Since the Detailed Hands on Preview of Nikon D300, we’ve just been waiting…no more reviews other than informal stuff on blogs and by word of mouth.

Plenty of test pictures, but no real in-depth goodies. Until now! DCRP has come up with what we wanted, a real in-depth review of the new Nikon D300 with pictures, test shots, and a good exam of the new stuff.

The main new features of the D300 are:

• New 12.3 effective Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• EXPEED image processing “concept”
• Continuous shooting as fast as 8 frames/second (with the optional battery grip)
• 51-point autofocus with 3D subject tracking
• Huge 3-inch LCD display with 307,000 pixels (920,000 dots) with live view support
• Dust reduction system
• Picture Control settings let you have sets of color control settings (think Picture Styles on Canon SLRs)
• Active D-Lighting lets you brighten shadows while taking photos (instead of after)
• Rugged magnesium alloy body is sealed against dust and moisture
• HDMI video output

And it’s got a scorching review beating it’s competitors in pretty much every area. The only apparent weaknesses seem so be a flimsy CF card door and a slight over-expose (might be fixed in firmware but I doubt it as it lends itself to better high ISO performance when overexposing slightly).

The images appear slightly soft straight from the camera too, but that’s normal for Nikon as they try to retain maximum detail. It looks wonderful after some careful USM (Unsharp Mask) or Smart Sharpen.

All things considered, Nikon has done a really impressive job with the D300. They made a lot of promises, and the D300 has delivered on them. It keeps up perfectly with its closest competition, the EOS-40D, and surpasses it in several areas. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Nikon SLR, or want something “nice” for your first foray into digital SLRs, then the Nikon D300 is a camera that I can highly recommend.

Read the full review here:

DCRP Review: Nikon D300

Ah finally the full review from DP on the Canon EOS 40D!

We had some first looks review a while back, Canon EOS 40D First Review from Bob Atkins & Roland Lim, but of course we were all waiting for this!

It seems to be a pretty well rounded camera, getting up to the standard of D200…but with D300 looming – that’s simply not enough! It is considerably cheaper though so perhaps it’s apples and oranges.

When I first started using the EOS 40D a simple description came to mind: that this is a ‘well sorted camera’. It feels well rounded – the result of years of evolutionary improvement, it delivers in almost every area, and it inspires confidence. From a usability point of view the viewfinder feels larger, ergonomics are good, the user interface is clear and easy to learn, there are no in-use performance issues, metering and auto-focus show good consistency and the results speak for themselves; colorful (yet accurate) detailed images with low noise even at high sensitivities.
Detail (D-SLR)

Read the full review here:

Canon EOS 40D Review, Phil Askey

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!

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.

Finally Nikon unleashes the beast, what everyone has been waiting for! A Full Frame Nikon camera – I can’t wait to see the noise handling and the dynamic range. With the D200 already being close being the Fuji S5 Pro I think this camera is going to blow the Canon 5D and the 1Ds MKIII away!

Isn’t it beautiful?

I think Nikon pushed this out according to the recent announcement of the Full Frame Canon EOS 1Ds MKII.

The D3, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0×23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.

They also announced what I’ve personally been waiting for – the Nikon D300! I’m hoping it’ll have superb noise handling and perhaps slightly greater dynamic range.

Plus some lovely new full frame lenses for the new FX format (Nikon AF-S 14-24 mm and 24-70 mm F2.8G ED).