to arrive with the D800, who is to build it? Sony currently does not have an 18MP FX sensor in their lineup, does Nikon have the ability to manufacture and/or refinish yet another sensor (12mp DX CMOS, 14mp DX CMOS, 16mp DX CMOS, 12mp FX CMOS, 24mp FX CMOS)??? Ditto with an updates AF system, unless it is a small update. No mention of the new 2016 segment meter that arrived with the D700 either. March 2011 is only a short way off though.

CanonRumors.com has an equally intriguing posting, but not in regards to a 5D Mk III, but another full frame camera line featuring:

• New small body
• AF from EOS 1D Mk IV
• 16.7 MP full frame sensor
• 6 FPS (9FPS with battery grip)
• ISO 100-12800 (Lo Boost 50 / Hi Boost 102400)
• Single CF slot
• Video capabilities similar to the EOS 7D

This posting is even more interesting as it is not about the expected 5D Mk III, but a new full frame body from Canon (EOS 3D??). However, the fps boost (from 6fps to 9fps) with the use of a battery grip is not like Canon, it is a much more Nikon-style feature…could this be someone’s wishlist?