Unfortunate but not surprising...we keep hearing about the recession showing signs of ending but the trickle down effect is going to last for awhile I'm afraid. Keep in mind Nikon does a lot more than just photography...their sporting goods division (scopes, binocs and rangefinders) is big here in the States and I believe they do a lot in the medical and scientific community with digital imaging as well.
Let's hope they come back and stay strong because Canon needs the competition to keeps their prices in line.
D
