Nikon Store @ RitzCamera.com has announced the sale of Nikon D3X from the end of December 2008 or early January 2009 in the US.

And when you buy it from them, you also save on No Sales Tax and Free Shipping. The key features of D3X flagship model includes 24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout, Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system.

That apart, the camera has Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings, 920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle & Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.

The EXPEED image processing engine enable it to shoot at up to 5 fps (7 fps in DX Crop mode).

The advanced Scene Recognition System delivers superior exposures and is supported by Nikon’s widely acclaimed 51-point AF system.

he high definition 3-inch LCD monitor supports two Live View modes plus an HDMI video output.

Protected by a tough, environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body.

According to the Nikon UK Press, the new top-of-the-range premium D-SLR-the D3X is

Designed to produce files suitable to meet the demands of tomorrow’s commercial and stock requirements, the camera produces 50MB 14-bit NEF (Raw) files. Using Capture NX2 software, NEF files can be processed into medium format terrain; 140MB (16-bit TIFF-RGB). Fine details are reproduced with incredible clarity, whilst shadows and highlights contain tonal gradation with minimal clipping for pictures with a unique look and feel.

There is a detailed review of the Nikon D3X on DPReview as well. I am yet to see any feedback from Ken Rockwell on the D3X.

There are accompanying Rebate offers @ Ritzcamera.com especially on Digital Memory Center