Nikon responds- "rapid deterioration in the market occurred and fiercer competition"

Again, I think you're simply overestimating the market size of this particular 'want'. Many D300 shooters have been peeled away to the D7000, D600, D800 and D4. What's left - the D400 hold-outs, let's call them - is probably pretty small. (Look at the activity in the D200/D300 forum.)

Here's another way to ask the question:

Why has Nikon not provided a 'pro' aps-c body replacement for the D300 yet? Possible answers:

a) They're stupid, don't know the actual demand.

b) They're aware of the actual demand, and have prioritized accordingly.

My guess: You're saying, "a", but that's because 'pro' aps-c is your personal focus. You can't understand why they're not catering to your personal focus. You perhaps know a few more people like you, and you hear them constantly here in this forum, and it's human nature to think this tribe is bigger and more important than it is because it contains you.

I think we'll see another 'pro' aps-c model from Nikon, but if it debuts at $1500, that's going to show a relatively small per-unit margin. I can see why it's low priority - and so should you be able to.

Regarding the D4 sensor + D800 body that some hope for as a 'D700 replacement' - I think we'll see a D400 before we'll see that, for all the reasons already given (D4 cannibilization, too many competing products, etc.)

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