Pre-Order it Here:
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

From Nikon Imaging:

• Special effects mode that enables various creative effects in still images and movies. [NEW] …more
• 16.2 effective megapixels. Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. …more
• Image processing engine “EXPEED 2″ that achieves high image quality, high-speed image processing and multiple functions. …more
• Wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 6400, expandable to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) delivers sharp images with reduced blur caused by camera shake even in dark lighting situations and sports scenes. …more
• Fast and accurate 11-point AF system that captures even moving subjects. …more
• Live View shooting function that lets you focus on a desired point within the frame. …more
• Scene Auto Selector that automatically selects the most appropriate scene mode according to the shooting scenes or subjects. …more
• 16 options of Scene Modes enable you to select the most appropriate mode according to your shooting scenes or subjects. …more
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) that allows you to shoot easily even in a difficult high-contrast scene. [NEW]
  …more
• Lightweight and compact, user-friendly body with superior operability. …more
• Easy-to-use in-camera image-editing functions such as NEW (RAW) processing, filter effects and edit movie.…more

It is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only)

Here are the highlights.

• Compatibility with Mac OS X version 10.6.4 has been added.
• Support for RAW images captured with the D3100 has been added.
• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion correction function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List has been updated.
• An issue that prevented smooth display of graduations when certain RAW images were opened has been resolved (however this issue may remain in some images)
• An issue that caused certain RAW images to be displayed too brightly with Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.2.0–2.2.4 has been resolved.
• When the Image Dust Off function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List was applied, block noise was generated in some very rare cases. This issue has been resolved.

The link for the upgrade for Mac is…HERE.

The link for the upgrade for PS is…HERE.

If you son’t already own NX2 and don’t have this version it is worth upgrading. It has always been stable and fast for me. You can buy it from Amazon with the link below.

Nikon Capture NX 2 Full Version

Nikon D3100:

• 14 MP CMOS Sensor (23.2 x 15.5 mm)
• live View
• Continuous AF in video mode/live view
• 3 inch Display (not swivel)
• 100 – 12800 ISO
• ISO setting manual or automatic
• 11 AF points
• new AF points configuration which should cover a very large portion of the viewfinder
• full HD Video (1920 x 1080)
• HD video: 1080p/24 and 720p 30/24
• AVCHD video codec
• new EXPEED2 processor
• improved objects recognition for the AF control
• improved in-camera menu
• user can save picture profiles
• in camera video editing capabilities or use the new Nikon View NX2
• 3 fps

Of the new releases the one I am most intersted in is the new 24-120. I’ve been wanting that one for a while now and the upgrade give it the VR that I’ve been wanting in that lens.

Lenses:

• Nikkor AF-S DX 55-300 f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR
• Nikkor AF-S 85 f/1.4 G with Nano coating: 10 lens elements in 9 groups
• Nikkor AF-S 24-120 f/4 G ED VR with Nano coating
• Nikkor AF-S 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR: 19 lens elements in 14 groups

You can read all of the details and pre-order them on Amazon with these links.

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Here are the details and you can download the software…HERE.

ViewNX 2 Primary New Functions

Revamped user interface

Three workspaces

It is easy to switch between the three workspaces—Browser, GeoTag, Edit—with the simple click of a button on the Toolbar.

• Geo Tag workspace
• Browser workspace
• Edit workspace

Four background colors

The color of the workspace background can be selected from white, grey, dark grey and black, depending upon the brightness of images.

Changing palette display, thumbnail list display

As the Browser palette at the left of the ViewNX 2 window and the Edit palette at the right of the window can be displayed separately, working with ViewNX 2 is more efficient. What’s more, as unnecessary palettes can be hidden, the workspace can be maximized. In the Browser and Edit workspaces, the Thumbnail List option can also be selected to display image details with thumbnails.

New image editing functions

(1) Crop

Save only the desired portion of a photo.

(2) Auto Red-Eye

Correct the “red-eye” effect that often occurs in photos of people taken with a flash.

(3) Straighten

Straighten photos taken at an angle.

(4) Auto Lateral Color Aberration

Correct color shift caused by chromatic aberration and reduce lateral chromatic aberration.

Movie editing functions

Trim

Use to specify and extract only the desired portion of a movie file.

