Nikon D3000 and D300s

The Nikon D3000 replaces the D40 with some impressive specs, occupying a notch above the D60 but below the newer D5000. The 10.2-megapixel starter camera is all about ease of use. It includes a new Guide feature that aims to help novice D.S.L.R. users by explaining camera settings and digital photography basics — and providing an on-screen demonstrations of how they affect images.

The D3000 employs the same DX format sensor as the D60 and is capable of the same 3 frames-per-second image capture. But the D3000 improves the autofocus speed and accuracy of the D60 with an 11-point autofocus system.

Buy the Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

At approximately 5 by 3.8 by 2.5 inches, the D3000 it has roughly the same compact measurements as the D40, although Nikon has added softly rounded curves to the chassis. It weighs a relatively light 17 ounces.

Nikon has added some new in-camera retouch features that should appeal to inexperienced users, including a miniature effect, soft filter and color outline, which creates a black-and-white “sketch” that’s Crayola-ready for the kids.

Nikon has included the capability to create stop-motion videos, although the camera cannot capture video. Nor does it have a Live View option, which is typical of entry-level D.S.L.R. models.

The D300s, not surprisingly, is a follow-up to the popular D300, a 12.3-megapixel model that currently sells for about $1,800.

The D300s has many of the same specs as its predecessor — identical resolution and image sensor, 51 autofocus points and Live View — but it adds the ability to capture video in AVI format at a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 frames per second. It also includes an input for an optional stereo microphone.

The D300s is a bit faster than the D300, with a 7 frame-per-second continuous-shooting capability (versus 6 frames per second on the D300). Nikon says that the D300a has 15 cross-type AF sensors that deliver better focus accuracy and tracking capabilities.

It has the same moisture-sealed magnesium alloy chassis body as the D300 but adds dual Compact Flash and SD/SDHC card slots.

Buy a Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras

News via NYTimes Blogs

Nikon 2009 / 2010 DSLR Roadmap Leaked

August 4 introduction: (Apparently the end of July presentation is for compact cameras)

• Nikon D3000
• Nikon D300s with Full-HD movie 24 fps, improved AF, self timer + mirror-up, cf + sd-slot
• AF-S DX 17-65/3.2-4 G VR with 72(!) mm filter

October 15 presentation:

• Nikon D700x with 24.5 MP, Full-HD movie 24 fps, improved AF and self timer + mirror-up
• AF-S Nikkor 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (The FX-dream-walk-around-lens?)
• AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (What everybody waited for! 82 mm filter, 1530 g)
• AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
• AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G (No VR?)

Q1/2010:

• AF-S Nikkor 14-28mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
• AF-S Nikkor 120-450mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II (Replacement for 80-400? 82 mm, 1480 g)

Q2/2010:

• Nikon D4 with 15.7 MP, improved 1 EV, Full HD-movie 30fps
• Nikon D400 with 13.8 MP, improved 1 EV, Full HD-movie 24fps

Q3/2010:

• AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4G VR (On the waiting list for many!)
• AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/5.6G VR (Have been missing a long time!)
• AF-S Nikkor 70-240mm f/3.5-4.5G VR (The missing medium size telezoom!)
• AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/2G DC (A small surprise. No VR?)
• AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/4G VR
• AF-S DX Nikkor 60-95mm f/2G VR (The DX dream-telezoom!)
• AF-S DX Nikkor 17-60mm f/2.8G VR (Replacing 17-55 with addition of VR)
• Nikon Coolpix P1DX with DX 12.3 MP stabilised sensor, 28-85/3.5-5.6 zoom (comparable to FX, actually 18-56), 2.9 inch 920k-display, movable upwards for macro.

Q4/2010:

• Nikon D4X with 30.2 MP with 1 EV improved sensitivity

Via Cameratown, NikonRumors

Two New Entry-level Nikon DSLRs

After the announcement of the swivel-screen hobbyist DSLR Nikon D5000, the entry level photography enthusiasts must be looking for something slimmer and easier to use. Just then, images of Nikon D3000 and D300s were leaked out on the web stating that they are the upcoming DSLR cameras from Nikon.

Lenstip guys believe that Nikon D3000 would be a scaled down version of Nikon D5000. The scaled down means that there won't be the D5000 exclusive swivel-LCD screen in D3000 DSLR. Also, the HDMI and built-in microphone will not exist in D3000.

Along with that, NikonRumors carried images of upcoming Nikon D300s body meant for entry-level DSLR enthusiasts. This new D300s, assumed to be without microphone, is a close match to existing Nikon D300 model. It's being speculated that D300s would be capable of recording 720p HD video content, have a quiet shutter mode, would be able to shoot continuously at eight frames per second and have an SD storage support.

There's no official announcement from Nikon on these cameras. Also, no information about the approximate pricing is available as of now.

Via TechTree India

Bua a Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

Nikon D300S Specs and Screenshots Leaked

The D300 is Nikon’s top-level DX camera, meaning that, unless you opt for full frame, you won’t get a better camera. The D300 debuted alongside the flagship D3 back in 2007, and as the D3 has spawned the D3x, we’re not surprised to learn that there will be an upgraded D300.

Video will probably be the weird Motion JPEG found in the D90 and D5000. Here’s the relevant section:

Movie
Frame size (pixels) 1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
File format AVI
Compression format Motion-JPEG
Autofocus Contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a frame is possible (Tripod mode)
Audio Sound can be recorded via built-in or optional external microphone; sensitivity can be adjusted
Maximum length 5 min (1,280 x 720 pixels), 20 min (640 x 424, 320 x 216 pixels)

Interestingly, the sensor will be the same 12MP size of the current D300

Via Wired via Nikon Rumors