The Nikon D300s has been announced today as being the latest update in the serious amateur – professional line of DSLR cameras.  This means a delay for the launch of the Nikon D400, which will now probably have to wait at least 6 months before they would even consider releasing it.  On the plus side, the D300s does come with some noticeable improvements on the Nikon D300, as follows:

• 720p HD video, with active recording auto-focus
• SD card slot (D300 only had a CF slot, D300s has both)
• 1fps faster continuous shooting (7fps vs 6fps)
• Jack for external microphone
• Addition of Live View/Info buttons
• ‘OK’ button in multi controller
• Interactive settings display screen
• Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options
• Quiet drive mode
• Virtual horizon

Now the biggest in that list in my mind is the addition of 720p HD video, which when paired with the auto-focus while recording makes for a pretty impressive boost.  Its not 1080p, but they do have to leave some room for improvement there.  the virtual horizon feature is a nice touch, allowing you to confirm that you are taking a shot on the level.  Though nowadays there are tonnes of programs out there that can straighten out a crooked photo, it is always better to take the level shot in the first place.  The addition of the SD card slot is a nice feature, but realistically I don’t see it as a huge bonus, though I can see how other people would like the feature immensely.  Apart from being a more common mass storage type, SD cards are slower and seem to cost more than CF.  The SD card readers are noticeably more common though, which accounts for the feature in my eyes.

Now, the Nikon D300s is retailing at different stores at different times.  At this point I’m not sure if I want to go ahead and buy the D300s, or wait it out for the D400…  The improvements to the D300 have made it much more difficult a decision.  Though my decision is not yet made (and I expect I’ll be trying desperately to get my hands on one to try it out), you may want to buy one.  If so, here are some places at which they will be for sale:

• Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk – $1799.95, £1,499.99, PRE ORDER AVAILABLE, Shipping date 13 Sep 2009 in US, 28 Aug 2009 in UK, Kits may be added at a later date, FREE SHIPPING.
• B & H Photo – $1799.95 -  Estimated availability, September 2009.
• Ebay.com, Ebay.ca, Ebay.uk, Ebay.au – Availability and price varies

Now you can buy from whomever you like, but if you buy from one of those sites after clicking those links, I do get a small commission which helps to keep this site up and going.  If you decide to purchase the D300s, and you’ve found this site useful, please use those links, it is much appreciated.