It is August again and all the big camera manufactures are getting ready for their big announcements. Nikon, Sony, and possibly Canon have major DSLR announcements scheduled for the end of the month with reports of consumer compacts sprinkled around those dates. We can also expect a few lens announcements coupled with the DSLRs though I doubt they will be available soon.

Sony has been the most upfront with their upcoming A77 DSLR announcement with leaked (intentionally?) photographs, teaser videos, and spec sheets. They have also been talking about this camera for more than a year now and have raised the expectation bar incredibly high. They are also expected to release a slightly less expensive DSLR as well a mirror-less sequel.

Nikon, on the other hand, and been more secretive with their cameras, leaving only a few rumored spec lists and prototype photographs up for imagination. A D3 replacement would be the most expected announcement given the amount of leaks thus far, coupled with the possible D700 or even less likely D300 replacements. The Nikon D90 was replaced earlier this year with the D7000 providing great performance for a budget price. The Nikon D300 has unfortunately been somewhat lost in the new lineup as the new D7000 comes dangerously close providing enhanced features and quality at a vastly lower price. As a result, the camera will likely see an upgrade soon, or could possibly be eliminated from the lineup all-together. Even so, there has been little talk of an upcoming D400 and more talk of a higher end D700 replacement. There has also been leaks of a new mirror-less camera to join Nikon’s lineup as well as some compact Coolpix cameras.

Canon has been the most secretive of all the brands and will likely save an announcement for late in the month or into September. Unfortunately, many of the original rumors early this year of a 5D mark III or Canon 8D appear to be wrong and will likely be delayed till spring 2012 earliest for the 5D with a later fall 8D announcement. While the 60D is a new camera, its position in between Canon’s consumer & pro lines left some uncertainty as to whether it could be up for a yearly update or would follow the 2-3 year cycle for the pro models. But with little to no chatter of a possible upgrade, I am not expecting anything new this year. This only leaves the 1D up for grabs which is also surrounded with much uncertainty. Canon has previously separated the 1D lineup into 2 vastly different bodies, one with a cropped sensor, and one made for full frame work. There is still quite a bit of debate on whether they will attempt to combine the lineup into one new body, or keep the separation with distinct differences. At least 3 compact powershot cameras will also be announced though likely nothing revolutionary.