Many people on the Scream And Fly message forums know that I use Nikon D-SLR cameras when I’m covering events and shows. Although the D2xs remains in my field case, I always preferred the D200 due to its lighter weight, smaller size, and near identical image quality and performance. A few weeks ago Nikon announced two new models: the full-frame D3 and D300 - both models are major upgrades over their previous counterparts, the D2xs and D200 respectively.

The recently announced 12.3 megapixel Nikon D300 seems like a more compelling upgrade over the D3 since it offers the same CAM3500DX 51-point autofocus system, 922,000-pixel LCD, weather sealed magnesium-alloy body, and live preview with auto focus ability. For sports shooting, the autofocus system will matter most, and I won’t need the full frame benefits of the D3 most of the time. For full details on the new D300, check out Digital Photography Review’s preview article.

:: Nikon D300 - Click on images above to enlarge ::

How will the D300 perform? On paper it’s superior to Nikon’s former flagship D2xs, but the rest is the topic of heated debate. Simple physics dictate that the D3’s large full frame sensor will be a fantastic low-light camera and preliminary test images seem to support that assumption.

• Nikon D300 Brochure in PDF format