At last! We’ve been waiting so long for a D200s or a D300 - finally they come out with it. I can’t wait to see the pictures at ISO800 and ISO1600 and hear the Canon fanbois stop talking about their superior noise handling!

Looks and body wise it’s almost identical to the D200, it just has a larger screen, 2 more megapixels and some new features. Amazingly it goes up to 8fps with the battery grip attached!

The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3” VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

“Packed with the latest technologies and Nikon’s renowned ergonomics, the D300 sets a new standard for professionals on a budget,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The D300 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ camera, delivering fast response, high performance and ease of use that will appeal to anyone serious about their photography.”

I’m really looking forwards to getting my hands on one of these! I’m hoping to see some new DX lenses too, perhaps a cheaper 17-55mm f/2.8 with VR!

It’s surely going to another award winner like the D200 - touted as the best digital camera ever made. Let’s hope the D300 exceeds the expectations.

Since the release of the Canon EOS 1D MKII - which is an incredible camera…people have been waiting with baited breath for the announcement of the 1Ds MKIII full frame beast.

And here it it! What a camera, getting into MF (Medium Format) territory with 21 megapixels, Imagine the detail you can get from this beast.

Pictured with the excellent 50mm f/1.2 L lens.

Canon raises the stakes in the professional photography market with the launch of the 21 Megapixel, 5 frame per second EOS-1Ds Mark III. Delivering 14-bit depth resolution from a newly developed 35mm full frame CMOS sensor, Canon’s new flagship digital SLR produces files that convert to over 100MB uncompressed 16-bit TIFF, setting a new benchmark in image resolution and sharpness for 35mm-format digital photography.

As well as producing outstanding colour rendition, Dual DIGIC III processors drive 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 Large JPEGs (12 RAW) – unrivalled by any other camera at this resolution. This capacity to shoot such large images uninterrupted is regarded as a big driver in switching studio photographers to the EOS platform.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III inherits the new technology platform introduced earlier this year in the EOS-1D Mark III, including 63-zone exposure metering, 19 cross-type auto focus system, a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Highlight Tone Priority function expands dynamic range for more depth and detail in bright areas. The launch is supported with the announcement of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle lens, the Lens 2.

“Taking image quality and versatility to unprecedented levels, the EOS-1Ds Mark III redefines commercial photography conventions”, said Karz Suzuki, Head of Canon Professional Services. “The camera will strengthen Canon’s popularity amongst professional studio photographers. Culminating 20 years of EOS development, the EOS-1Ds Mark III represents a definitive moment in our company’s photographic history.”

Key features

• 21 Megapixel full frame (35mm) CMOS sensor
• 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames
• Dual “DIGIC III” processors
• Highlight Tone Priority
• Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26 focus assist points
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)
• 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode
• Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter

Now we just need to see what Nikon comes out with, with the new D3x or D3h, or perhaps both! Apparently some big news is going to be released this week - perhaps in 3 days.

So let’s wait and see.

After being ‘accidentally’ leaked last night on Amazon.com, the Canon 40D has now been officially released. If this was the proper date, or if they pushed it forwards due to the leak no one knows.

But here it is, the successor to the popular Canon 30D.

Canon today introduces its latest digital SLR for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals: the EOS 40D. With a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.5 frames per second burst performance, a newly developed AF system and 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, the EOS 40D makes significant advances in both performance and versatility.

The camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS?1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved colour rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.

“The EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there’s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.”

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
• Customisable Picture Style processing parameters

It looks like it can compete a bit better with the legendary D200 now, but still the D200s or D300 should be coming out shortly.

They also announced the 1Ds MKIII and some news lenses (18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS).

“What does Nikon have to offer?” VS “What does a grey item offer?”

Besides the functionality and specifications of a camera, another deciding factor is of course the price. Grey market items are relatively cheaper when compared to a Nikon camera purchased through the right channel, yet what are the disadvantages of purchasing a cheaper product?

When money becomes an issue, you’ll probably tend to think along the lines of, “Now what does Nikon have that is worth my every penny?”

Grey sets have certain dis-advantages such as:

• May not be able to receive full technical support as the warranty is valid only in the country where the camera was purchased from.
• You will also have to pay to have your camera serviced if it was bought from another country.
• The manual may not be in the preferred language of your region.
• The manual might just be a photocopy
• Owners of grey items may not be able to download online software and firmware upgrades available from the Nikon site, due to incompatible serial numbers.
• Items may not meet mandatory safety and certification codes, or may not have been handled properly, therefore they may malfunction easily.

We have also confirmed this in Malaysia by writing to Nikon direct about the warranty issues, they said:

In terms on how to differentiate between original set is our Nikon standard warranty card is “yellow” colour and also on the warranty card will stated the camera distributed by Nikon (M) Sdn. Bhd. So, if your warranty card is other than the colour which is above mentioned, it means that they are from grey products.

So be careful!

Nikon VS Grey Market

If you want to know why your lenses are so expensive, check this video out.

Pretty intense eh? $1000 USD per kilo just for the glass!