<\/p>\n
The D3 is Nikon’s first full frame digital SLR, and it packs a huge punch. With shooting speeds of 9fps at full resolution (up to 11fps at 5-megapixel resolution) and a 51 area Multi-Cam autofocus system, the D3 features the fastest startup time and shutter lag of any SLR, a brilliant 3-inch LCD rear monitor, Nikon’s all new EXPEED image processing circuitry and a dual compact flash card slot.<\/p>\n
A quick view of some of the D3’s major features:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Full frame FX-format 12.1-megapixel Nikon designed CMOS self cleaning image sensor. <\/p>\n
\u2022 3-inch diagonal view, crystal clear 920,000-pixel LCD viewfinder that has a 170-degree viewing angle.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Continuous shooting mode of up to 9 frames per second in full 12.1-megapixel resolution. The D3 can also shoot at higher speeds (up to 11 frames per second) in DX mode, which uses only a part of the CMOS sensor to capture 5-megapixel images.<\/p>\n
\u2022 All new 51-area autofocus system that contains 15 cross-type AF sensors around the center of the frame. The AF sensors can also be configured into a moveable cluster of either 9 or 21 sensors. Also included is a new technology called Scene Recognition System that works with the 1,005-segmet color sensitive RGB Matrix Meter to aid in focus tracking.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dual Compact Flash card slot. Options for using the dual card slot are Overflow:<\/strong> which begins writing to the second card when the first one fills up, Backup:<\/strong> which writes the same images to both cards, and Raw-slot 1, JPEG-slot 2.<\/strong> Images can also be copied between cards.<\/p>\n \u2022Live View, which displays a real time view through the rear LCD viewing screen.<\/p>\n Due to ship in November 2007, the D3 is slated to retail for $4999.<\/p>\n Nikon D300<\/strong><\/p>\n Major features of the D300 include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Nikon DX-format 12.3-megapixel Sony made self cleaning CMOS image sensor. <\/p>\n \u2022 3-inch diagonal view, crystal clear 920,000-pixel LCD viewfinder that has a 170-degree viewing angle.<\/p>\n \u2022 Continuous shooting mode of up to 6 frames per second in full 12.3-megapixel resolution. The D300 can also shoot at speeds of up to 8 frames per second when using the AC adaptor or the MB-D10 Multi-Batter pack.<\/p>\n \u2022 All new 51-area autofocus system that contains 15 cross-type AF sensors around the center of the frame. The AF sensors can also be configured into a moveable cluster of either 9 or 21 sensors. Also included is a new technology called Scene Recognition System that works with the 1,005-segmet color sensitive RGB Matrix Meter to aid in focus tracking.<\/p>\n \u2022 A Viewfinder that offers approx. 100% frame coverage.<\/p>\n \u2022 Power-up time of .13 sec and 0.045 sec shutter lag time.<\/p>\n \u2022 Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.<\/p>\n \u2022 Live View, which displays a real time view through the rear LCD viewing screen.<\/p>\n \u2022 Magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability.<\/p>\n Also due to ship November 2007, the D300 will sell for $1799, and of course, I can’t wait to get my hands on one!<\/p>\n Stay Tuned…<\/p>\n
\nNot be overshadowed, the D300 is also a hefty inclusion into Nikon’s professional line of DSLRs. The D300 contains many of the same high end features as the D3, including the 51-area autofocus system, 3-inch LCD viewing screen and Nikon’s new EXPEED image processor, all packed into a smaller, lighter body. This definitley appeals to someone like me who makes a living by lugging camera equipment into the remote wilderness and around the globe.<\/p>\n