According to Nikon Rumors the Nikon D7100 isn't the replacement of the Nikon D300 and wouldn't be the top model in the DX product line. This should satisfy the many D300 users, which sees some major issues with the Nikon D7100 around the buffer capacity and frames per second. So this means that we most likely will see another DX model this year.
Another reason for a new Nikon DX top model this year is that Canon is rumoured to replace the Canon 7D and from the specs that are on the net the Nikon D7100 wouldn't be a serious competitor for this product, so Nikon needs something that can compete against the Canon 7D Mark II.
A third reason is that if you look at Nikon's web-site the Nikon D7100 is listed as a consumer model and not a professional model. The only professional model that the Nikon has in the DX range is the Nikon D300s.
So what kind of specs are we looking at:
- 24 mega pixel sensor. The Canon 7D Mark II looks like it will get a 24 mega pixel sensor and every other model in the Nikon DX line-up has a 24 mega pixel sensor
- The same auto focus model as the Nikon D7100. I don't see a new version here. It is the top model autofocus that Nikon has, but it might have some more customisation options
- The metering model from the Nikon D800 and Nikon D4, which has a 91k pixel sensor vs the 2016 in the Nikon D7100
- Look for a frame per second around 9 - 10 frames per second, which is what Canon is look at for their Canon 7D Mark II.
- A nice big buffer around 40 raw pictures
- And a professional build body
Many thinks the name will be Nikon D400, but I think that they will go for the obvious and create a Nikon D9000. This means that every DX model follows the Dxxx naming schema and the FX cameras will follow the Dxx naming schema except for the top professional models which will stay at Dx format.
It will be introduced about summer time (May/June) which will fit nicely with the rumoured release of the Canon 7D Mark II and it will give the Nikon D7100 to shine in the spotlight for a couple of months.