Save movie frame as still image

Saves a specified movie frame as a JPEG image with the same pixel count as the original movie frame.

Improved print functions

(1) Printing date/time shot

Print the date images were captured over or below the images.

(2) Background color

Select one of four background color options for printing.

(3) Metadata

Select the shooting information to be printed with images from a detailed set of options.

(4) Header/Footer

Text can be input for use as headers and/or footers with printing

Greater collaboration with my Picturetown

Simple viewing

Images uploaded to my Picturetown can be viewed in the ViewNX 2 Browser window. This allows users to check the images uploaded to my Picturetown without opening a Web browser and entering their login e-mail address and password every time.

Simple upload to my Picturetown from ViewNX 2

Images can be uploaded from ViewNX 2 to my Picturetown using simple drag and drop operations from the folder displayed in the ViewNX 2 Browser window.

Other ViewNX 2 Functions

Files can be converted to a different format and image size can be adjusted

Aspects such as brightness, contrast, highlights and shadows can be adjusted for both JPEG and RAW images

Equipped with a variety of display modes including Thumbnail Grid, Thumbnail List, Image Viewer and Full Screen

Comprehensive RAW image processing with Exposure Comp., White Balance and Picture Control adjustments

Custom Picture Controls can be created and saved. Custom Picture Controls created with a Nikon camera can be imported into ViewNX 2 and exported to compatible cameras. (RAW images only)

Nine color labels and ratings (up to five stars can be specified) enable detailed organization and classification of images

Nikon Capture NX 2 Upgrade from Capture NX 1.xNikon Capture NX 2 Full VersionThe big news for Mac fans is that only 5 months after the launch of Snow Leopard, Nikon managed to get their software updated and compatible. Despite the tone of that sentence it is really good news, because I am seeing a huge increase in performance with this update.

From Nikon USA and a link to the download page.

If you were waiting to buy now would be a good time. Here are the links to purchase NX2.

Nikon Capture NX 2 Full Version

Nikon Capture NX 2 Upgrade from Capture NX 1.x

Macintosh:

* Compatibility with Mac OS X version 10.6.2 has been added.

* Specifications have been modified so that when 25 Photos on Page, or a higher number of photos per page, is selected for Select Layout in the Print layout dialog, the Use Thumbnail Data (Draft Use Only) box is automatically checked.

This resolves an issue that prevented printing when 25 Photos on Page, or a higher number of photos per page, was selected for Select Layout.

* Capture NX 2 would quit unexpectedly when certain settings files were applied with the Apply Settings box checked in the Watched Folder panel of the Batch Process dialog. This issue has been resolved.

* An issue that caused Capture NX 2 to freeze when switching images after the Color Picker had been opened has been resolved.

Windows:

* Compatibility with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Home Basic/ Home Premium/ Professional/ Enterprise/ Ultimate has been added. When run under 64-bit versions, the software operates as a 32-bit application.

* Compatibility with 64-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business/ Enterprise/ Ultimate (Service Pack 2) editions has been added. When run under 64-bit versions, the software operates as a 32-bit application.

* Specifications have been modified so that when 25 Photos on Page, or a higher number of photos per page, is selected for Select Layout in the Print layout dialog, the Use Thumbnail Data (Draft Use Only) box is automatically checked.

This resolves an issue that prevented printing when 25 Photos on Page, or a higher number of photos per page, was selected for Select Layout.

* An issue that caused an error message to be displayed and prevented printing when borderless settings were applied with some printers has been resolved.

* An issue that prevented accurate application of borderless print settings has been resolved.

* An issue that prevented specification of the same margin for left, right, top, and bottom margins in the Margins section of the Page Setup dialog has been resolved.

* An issue that caused a delay between clicking of the Print button and actual initiation of printing has been resolved.

* When an image was opened on some computers with AMD CPUs, Capture NX 2 quit unexpectedly. This issue has been resolved.

* An issue that caused an error message to be displayed during batch processing of a large number of files has been resolved.

* When a batch process was run with the Notify when completed box in the Processing Queue – Process Running dialog checked, a blank window was displayed. This issue has been resolved.

