Nikon’s Awesome Foursome

Nikon launch two new lenses and two high-profile camera bodies.
• Flagship DX DSLR revealed as 12.3-Megapixel D300s
• Entry-level D3000 with helpful on-screen guide
• Nikkor 18-200mm lens now features Vibration Reduction
• Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 gets total overhaul with seven ED glass elements

Nikon launch two new lenses and two high-profile camera bodies. • Flagship DX DSLR revealed as 12.3-Megapixel D300s • Entry-level D3000 with helpful on-screen guide • Nikkor 18-200mm lens now features Vibration Reduction • Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 gets total overhaul with seven ED glass elements Massive news for Nikon users as confirmation of two new lenses and two DSLR cameras hit the airwaves. First up, and of most interest to the brand’s followers is the Nikon D300s. An improvement on the popular D300, the DX-format 12.3-megapixel DLSR now features HD video and can capture seven frames per second or eight frames per second when using a battery grip. Data can be directed to an SD or CF card and a variety of in-camera processing tools now includes an image resize function to process RAW files to one of four pre-set dimensions to enable to do more in camera, and less on the PC. The D300s will retail at £1499 and goes on sale from 28 August, 2009. Beginner photographers now have the new D3000 to add to their ‘potential buys’ list. The 10.2-megapixel aims to make photography easy, and this statement is backed up by a new Guide mode, which gives visual demonstrations on the cameras LCD screen to help you pre-visualise the end result. An 11-point autofocus system and 3-inch LCD screen are just some of the features packed in to this appealing DSLR. Priced at £499 with an 18-55mm VR lens included, or £429 for the body only, the D3000 is on sale from 28 August, 2009. The DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II superzoom replaces the popular 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6ED and Nikon believe this is the perfect lens for ‘anyone on the move and travelling light’. Improvements include a zoom lock, to secure the lens while in transit and an improved element coating called Super Integrated Coating. The superzoom also includes Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VRII) technology, giving users the ability to shoot at shutter speeds of up to four stops slower than would be otherwise possible. The lens will retail at £729 and goes on sale from 4 September, 2009. The last offering from Nikon is the new Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8ED VRII, which has be totally redesigned. The first Nikkor lens to feature seven ED glass elements, this lens is aimed at the sports photographer market and includes Nikon’s anti-reflection Nano Crystal coating to reduce flare. Three focus modes are available; A/M, M/A and M, with the A/M function enabling autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Priced at £1999, the lens goes on sale in November, 2009.