The Nikon D3 detailed preview has been released shortly after the Nikon D300 Preview came out as expected.

Still no reviews of either camera, but that’s no surprise.

The Canon EOS 40D came to market extremely fast though, I think Canon is trying to win back some market share before the monster Nikon D300 comes out.

The specs are awesome as from the first release.

• First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (coined FX format)
• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
• ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600)
• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
• 5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked)
• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
• New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
• New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
• Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking
• Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)
• Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy)

The professional Nikon D ’single digit’ series of digital SLR’s started life back in June 1999 with the groundbreaking D1. Groundbreaking because it was the digital SLR which broke Kodak’s stranglehold on the digital SLR market and fundamentally brought prices down to a level which most professionals could afford (around the US$5,500 mark). Since then we have seen a steady progression of this line of cameras, while the core values of a high quality full size body with integrated grip have remained the line split into two halves, one targeted at high resolution photography the other high speed sports type photography (lower resolution but faster continuous shooting); the X and H suffixes. It’s been almost three years since Nikon introduced a completely new digital SLR with a new sensor (the D2X) and there has been much anticipation that Nikon’s next move would be a full-frame chip.

You can find the full Hands-on Preview from DPReview here:

Nikon D3 Hands-on Preview

There are also some new high ISO shots released.

Nikon D3 FX Format Digital SLR High ISO Image Samples

Around a year after the launch of the Powershot G7, Canon has launched its new flagship compact for advanced photographers – the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot G9. The successor to the PowerShot G7 – recently named EISA European Advanced Compact Camera 2007-2008 – the PowerShot G9 incorporates improvements driven by market feedback with a range of user-oriented enhancements, including RAW image capture and a redesigned grip and thumb rest for improved handling. Other advancements include a high resolution 3.0” PureColor LCD II, enhanced Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction in playback. A wide range of accessories – including optional lenses and Speedlite flash units – now also features Canon’s Speedlite ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter.

At last a compact with a proper hot shoe and compatible with off camera flash, I see a lot of G7’s going up for sale! RAW capability has thankfully returned too.

The PowerShot G9 features:

• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
• DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

The Powershot G7 was a camera I considered as a backup compact when I don’t feel like carrying my SLR or perhaps the batteries are flat along with the similar specced but cheaper A710 IS.

But the performance just didn’t quite do it for me, that’s why I went for the Fuji F31d instead, I’m looking forwards to the new F50fd with image stabiliser!

Of course we have to wait for the G9 reviews and see how it actually performs, it might disappoint just like the G7 did.

Bob Atkins has come out with the first review for the Canon EOS 40D, it seem like a nifty piece of kit I have to say!

Key features

• 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs
• New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
• DIGIC III processor
• 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Clear and bright viewfinder
• Customizable Picture Style processing parameters

Bob seems to think it’s pretty good too, worth an upgrade over the EOS 30D.

The EOS 40D is more than a minor upgrade of the EOS 30D. It’s basically a new camera with a new sensor, a new 14-bit processing engine, a new AF system and new features such as Live View, Highlight Priority and High ISO noise reduction as well as improved ergonomics with the enhanced 3″ LCD. Though it looks much like the 20D/30D it seems to have a more “pro” feel - though I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s the quieter and faster shutter operation that simply makes it sound better!

In just about every respect the EOS 40D technically outperforms the EOS 30D and so I think it is a worthwhile upgrade for those who can afford to switch and who can use the new features. I didn’t feel that way about the 30D, which was a good camera but for me didn’t offer enough new features to persuade me to trade in my 20D and upgrade.

You can read the full review here:

Canon EOS 40D Review - Bob Atkins

Another guy from Hong Kong has done a very extensive review on his blog.

Canon EOS 40D Review - Roland Lim

Including Canon 40D vs Canon 20D ISO 1600 Comparison

This is the ultimate poison, wow! Great build quality like the tank that is the Nikon D200 and a host of other features…it looks like they have another award winner along with the Nikon D3 which is going to shift the whole paradigm!

This follows very shortly after the Nikon D300 was Announced.

It really looks like an incredible camera!

You can read the full Preview here:

Nikon D300 Hands-on Preview

I can’t wait for the Nikon D3 Preview or Review to come out!

Ah finally, the details for the new higher level Alpha are out. It looks like quite a formidable creature.

What a lot of announcements lately with the Canon and Nikon offerings, Sony comes up soon after.

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS
• New AF Sensor
• Faster Focusing
• High Speed Shutter
• Anti-blur
• Pentaprism Viewfinder
• Weather sealed
• 3″ LCD
• HD 1080 Output
• Wireless Remote Included
• New Kit Lens DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 with Internal Focus

Like the A100, the new camera still wears its Konica Minolta heritage very much on its sleeve, and when you start to look a little more closely at the specification it’s obvious that there’s still an awful lot of Konica Minolta DNA in the A700. This is hardly surprising given that the circumstances behind its development.

And, just as the A100 was obviously based on - and designed to be a successor to - the KM 5D, the A700 follows on from the 7D, and - despite lots of Sony touches and an attractive new design - 7D users are likely to find using the new model reassuringly familiar.

Albert has a good post about it here too:

The New Sony Alpha 700!