Move over Bacon........

D3 & D300

Nikon Swings for the Bleachers

with a new Sensor FX-CMOS & EXPEED digital image processor
and 2 new Uber-Cameras

The wait is over and Nikon has not disappointed with its entry into the full frame SLR market.

Expected to be available by Fall 2007 here are the key features:

Nikon's original FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm image size; 12.1 effective megapixels.
Compatible with three image-sensor formats – FX format (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24) and DX format (24 x 16).

Sensitivity range ISO 200 to 6400
at normal setting for exceptionally high quality images; can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600.

Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED
digital image processing concept.

Nikon's original Scene Recognition System, utilizing the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance.

New 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6.

High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 frames per second [FX format (36 x 24)/5:4 (30 x 24)]/approx. 11 fps [DX format (24 x 16)] *1.

Newly employed Picture Control System enables creation of desired picture with preferred tones.

Accurate focal-plane contrast AF*2 available with built-in Liveview mode.

Wireless Transmitter WT-4*3 (optional) realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them, and downloading of images selected.

CF card double slot accepts two CF cards.

Quick response with approx. 0.12 sec. startup time and 37 ms shutter release time lag.

Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format.

High-definition (920,000 dots), 170° viewing angle, 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass.

Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights.

WOW!!!!!

Bottom Line: Nikon has raised the bar quite high with the announcement of these new models. These features will please just about everyone in the Nikon community for now. Now that Nikon has thrown down the gauntlet we wait to see if they can put their money where their mouth is. Nikon's previous trouble with its distribution times and even Canon's latest woes with original firmware issues are still looming challenges for Nikon. If they can pull this one off they will have once again not just hit a home run, but hit it far outside the park.