* When a batch process was run for multiple images with the same shooting date and time, the processed images were not saved with the correct file names. This issue has been resolved.

* An issue that caused batch processing to fail before completion when a batch process was run with certain settings has been resolved.

* An issue that caused an error message to be displayed when multiple enhancements were applied to images has been resolved.

* An issue that caused an error message to be displayed when attempting to open several images previously saved with Capture NX 2 has been resolved.

* When the Camera & Lens Corrections checkbox was checked (Develop section of Edit List), enhancements were not applied to an image opened in the image window and displayed at 100%, and the enhanced image could not be saved. This issue has been resolved.

* When image window display was maximized with Desktop selected for Window menu>Workspaces>Additional Screen for the primary monitor on a dual monitor system, the image window disappeared. This issue has been resolved.

* When the zoom tool was used to enlarge an image displayed with Full Screen or Presentation selected from the View menu, the portion of the image clicked with the zoom tool was not displayed at the center of the window. This issue has been resolved.

* An issue that prevented switching between “+” and “-“ operations when the ALT key was pressed while using the selection brush has been resolved.

* An issue that caused folders in the Capture NX 2 Folders palette to be displayed in a different order than with Windows Explorer display has been resolved.

* When the crop tool was used to select a crop and the ENTER key pressed to apply the crop, the cursor did not switch to a selection tool. This issue has been resolved.

* When a number was entered after a decimal point for some enhancement items with text boxes for entering numerical values in the Edit List, the values could not be changed. This issue has been resolved.

* When “-” (minus) was entered in the Exposure Compensation text box under Quick Fix in the Develop section of the Edit List, it was displayed in red and then “0” was displayed after a few seconds. This issue has been resolved.

Interesting highlights are improved white balance and auto-focus! Instructions and full details are on the Nikon website. Here are the links.

• Nikon D700 A/B 1.0.2
• Nikon D300S A/B 1.0.1
• Nikon D300 A/B 1.10
• Nikon D3 A/B: 2.02
• Nikon D3x B:1.01

I looked at quite a few options and read all of the reviews that I could find online. Ultimately, I chose Nikon’s GP-1. Frankly a lot of it was brand name. There are several options that all seem to work, but for ease of use and similar price, I kept the Nikon logo on my camera.

The unit is much smaller than it appears in the ads. It is about 2 inches square and 1 inch tall. It clips on to the hotshoe flash mount or on the camera strap. Obviously, you cannot use an external flash or the internal pop up flash on my D300 for that matter. I rarely use the flash anyway, but I think that I’m going to prefer the camera strap option. The reason to use the strap option is the cable from GP-1 to the 10 pin connector is a a bit unwieldy. It does make the camera look very macho, but I think It will be less obtrusive on the strap.

Initial GPS acquisition takes a few minutes depending on conditions. If you are need to grab a shot from a “cold” start you’ll not get the camera to record the GPS coordinates. Once it has the acquired the signal re-acquisition was no big deal. It flashes a red LED while searching and this turns green once it has locked on a minimum of 3 satellites. Everything is done automatically for you at this point. The GP-1 does draw power from the cameras battery and it does not have a dedicated on/off switch. You must unplug the 10 pin connector to prevent a constant drain on the battery. From what I have read this isn’t a big deal, but if you store your camera for several days between uses you’ll likely want to unplug the GP-1.

I’ve only used it once so far and get a kick out of the technology. I haven’t found my killer app for the data yet, but I know it is coming. I’ll write a follow-up once I’ve played with it for a while longer.

Here is a picture of my friend Katie and a Google map showing exactly where we were…that is very cool!

Nikon D300s

There are no really big new features in the D300S. They did add video, but that is pretty much standard now in this class of DSLR.

Here is the list of new and or upgraded features between the D300 and the D300s.

• 720p HD video, including autofocus while recording
• SD card slot in addition to existing CF slot
• Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps)
• Socket for external microphone
• Live View and Info buttons
• Discrete ‘OK’ button in multi controller
• Interactive settings display screen
• Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options
• Quiet drive mode
• Virtual horizon

You can read all of the details on the Amazon website.

