Like the Nikon D200, I was an early adopter of it’s successor, the new Nikon D300.  Having plenty of field experience with the D200, I think it’s accurate to say that the D300 is an upgrade over the already impressive D200 in every major way.

The new 51-point autofocus is more intelligent, accurate, and versatile.  It can track moving objects better than the D200, though a good lens also helps here too.  Another improvement worth mentioning is the high ISO noise performance - this has been greatly improved, actually.  Images up to ISO 1600 are almost perfectly clean, and ISO 3200 is perfectly usable.  The Canon shooters are scratching their heads and posting all sorts of ridiculous feel-good threads on message boards.  I stay out of that, since most of today “photographers” are gadgeteers more than anything.

:: Nikon D300 with Nikon 70-200 AF-S 2.8 VR lens mounted ::

Back on topic, the D300 is one of the best pro SLR cameras I’ve ever used.  It’s not too large, it’s as fast (or faster) than a D2xs, and even the optional battery grip is built as well as the camera.  This is the best APS-C sized camera money can buy, in my opinion.   I’ll get around to updating my gallery with more photos from the D300 soon.

This past weekend I went to my first NBL BMX state championship race in Florida in St. Cloud. I didn’t race - I think I’m still too slow to compete - but I got to hang out with my friends from the Audiobahn BMX team and take a few photos. It was a very hot and dry day, but that didn’t slow down the racing at all. Anyone that thinks bicycle racing isn’t a dangerous sport should see how fast some of these racers go - the skill set required to race BMX surely is underestimated by most people.

:: Mike Powers leads in the first straight - click on image to enlarge ::

I used my Nikon D300 and Nikkor 70-200 AF-S 2.8 VR lens to take a few shots, but with all the dry, fine dust being thrown around, I wanted to limit my equipment’s exposure to that kind of abuse. In mid-day sun, it was very bright and I dialed in my exposure a bit too hot for this event, but not so hot that I blew out highlights. I appreciated the D300’s extra dynamic range in this situation, and shooting 12-bit RAW files provided all the headroom I needed. Again, another perfect performance from this combination, though I don’t think I’ll be shooting much BMX in the future, unless I feel like sending my equipment to Nikon frequently for cleaning and recalibration.

Taking photos is fun, but riding is more fun, and I need to get to it. I want to attend Interbike and I may go to the NBL Grand Nationals, but we’ll see. I have so many projects in the pipeline at this point, that two months seems like a light year away right now.

Well here is my new GHP - what I think represents the coolest-looking and riding BMX bicycle built up with the best components that exist as of today. Although my experience on this bike is limited so far, I’ll be bold enough to say that this is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. The bottom bracket is placed just right for my long legs (36-inch inseam), and it just feels great. I love this bike, and there is a difference when a world champion like Greg Hill is behind its development.

With a total build cost of around $2600, I think it was worth it. Though it’s just been completed, I did have a chance to ride it around here a bit and it runs like a well oiled machine - so smooth and refined compared to what I’m used to. The frame’s build quality is exquisite. Welds are nice, neat, and consistent and the black finish is beautiful. The GHP logos are laid in under the clearcoat, which really adds to overall look of quality. I can’t say much more until I get a chance to run this bike more, so I’ll cut it short here until then.

:: GHP - click on image to enlarge ::

Parts breakdown:

• Frame: GHP Pro XXL
• Forks: Answer Scythe Pro carbon
• Cranks: Shimano DXR, 180mm
• Chainring: Snap, 39T
• Pedals: Shimano DX clips or Funn Soljam Viper sealed
• Rims: Sun Rhynolite XL
• Hubs: Chris King BMX with 14T cog
• Spokes: Marwi titanium
• Handlebars: GHP Star Bars
• Stem: S&M Race XLT
• Headset: Chris King Nothreadset
• Chain: KMC Drop Buster
• Brakes: Paul Moto-Lite
• Brake Lever: Paul Love V-Lever
• Brake Cable: Odyssey Slic
• Bar Ends: Animal
• Chain Tensioners: Redline
• Seatpost: Thomson Elite
• Seatpost Clamp: Profile Slimjim
• Seat: Crupi with titanium rails