The Nikon D300 camera

You can find much better reviews on this camera on the internet (see the sites I mention in the forums section)

but here is my personal opinion about the pre-released information.

You can also have a look at the suggestions I made to Nikon (well, I don't know if they ever read this): Suggestions to Nikon for a D200s

First of all, the main differences with the D200...

• 12 megapixels instead of 10 on the D200.
• High resolution rear LCD (900.000 pixels) - incredible clarity
• 100% viewfinder (improved vs the D200, already exceptional in the category)
• 5 fps and up to 8 fps with the optional grip - incredible speed for a camera at that price
• new professional spec AF system 51 sensors, 11 cross sensors and presumably very high speed
• life view mode allowing to use the rear LCD to focus for macro for instance (tripod mode also available) - this includes the capability to zoom while focusing (based on contrast in picture) - there is also an intermediate mode with the mirror going up to focus (using the AF-on button)
• the "gadget" post processing modes introduced on the D40 and the D80 have been added, including a new dynamic D-light function. This allows to dynamically process the shadows and highlights. This function seems to be underestimated in most reviews I have seen. I expect it to increase the available dynamic range.
• 14 bits depth available (but this slows down the whole process)

The things we don't know yet:

• High ISO actual performance
• actual AF performance with non-motorized lenses (old AF)
• power management/battery performance
• price for the optional grip is not yet known

The remaining issues (things Nikon should have done and didn't) - my personal opinion.

• The bank switching mechanism is still useless based on the published information so far.
• The battery grip concept is a bit illogical - a battery in the body - need to remove the grip to charge that battery - the second battery is in the grip itself