Nikon D3000

The D300 is the newest entry level DSLR from Nikon replacing the D60. Same 10MP sensor and 3fps shooting. They have upgraded the LCD to 3″ and it inherits the AF system from the D5000 and D90. This should be a kick butt camera for those just moving from compact cameras to a DSLR. It will be $600 with the 18-55mm lens.

Here are the key features:

• 10.2megapixel CCD sensor. Even in low light the image resolution makes easy work of big prints and sharp enlargements.
• 11-point autofocus system. Keeps even the fastest moving subjects in focus, often the biggest challenge for compact cameras
• Fast response. The start up time and shutter lag means you can capture the shot almost instantly, without the delayed response time common of compact cameras
• Guide mode. Simply the easiest way to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
• 3-inch TFT. With pictures this good, you will need a great screen to share them with friends and family
• EXPEED image processing. Exclusive system to deliver rich, bright results close to what you saw with your own eyes
• Picture Controls. Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot
• 3 fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second
• Intuitive ergonomics. We challenge anyone to pick up a D3000 and it not to feel part of your hand
• Stylish discrete appearance. The D3000 does not become a barrier between you and your subject, resulting in natural looking expressions
• Compact, light and durable. It won’t fit in your pocket, but with pictures this good you will find a shoulder to hang it on

You can read the rest of the details and purchase one on the Amazon website.

Nikon 70-200 AF-S F2.8G ED VRII

All new optical formula which is said to improve edge sharpness especially on the FX format cameras. Nikon also claims improved VR and sharper faster auto focus. Shockingly they have made it HEAVIER than the original even though it is slightly smaller…

You can read the rest of the details on the Nikon website.

Nikon AF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VRII

Lastly and most surprising to me is the update to the 18-200mm lens although it did address the number one complaint with the lens, zoom creep. Otherwise mostly the same features.

You can read the rest of the details and order it from my Amazon store.

My take on to buy or not to buy.

• If you own a D300 there is no real need to buy the “s” version.
• If you don’t own a DSLR and cannot afford the D300s buy the D3000.
• If you own the 70-200 and you own an FX body, sorry fork it over and buy the new one.
• If you own the old 18-200mm and hate using because of the lens creep then sell it and buy the new one. If you have been on the fence about the lens, now is the time to buy.

Nikon is a great camera manufacturer, but a terrible keeper of secrets. As foretold for some time now Nikon has launched the D5000! The internet was  right on the money with a 12.3 megapixel camera with HD (720p) and an articulating 2.7″ display. Here is more complete rundown from Nikon’s US website.

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured
• D-Movie Mode with sound
  Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor
  Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping
• 19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
  Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more
• One-button Live View
  Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second
  Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
  Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
  Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free
• 11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking
  Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness
• Auto Active D-Lighting
  Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures-Selectable and Auto modes available
• In-camera Retouch image editing
  Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more-all without a computer
• Picture Control Settings for personal image control
  Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy
• Durable, high precision shutter
  Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life
• GPS geo-tagging
  GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day

At $729 bucks this is a pretty sweet deal! It will ship sometime in April.

Buy yours here and win a prize!

Here are the details from NikonUSA:

• Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
  Large 5.94µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.
• Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
  EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.
• 138 MB¹ Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
  Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.
  
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600
  Added ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 50 equivalent), Hi-1 (ISO 3200 equivalent) and Hi-2 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility.
• Two Live View shooting modes
  Two Live View modes add flexibility, and up to 27x magnification in the Tripod Mode, acute focusing accuracy is easily confirmed.
• Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
  Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities—in the studio or on location.
• Fast, accurate 51-point AF system
  AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.
• 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
  Two Nikon-exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor
  Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review.
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• Nikon Picture Control
  Four preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, and 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control.
• Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction
  Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.
• Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
• Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
• Up to 4,400 images per battery charge

The big deal for me is that when you are using auto iso you can now set the minimum shutter speed up to a 4000th. The old setting was 1/250! They also clain improved auto focus which is always welcome.

Link to the upgrade and full details about the update.

The following improvements have been made in version 1.10

- The Highlights playback display option has been moved from Display mode > Basic photo info > Highlights in the playback menu to Display mode > Detailed photo info > Highlights.
- The size and color of “Demo” displayed in the monitor with playback when No memory card? in the Custom Settings is set to Enable release, have been modified.
- The range of settings available for ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity auto control > Minimum shutter speed in the shooting menu has been increased from 1/250 – 1 s to 1/4000 – 1 s.
- When shooting in hand-held live view mode and the frame is magnified prior to autofocusing, operation has been modified so that display returns to the magnified display rather than full-frame display.
- Images captured with Rotate tall, in the playback menu, set to On are not automatically rotated for display immediately after capture (image review).
- A Copyright information item has been added to the setup menu.  When Copyright information is enabled, the copyright symbol (©) is shown in the shooting info display.
- Recent settings can now be displayed in place of My Menu.
- Custom Setting e3 Flash cntrl for built-in flash (e3 Optional flash when an optional Speedlight is mounted on the camera) can now be added to My Menu using the Add items option in My Menu from Add items > Custom setting menu > e Bracketing/flash.
- The degree of the High ISO NR setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display while the High ISO NR setting item, in the shooting menu, is being applied.
- Ankara, Riyadh, Kuwait, and Manama have been added to the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu.
- When a GPS device is used and no heading information is available, —.–° is now displayed for the Position > Heading option in the GPS item in the setup menu.
- When shooting in live view mode using Camera Control Pro 2 (Ver. 2.2.0 or later) with a PC-E lens, the aperture setting can now be adjusted from the computer.
- Focus acquisition performance in dynamic-area AF mode has been improved.
- Focus acquisition performance with contrast-detect AF has been improved.
- Auto white balance performance has been improved.
- The fourth digit in seconds display for GPS latitude and longitude information is now rounded off rather than omitted.
- The current MB-D10 battery type setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display when R6 / AA-size batteries are used with the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.
- An issue that caused an increase in noise with shooting in [M] exposure mode at a shutter speed setting of bulb with the shutter held open for less than 8 seconds and Long exp. NR enabled has been resolved.
- An issue that prevented shutter release at the specified shutter speed when no operations were performed for 30 seconds in mirror up mode has been resolved.
- An issue that caused abnormal image display when  Image review was set to On and the playback zoom in button was pressed immediately after shooting at the following settings has been resolved.
. Image quality:  NEF (RAW ) + JPEG
.  NEF (RAW) recording:  Lossless compressed or Compressed
.  Image size: S or M
- When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and the camera recovered from standby mode triggered by the auto meter off function, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed.  This issue has been resolved.

A couple of useful links to Amazon for the D300.

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Why but it? The display is world class, the high ISO capability (ISO 800 is my default setting), 52 auto ficus sensors and a great price, ~ $1800.

Here are some specs from Nikon:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor: Nikon’s exclusive digital image processing system advances DX-format image quality to new levels.
• The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection makes critical image review possible.

• Continuous shooting from 6 frames per second up to 8 frames per second*: The new optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack makes the D300 a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

  * When using the EH-5a AC adaptor or the MB-D10 multi-power battery pack with batteries other than rechargeable Li-ion En El3e.

• Low-noise files at ISO from 200-3200; The D300′s DX-format CMOS sensor, with a high signal-to-noise ratio, empowers photographers to produce exceptionally clean files from a broad 200-3200 ISO range. Expanded range of options include Lo-1(ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1(ISO 6400 equivalent).
• Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking and three dynamic AF modes: Exacting auto focus precision at blazing speeds!
• Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): The improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

• Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Concept: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED culminates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing technologies at blazing processing speeds.

• Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit-depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations as slower operating speeds.
• Dynamic integrated dust reduction system: Self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles.
• Two LiveView shooting modes: Use either hand-held or tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.
• New Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.
• Nikon’s Active D-Lighting Image enhancement: Provided on the fly while shooting, Active D-lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.
• Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism: The D300 has been tested to 150,000 cycles making it the perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and agility.

Now that set of a zillion more rumors that it was the upcoming (allegedly) D3X. Now comes the newest and greatest rumor, a medium format 48 meegapixel format. YOWZER, call your Swiss banker for that beasty!

