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If the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS-40D, or the Nikon D300 didn’t get you all excited, the Nikon D3 should. Being the first ever full–frame digital SLR from Nikon, the Nikon D3 stands proud with features than can easily equal or beat its rivals now, even if those are already in their third generation.

The Nikon D3 uses a full–frame CMOS sensor designated as the “FX Format,” as opposed to the DX format used in their 1.5x crop cameras like the D40 and and the D200. Here’s a breakdown of this model, as mentioned in their product page:

• 12.2 megapixel FX CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
• ISO 200 – 6400: extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent).
• 9fps consecutive shooting (11fps in DX Crop mode)
• EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
• Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
• 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
• Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
• Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
• Quick response: approx. 37 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
• Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
• Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
• Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
• HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
• Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
• Durable Magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

Considering most of the features on the Nikon D3, especially the full–frame sensor capable of 9 frames per second continuous shooting, with an ISO range up to 6400 and expandable to 25600, it seems Nikon has clear winner compared to the Canon’s top end EOS-1Ds Mark III. This is the camera that Nikon digital shooters haven’t been expecting this soon — this is what full–frame Canon shooters always wanted their next camera to be. And Nikon produced it.

At a price 5,000 dollars, the Nikon D3 is inexpensive when compared to the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. If all feature advantages or disadvantages were to be ignored, the Nikon still comes out as the better camera at a better value. I’m sure Canon engineers are now busy trying to outdo Nikon. Times are good, cameras are getting better at lower prices.

Nikon UK has just announced the newest addition to its family of digital SLRs, the Nikon D300. Surprisingly, the news came just right after Canon announced the EOS-40D and the EOS-1Ds Mark III, perhaps its own way of “stealing the limelight” considering the technical advantages it has over Canon’s offerings.

The simultaneous announcements from both camera makers surprisingly puts Nikon at an advantage, its model now capable of going head–to–head in the features department. Here are the notables for the Nikon D300, as compared to the 40D:

• 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, much higher than the 40D’s 10.1 MP.
• 6 frames per second continuous shooting, almost as good as the 40D’s 6.5 fps, but can go up to 8 fps with the optional Multi Power Battery Pack. A little strange though that it can achieve its maximum burst rate with added power only.
• ISO 200–3200 sensitivity range, with ISO 100 and 6400 as expanded options. Better than ISO 100-3200 on the 40D.
• 51–point autofocus system shames the new 9–point all–cross–type on the 40D, though we’d have to test this in the real world for any advantages.
• 150,000–cycle shutter durability is 1.5 times better than the 40D, bested only by top–level models.

Considering how much Nikon has evolved technologically with the D300, it wouldn’t be too surprising if it significantly dominates the DSLR field in the next few months, as more are now upgrading to digital SLRs and some are switching from other mounts/systems. The Nikon D300 has got thinking of switching, if only I could afford it. How about you?

Canon wouldn’t suffice with just one DSLR body and several point–and-shoots, they made sure they grab the big news with the release of the update to their flagship model, now the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. It seemed that the EOS-40D and the recently available EOS-1D Mark III would’ve been enough to lead against its competitors, but with a 21-megapixel full–frame sensor, now who can closely threaten them technology–wise?

The new EOS-1Ds has an unrivaled 21–megapixel CMOS sensor and can shoot at five frames per second, for up to 56 JPEG or 23 RAW images. Also improved in this model is the viewfinder, now brighter and with higher magnification compared to the EOS-1Ds Mark II. It also inherits the Live View functionionality from the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, along with the 3–inch LCD.

With these new features and improvements, will the Mark III be good enough for users to upgrade to this new model, especially considering the 8,000 dollar retail price?

It’s DSLR time once again this year as it’s raining new models from major players Canon and Nikon, each one trying to outdo its counterpart from the other camp.

The Canon EOS-40D is the long–awaited successor to the 30D, which used to be one of the better bodies in the market until compared to Nikon’s D200 and D80. The 40D though packs a lot of punch that should put offerings from other camps in the backseat.

Unlike the previous years, it took little time from leak to official release, Canon beating other DSLR makers to the punch by announcing their new models ahead of everyone.

The Canon EOS-40D is exceptional in its feature set, now capable of 6.5 frames per second continuous shooting at its 10–megapixel resolution. At this rate, it can take 75 JPG or 17 RAW images before the buffer slows down. A new AF system is also introduced, with 9 cross–type sensors plus another one mounted diagonally in the center that works well with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

It also carries most of the new innovations in the Canon EOS-400D like the Integration Cleaning System for the CMOS sensor and Picture Styles, which was also in the 30D. Taking from the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, the 40D also sports a 3–inch LCD with Live View Function, allowing for framing/shooting through the LCD.

This is certainly a revolutionary camera for die–hard Canon shooters, and DPReview provides us a preview of the Canon EOS-40D to give us the lowdown on this new model.