Nikon Announces D3, D300 Digital-SLRs

All of the rumors from past weeks have proven absolutely true. Nikon today announces their D200 replacement, the D300 and also the D2Xs replacement, the D3. Both cameras feature a live-view LCD screen, which was first made popular with Canon’s Mark III release this past March. The D300 is targeted towards the advanced shooter while the D3 designed for the professional who require a very high-performance unit.

The D300 features a 12.3-megapixel DX-Format CMOS sensor capable of spitting out 4288×2848 images in both JPEG and 14-bit RAW (.NEF). Interestingly, Nikon has been eyeing other D-SLRs on the market, because they’ve introduced a live-view LCD in addition to a self-cleaning sensor, both a first for the company. While the D200’s 11 focus-points was impressive back in 2005, it has been seriously out-shined by the D300’s staggering 51 focus-points… a number usually only seen in the ultra-high-end D-SLRs.

While the megapixels have been boosted so has the performance, which allows the D300 to shoot up to 6-frames-per-second, or 8-frames-per-second when using the new MB-D10 battery grip. The camera also includes a new Scene Recognition System, which improves intelligent light metering capabilities and smarter white-balance. Finally, it supports up to ISO 6400 with 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, 100% view-finder frame-coverage, HDMI out (yes, seriously) and Compact Flash support for storage.

The D3 is pictured above, and I assume that the massive lens could only be the new 600mm f/4G. This camera features a brand-new FX-format sensor with Nikon’s exclusive “Exceed” image processing technologies. Simply put, it should help you create richer-looking images and greater handling speed, even when using high ISOs. Like the D300, this camera also has a self-cleaning sensor, but can shoot up to 9-frames-per-second. It also features a 51-focus-points system, HDMI out and the Scene Recognition System.

What makes this pro-shooter a little unique though, is it’s ability to use not one, but TWO Compact Flash cards at a time, to increase overall storage, or to make copies if you find the need. Both cameras feature a new 3.0″ LCD screen which display a staggering 920,000-dots resolution, almost tripling other cameras on the market.

Available November, the D300 will retail for $1,799 body-only and the D3 will retail for $4,999 body-only. In addition to these two new cameras, Nikon has unveiled three new lenses as well: 12-24mm f/2.8G, 24-70mm f/2.8G, 400mm f/2.8G, 500mm f/4G and also the 600mm f/6G. Now to go work on more news now that I am finished drooling.

Source: Nikon USA