Nikon has today unveiled the 12.3-million-pixel D300 and 12.1MP ?FX?-format D3 digital SLRs (the latter near full-frame), both featuring Live View capability.
Also revealed are three telephoto VR lenses, alongside two professional zooms.
The DX-format D300, to be priced £1299.99 (body only), carries a frame rate of six frames per second (fps) – or up to 8fps using an optional Multi Power Battery Pack.
Also featured is a ?self-cleaning sensor unit? which, says Nikon, vibrates at high frequencies to removed loose dust on the surface of the sensor?s optical low pass filter.
It is equipped with a top equivalent ISO sensitivity of 6400, a new 51-point AF system and a ?high-definition? 3in LCD screen.
Nikon claims image accuracy is enhanced by the new ?Nikon Scene Recognition System? which uses the 1005-pixel RGB colour sensor, modified to ?recognise subjects? shape and position before the image is captured?.
The 825g model deploys ?Expeed? image processing, a system employing 14-bit A/D conversion with 16-bit image processing to deliver ?accurate colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail,? claims the company.
Claimed to set a new benchmark in professional photography is the Nikon D3 which uses a new 12.1MP (effective) FX format imaging sensor measuring 36×23.9mm.
Expected to carry a £3399.99 pricetag the D3 boasts a continuous burst rate of 9fps, Live View and a 3in monitor.
?The D3 FX format CMOS imaging sensor was designed from the ground up to offer exceptional light transmission properties so photographers can acquire outstanding image quality even in low light conditions,? said the company in a press statement.
It also features the Expeed image processing system and ISO expandable from 200-6400
?The Multi-Cam 3500 AF module features the most AF points ever developed for an SLR,? claims Nikon who says it has responded to the needs of sports and news photographers.
The 1,240g newcomer also features Dual CompactFlash cards slots.
The D3 will be available in Europe from November. A UK launch date for the D300 is yet to be confirmed.
The five new lenses are: the AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED; AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR.
See below for the full UK spec, as supplied by Nikon UK:
