Nikon has announced the D700 SLR, a 12-megapixel full-frame camera that uses the same sensor as does the D3. The D700 also has a built-in flash, a sensor cleaning feature, and can shoot up to ISO 25,600. It shoots at 5 frames a second, but can be boosted to 8 frames a second with the use of an external battery pack.

DPReview hosts a visual comparison of the D300, D700 and D3. Underwater photographers in our forums are already speculating as to whether the D700 will drop into D300 housings. Many are also excited by the D700’s large viewfinder.

The D700 retails at $2,999.