After Canon’s introduction of the EOS 40D and EOS 1Ds Mark III, it only seems proper that Nikon responds with their own introduction, finally announcing the heavily rumored D300 and Nikon’s first full frame digital SLR, the D3.

Here are the key features for the D300:

• 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor.
• New Expeed image processing system.
• ISO range from 200-3200 (100-6400 with boost).
• 6 fps continuous shooting (up to 8 fps with external Multi Power Battery Pack).
• 51-point auto-focusing system.
• New scene recognition system that automatically determines exposure, white balance, and focusing.
• Gorgeous 3″ LCD with 920,000 dot resolution.
• LiveView shooting with Tripod and Handheld modes.
• Active D-Lighting that enhances contrast in shadows and highlights.
• Self-cleaning sensor unit that utilizes four different resonance frequencies to shake the dust from the sensor.
• HDMI video output.
• UDMA Compact Flash card support.
• Priced around $1800, available in November.

And for the flagship D3:

• 12.1 megapixel FX-format full-frame CMOS sensor.
• New Expeed image processing system.
• ISO range from 200-6400 (100-12800 with boost).
• 9 fps continuous shooting (up to 11 fps with DX format at 5.1 megapixels).
• 51-point auto-focusing system.
• New scene recognition system that automatically determines exposure, white balance, and focusing.
• Gorgeous 3″ LCD with 920,000 dot resolution.
• LiveView shooting with Tripod and Handheld modes.
• Active D-Lighting that enhances contrast in shadows and highlights.
• Self-cleaning sensor unit that utilizes four different resonance frequencies to shake the dust from the sensor.
• HDMI video output.
• Dual UDMA Compact Flash card support.
• Priced around $5000, available in November.

It’s been a long time coming.

More at DPReview (D300, D3), PopPhoto (D300, D3), Nikon Press Release.

Technorati Tags: Nikon D3, D300, EXPEED