Nikon's turn to impress...

As expected, Nikon has released the D300. And what an awesome camera. Overall, it beats the Canon specs, but it also comes at a price about 40% more.

I said this about the Canon 40D:

* 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
* 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs
* New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
* 3.0” LCD with Live View mode

Now for the Nikon D300, in comparison:

* 12.3 Megapixel DX CMOS sensor (nearly the same size as APS-C, if not identical)
* 6 fps continuous shooting (8 with battery pack), max. burst 100 JPEGs
* 51 point autofocus with 15 cross type sensors!!!!
* 3.0” Hi-definition LCD with Live View mode
* ISO 3200 (normal) or ISO 6400 (boost)!!!!!!!!

Basically the D300 beats the Canon on all fronts. And the ISO performance is astounding! Nikon have just upped the ante, and made Canon look the fool here. And the Nikon bodies generally handle way better than the Canons. Of course, the Canon 40D will always have a market, after all, it's 40% cheaper than the D300.

Updated prices for comparison (body only):

Canon 30D: ~HK$7500-9000
Canon 40D: ~HK$10000
Nikon D80: ~HK$7000
Nikon D200: ~HK$11000-13000
Nikon D300: ~HK$14000
Pentax K10D: ~HK$6000-7000
Sony Alpha ("Advanced Amateur"): ???

Come on, Sony, let's see what you've got. People are saying "D300 specs at 40D price". That would be nice, indeed.