D300 and D3 New Releases!

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:29 pm

Don't tell me I'm the first to hear about Nikon's new releases, the D300 and the D3. The D3 is Nikon's first digital full frame sensor. Both are amazing as far as specs. You can take a look at www.dpreview.com

Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 175 Location: Midwest

Amazing specs, but nothing to make me savor it yet. And I just bought a new D80.....

So I do not plan on upgrading for at least another two years. That is unless I win the lottery (at least 50K).

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:42 am

Really not enough on the D300 to make me want to switch from my D200.
I think I'll skip a generation with this one,wait and see what the 400 brings and spend the cash on glass.

Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Georgia

Im glad to see the full frame sensor in a nikon though. And not to mention its possible 11 fps shooting.

Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 487 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Well, my take on it is:
If by chance I have a windfall of several hundred unexpected dollars that are not yet 'in the budget', AND if at that moment someone just could not live without either my D70s or my D200 then I'd have to consider it just because I like what the specs sound like. But I've decided not to 'anxe' over it.

Like most, if/when it's affordable I'd like faster lenses which I think would allow a greater difference in my stuff.

gene

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 3:29 pm

One of the more exciting aspects is improved high ISO noise levels. I sure want to see some comparisons, there.

The D3 certainly merits watching but the $5000 is pretty daunting.

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 8:06 pm

lol.... I come by from time to time to see what's going on. Came across this and chuckled a bit. There are huge differences in these cameras. These are not "refreshed" bodies. While all I've seen are previews and have not touched either body yet, I am definately a bit more excited about this.

The D300 seems awesome. The AF system is improved by with far more than double the sensor coverage in terms of pixels/sites used. I've never complained about Nikon's AF systems and I am pretty sure this will not dissappoint. A 12MP CMOS, not a huge difference in terms of res but it's still an increase. Speed is obviously faster which is more a factor of delivery from the sensor than the shutter. 8 fps is simply awesome. 100% viewfinder.... I can;t begin to to tell how great that is. 3 inch display. Proven, solid build with great ergonomics. All for, essentially, the same street price as a D200. I don't know but that works for me.

While the D70/70s and the D80 are wonderful cameras, they are not close to being the same body and comparing the two is not a good comparison. The D200 comparison, fine, but even then the D300 is very compelling.

The D3. Many of the same points as above but add to that the full frame and the added speed and you can see the benefits. What I would like to see is whether there will be a higher res version. The D2X is a stunning body and will likely stay in my bag for a while until that's cleared up. However, the D3 is impressive as a 11fps camera and 9 fps at 12MP full frame with an improved AF. Again, proven tank-level build with perfect balance all for the same price as the current model. Simply awesome.

I own a D2X and will likely make the move at some point in May or June when we have a clearer view on whether the higher res body comes out. For me the image detail trumps speed but if the 12MP FF is the single pro body they'll go with, I'll make that move. Heck I print posters with the D2X so 12MP works.

These two bodies have just opened a gap vs. the competition..... Well done Nikon!

Oh by the way........ the new lenses ROCK!

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 8:23 pm

Luisv, I'm with you, I'm real excited about the upcoming D300, for all the reasons you mentioned, plus don't forget the self cleaning sensor.

The D3 is awesome and definitely bridges the gap between Canon and Nikon pro models, but I can't get too excited about that one, because at $5000. I'll be lucky if I ever get to even hold one.

Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 63

I thought it was cool that Nikon thought to put a DX(crop) mode and FX(full frame) mode on the D3. Canon shooters can't use their crop lenses on their full frame cameras, but Nikon users can once again use all of their lenses. It may seem odd to cripple a $5K camera to 5MP, but I think it shows that Nikon is keeping their system very flexible.

Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 14

Kudos to Nikon once more. Prosumers and Pros won't feel dejected anymore. For a while, retailers were saying, Nikon has no reason to make a full frame sensor SLR. I dunno how many can justify shelling out 5K but for sure, those who can will, specially if you already have a collection of Nikon lenses over the years in photography like me. I am also glad they made the D300 dx for those who can't justify the D3 but need to shoot at 12MP, ie., for stock photos, etc. I am so relieved and my trust in Nikon from the first Nikomat I got when I was 20 will remain strong. Nikon maybe slow but, they do listen to our needs.....just have to pay the price.

Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 487 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

ok, its been a while now and a follow up is due.
I'm of the same opinion I've been since the announcement.
I want a D300 but since I do have a D200 and D70s I dont have that urgency to sell the kids. (unless of course someone offers more than their worth:). Seriously I'd love one but no windfall has occurred at this point.
When one does (windfall) occur a few seconds ahead of the normally associated emergency that always comes with them then I'll have one. Luisv is right of course and I feel all the excitement over the 300 but to keep from 'sufferring I 'blow it off'. This is simply a cover. I have held one and snapped a single shot with it, inside, no flash and considered whether I could outrun my friend (owner).

But like I said I've decided not to anxe over it.

yeah, I really have.

yeah.

But did want to point out that I'm very happy with the D200, well, I was till the D300 came along. And, no one should feel like they no longer have a good camera (like me) and start selling the house. Because your all doing just fine with what you have now (for sure). So dont shop ebay daily for any possible change in price or worry about what is happening to the D200 prices due to the new entry :( cause you aint gonna sell the one you have now anyway and be without and take a chance on not being able to follow through with the new purchase. Something could happen, then where would you be. Just have to wait a year or so or till an upgrade comes out so hopefully the price drops just a little. Yeah, like thats gonna happen. Just what detail would they improve on the D300 ?? :(

gene