Nikon still optimizing the D300 firmware

According to this thread at Dpreview Nikon is still optimizing the D300 firmware and we will have to wait further two weeks until we see high ISO images made with the D300 on Nikons site. If this it true, I wonder if they will keep their shipment shedule…

BTW,  for all those still hungry for samples from the D3, this thread also contains a picture made with the D3 at ISO1600.

Delivery dates for all the new toys

Today Nikon announced delivery dates for all the new toys (Nikon D3, D300, all the lenses), at least for Japan:

D3: November 30th
D300: November 23rd
14-24, 24-70, 400VR: November 30th
500VR, 600VR: January 2008

And Capture NX is free for the first 300,000 D3 and D300!

Interview with Nikon about the D300

A japanese site features an interview with someone from the Nikon D300 development team (automatic translation to English by Google found here). Some interesting statements:

“a) they expect the high ISO noise performance to be more than 1 stop better than D200

b) they admit that the sensor is supplied by Sony. Although they say that the spec and the QC is done to Nikon’s standard.

c) they recognise that there is a market need for a lens similar to Ai Nikkor 45mm F2.8P, or other fast primes (to be upgraded).

d) The most difficult thing about providing a 100% view finder in a camera is the skill required in calibrating the viewer. Previously, it was only possible to manufacture units required for 100% view finder in their Japanese factory.”

Many more samples

 A new comparision between D200 and D300 (70-200/2.8 at 200mm, ISO1600).

Some new D300 and D3 samples.

And additional ones from a Paris show

Comparision D200/D300 and more D3 pics

To bridge the time until D3/D300 are delivered here is a comparision D200/D300 on a Czech site and some more photos made with the D3

The photographer answers some questions regarding his comparision at the Dpreview forum in this thread.