Nikon Launches 2 new DSLR cameras and 2 new lenses

2009.07.30

Nikon Canada just announced the D300s and D300 DSLRs plus new 18-200mm and 70-200mm lenses. The D300s is a close upgrade to the excellent D300 reviewed on Neocamera last year while the D3000 is a halfway between a D60 and D5000. The two new lenses replace older models with the same focal-length and maximum aperture but bring improvements including a new VR II (Vibration Reduction system).

Since the Nikon D300 is one of the best cameras reviewed last year we are happy to report that everything good about it was carried over to the D300s. The major features are:

• 12 megapixels sensor
• Maximum ISO range from 100 to 6400
• 1/8000s-30s Shutter-speed range
• Large 100% coverage viewfinder with 0.94X magnfication
• 3" LCD with 920k pixels
• 7 FPS continuous drive, up from 6 FPS on the D300
• Added virtual horizon in live-view
• New HD 720p movie-recording (1280x720 @ 24 FPS)
• Same metering, focus and white-balance system (which were found to be very good)
• Dual CF and SDHC slot, the SDHC slot being new compared to the D300

The Nikon D3000 sits at the lower end of the range and is designed for simplicity rather than flexibility. It inherits most features from the D60 and design from the D5000. Headline features are:

• 10 megapixels sensor
• Maximum ISO range from 100 to 3200
• 1/4000s - 30s Shutter-speed
• 95% coverage viewfinder at 0.8X magnification
• 3" LCD with 230k pixels
• 3 FPS continuous drive
• 11-point autofocus
• Supports SDHC memory

Note that the D3000 does not feature movie-mode or live-view, two common functions of recent DSLRs. Both these new DSLR cameras are expected to ship to stores next month, August 2009. Pricing has not been announced yet. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II should be available in September year while the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II should arrive in November.

• Digital Camera
• Lens