Nikon releases D300s with HD video

The rumors have been flying, and now Nikon confirms the arrival of the D300s. It takes its place in Nikon's prosumer series of digital SLRs, updating the original D300 with 720p HD video recording and faster continuous shooting. Though a couple of other light changes have been made, much of the technology of the D300s has been carried over from the original.

At the heart of the Nikon D300s is the 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that was on board the D300. Also retained from the previous model is a 3.0 inch, 920,000 dot LCD and a 51-point auto focus system.

So what's new? The D300s will record 720p HD video at 24 fps with stereo microphone input. Continuous shooting has been bumped up from 6 fps to 7, and Nikon has added one-button Live View to the D300s.

The new DSLR will also offer dual compatibility with Compact Flash and SD storage media. Users will be able to record data to each card with different options available, such as saving RAW files to one and JPEG files to the other.

The D300s will also offer for the first time Active D-Lighting bracketing. This function automatically corrects high-contrast images to bring out detail lost in shadows, and the bracketing capability will allow the photographer to capture up to five frames showing different levels of D-Lighting.

Another new feature is Quiet Shutter Release mode. When activated, this function should reduce the amount of sound the shutter makes.

Pricing and availability
The Nikon D300s DSLR should arrive in stores in late August to the tune of $1799.95.