One from a blogger that prefers anonymity:

A relatively compact traditional “medium format-esque” camera in a new camera line that will beaimed at studio, portrait, landscape and wedding photographers needs, with a more affordable price point than present larger format digital backs. This will allow the continuation of the D line as the sports and news photographers choice, expanding on the D3 with an upgrade to a 24mp sensor (hopefully available for the D3 body!) and future plans for 60 frame rate video recording modes in future models.

to think of the quality of the home movie. Hmm, 720p HD movie shot with a 600mm lens could actually be kinda kewl. Perhaps this is a interesting choice for a back up camera after all! The price is going to around $1000.

Key features from NIkon’s website:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor: Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing technologies and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking image fidelity is assured.

• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second: Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.

• D-Movie Mode—Cinematic 24fps HD with sound: Record cinematic-quality movie clips at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.

• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200: High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO setting.

• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor: High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.

• Built-in image sensor cleaning: Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low pass filter.

• 11-point AF system with Face Priority: Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.

• One-button Live View: Easy to use Live View activates access to 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.

• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System: Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.

• Comprehensive exposure control: Five advanced scene modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

• Auto Active D-Lighting: Selectable and Automatic, Active D-Lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrast situations in real time.

• Durable, high precision shutter: Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.

• In-Camera Image Editing: Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.

• GPS geo-tagging: GP-1 GPS unit (optional) provides automatic real-time geo-tagging

Here is some more information from Amazon.

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Opteka Battery Pack Grip for Nikon D80 & D90 Digital SLR with 2 EN-EL3e Batteries (3400 mAh Total)

An excerpt from the Nikon press release:

“Nikon is proud to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S60 – an advanced and stylish compact digital camera featuring a large 3.5-inch wide-screen LCD monitor with unique touch-panel control. Its 10-megapixel resolution offers clear, high-quality pictures with a NIKKOR 5x zoom lens for dynamic telephoto shooting. Quality shots are ensured through its Vibration Reduction capability and high ISO sensitivity. The COOLPIX S60 offers advanced features, such as Scene Auto Selector, enhanced Face Recognition, Smile Timer with blink detection, time-lapse movies, in-camera retouch and HDMi output.”

Read the full deatils at Nikon USA.

Nikon Coolpix S60 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Crimson Red)

Thom Hogan wrote an article on his site last week about Nikon shooting themselves in the foot with all of this double top secret software and while I thought it was interesting with good points, it didn’t really move me until I saw this one. The only thing that I can think is that Microsoft (the format creator) gave Nikon a whole bucket of money for deploying yet another standard. So depite the great specs, I’ll on pass on this one. My little silent protest about this software “philosophy”.

Here are some details from DP Review:

Nikon has announced its flagship compact, the Coolpix P6000. Built around a 13.5 megapixel, 1/1.72 inch sensor (0.41 square cm), the camera has a 4x zoom starting at a respectably wide-angle – equivalent to 28mm. It also records RAW files in a new NRW format that can be converted in-camera or with the forthcoming Windows version of View NX or Windows Imaging Component compatible applications. The other stand-out feature is the inclusion of built-in GPS logging of the locations at which images were recorded. It is expected to start shipping in September for around $500.Full specs are here from Nikon

Nikon Coolpix P6000 13.5MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

From Nikon’s Website

The following information pertains to the D3 digital-SLR camera buffer memory expansion service. When buffer memory is expanded, the number of shots possible with a single burst of continuous shooting is increased. This increase in shooting performance will expand the range of shooting possibilities. See the chart below for more details.

Fee and Return
The cost is $500.00 plus your state tax. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs. Please allow up to two weeks time for the Buffer Memory Expansion service; should more time be required, the user will be informed.

Taking advantage of the buffer memory expansion service
Requests for Buffer Memory Expansion service will be accepted beginning July 30, 2008. Before sending your camera, please note all of your settings as this service will reset the camera to the original, default settings. This service will only be performed by Nikon Inc. service facilities in Melville or El Segundo.

Shipping your D3 to a Nikon service facility
To submit your D3 for this enhancement, please view this link http://form.nikonimagesvcapprove.com and fill in the attached service document. Indicate the item is a “Digital SLR”, select “D3″ on the drop down list, enter your serial number, and indicate “Buffer Upgrade” under the problem description field. This service form will provide you with a print-out for reference and an address label to use on the shipping box. It also automatically chooses which service facility is closest to your location. If there are any additional questions, please call 1-800-645-6687.