Nikon D3 and Nikon D300 first impressions

On 23 August, Nikon shooters got what they wanted. Nikon introduced two new cameras, the D3 and the D300, which were, according to the press release, at least, the Holy Grail, achieving if not surpassing everything the competition had to offer.

 “The speed, the resolution and the versatility of the new D3 will enable professional photographers to work in conditions that were considered impossible before.”More than a month has passed since then, but no real relevant information is available as to the two cameras' practical capabilities.

When it comes to body construction, AF, metering, shutters etc, Nikon was always the leader. When it comes to the electronic components, however, up to now, they were very much the second fiddle to Canon. Unfortunately, even though I've had the cameras for almost two weeks now, I cannot give you any information regarding image quality of Nikon D3 and Nikon D300. Nikon are very reluctant to show results from preproduction cameras – and they're perfectly right to do so.

Pre-production image samples are the best way to get armchair pros started - and when they get started, shutting them up is impossible. And since it's impossible to make them happy, this is quite simply bad press for products that aren't even available yet.

Nikon D3 and Nikon D300 first impressions