Nikon introduced two new cameras today and some lenses:
(1) The Nikon D300s
As expected, it has lots of video features, including built-in HD video capabilities (720p), a stereo mic input, in-camera video editing features, auto-focus, and it has a dual card slot so you can shoot stills to a Compact Flash card, and send your video to an SD card. (Image shown above: courtesy of Nikon).
On the still side: it shoots more frames per second (7 fps, or 8 with the battery grip); it has dedicated buttons for Live View (great for switching to video quickly) and the Info Screen (like some of the Nikon’s recently released models), and a “Quiet Drive” mode for shooting in situations where you want the camera to make as little noise as possible (weddings, wildlife, etc.). Also, the D300s got the same Multi-Selector wheel as the D3/D700, which is a step up, and it includes the Virtual Horizon feature from the D3/D700 as well.
You can resize and process Raw images from within the camera (it comes with four built-in presets), it has built-in sensor cleaning, and a few other bells and whistles.
I don’t know if the noise is reduced yet, but will report as soon as I call my contacts at Nikon (and no—Nikon did not call me with a heads up, or early info on the camera. I read about it this morning along with everybody else).
The Street Price should be around $1,799.
Here’s the link with more details from Nikon USA.
(2) The Nikon D3000
At seems like this is a Nikon D5000 but without the video capabilities, and I believe it looks to be a replacement for the D60, but I haven’t heard anything official on it. (Image shown above: courtesy of Nikon).
The street price will be around $599.
Here’s the link with more details from Nikon USA.
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They also introduced two new lenses as well:
The 70-200mm VR II f/2.8
A newly redesigned version of the lens I probably use more than any other. The new VR II is supposed to give you an additional 4-stops of low light hand holding, and it’s supposed to be sharper, particularly at the edges on FX (full frame) Nikon cameras. The lens is a little shorter than the original, and a tiny bit heavier. (Image shown above: courtesy of Nikon).
It’s set to ship in November at a street price of $2,399 [ed note; Yikes!]
Here’s the link with more details from Nikon USA.
The 18-200mm VR II f/3.5 – f.5.6
Another redesigned version of the lens I probably most for travel photography, when I want one lens and don’t want to switch at all. It’s got the new VR II as well, and it addresses the big complaint of the original, which was that the zoom barrel would sometimes start sliding if you were aiming up or down by adding a zoom lock switch on the lens. (Image shown above: courtesy of Nikon).
The street price will be around $850. It’s set to ship in September.
Here’s the link with more details from Nikon USA.
