September 02, 2007
Nikon D3 & D300
Only days after Canon released its excellent 40d, Nikon did one better: it has released details of two new cameras — the D3 and the D300.
Nikon D300
Impressive Specs
- 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot resolution
- Live View LCD
- Magnesium alloy body
- 51-point autofocus system
- Viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
- Compatible with older lenses (without losing metering — meaning that you can use bellows for Macro photography)
With the D3 Nikon has finally entered the full frame sensor arena. A lot of photographers have waited for this moment. It means that we can finally use proper wide angle lenses, without the annoying crop factor.
The LCD screens will be a real pleasure to use. Both cameras feature a 922k pixel 3-inch screen. That equates to having the same resolution as an older 15″ monitor packed into the 3″ high definition screen.
Another welcome addition is the live preview feature which allows you to hook it up to a laptop. That way you can use the laptop as a large viewfinder.
I’d be very tempted to get a Nikon WT-4 Wireless Transmitter so I could stick the camera on a large pole to take unusual, hard-to-get shots.
D3 vs D300
It is a shame that the D300 does not feature the full frame sensor, since the D3 is not only more expensive but also a lot heavier. I am tempted to purchase the D3 because of its potential benefits for landscape photography, but am reluctant to always have to carry the heavier body (the extra weight is not a problem on short hiking trips, but you will certainly start feeling the weight after several days in rough country).
I still don’t understand why both Canon and Nikon keep coming out with the inbuilt vertical grips for their pro range bodies rather than releasing them separately (like the Nikon D300 and Canon 40d). I’m sure they have their reasons (aside from being able to charge more), but they are not clear to me.
Nikon has also released details of a new professional wide angle zoom lens: AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. That lens would work like a charm on the full frame D3. Can’t wait!
So, my wish list for Christmas would look like this:
- Nikon D3 (or D300)
- AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
- Nikon WT-4 wireless transmitter (& large pole)
- might as well throw in a GPS gadget while we’re at it (don’t worry, I can always add more items)
The cameras are due to be released in November.