Nikon D300 sticks in many ways to the body design and interface of its predecessor. Although its upgraded features are noticeable, the model is almost identical with the D200. The camera however presents more focus areas, faster shoot speeds, and better resolution. The other obvious differences are the camera’s 3-inch colour LCD screen, upgraded ASIC processor new Expeed technology, large 12.3Mp CMOS DX sensor, 51 focus points AF system, and self cleaning sensor with four active vibration points.

The D300 weighs considerably heavier. This characteristic however enables the user to feel that it is a camera that offers great things. When it comes to texture, the D300 has a remarkable grip and provides a comfortable touch to the hands. To enable control of the shutter speed and aperture, two selector dials are located around the shutter release. With a distinct screen for modifying ISO, Resolution and White balance below, the 3in LCD screen looks prominent at the rear of the camera. An interesting part of it is that its screen does not have motion blur and is remarkably bright. Images cannot be continuously taken with the screen because the camera’s live view feature is not continuous. Instead, it must be focused first before the screen enables. Just like most of the camera brands nowadays, it can be connected to a PC thus enabling the user to view images from the PC screen.

Nikon first announced the development of the AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF in February 2002, with the lens becoming available to buy in April 2003. Billed by Nikon as a 'compact, lightweight' fast telephoto, the lens features a complex optical design of 21 elements in 15 groups, including no fewer than 5 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements for the correction of aberrations. It improves on its predecessor, the AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8G, mainly by incorporating an optical image stabilisation unit (or in Nikon speak, 'vibration reduction'), allowing hand holding at shutter speeds up to three stops lower than normal without image degradation due to camera shake.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 class of fast telephoto zoom is (along with the fast standard zoom) one of the key workhorse lenses for the working photographer, and is used for a huge range of applications. From weddings and portraits, though events and journalism, to sports and wildlife, this lens will be a mainstay of many a professional, and therefore needs to perform impeccably across almost every imaginable situation. And naturally this lens is not just the preserve of working pros; keen (and well-heeled) amateurs will also value the flexibility and sheer optical quality promised by a top notch fast telezoom.

Nikon Corporation has launched the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the world’s first macro lens equipped with Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) systems.

The new lens offers a host of Nikon's advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) . The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.

Importantly, the lens has been specifically developed to meet user demand for a 105mm macro lens equipped with SWM, IF and VR features.

The SWM ensures fast and quiet auto-focusing and the ability to switch rapidly between autofocus and manual operation. The IF system offers a non-rotating front lens element that makes it easy to fit and use circular polarising filters.

Introducing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800, an intelligent, flexible breakthrough in flash photography that forms the heart of a new Creative Lighting System. Refined digital performance and new technologies to make complex multiple flash exposures as simple as using a single on camera flash unit.

Intelligent, innovative, indispensable

The new Speedlight SB-800 introduces a number of refinements to D-TTL flash performance technologies, Nikon term i-TTL.

Flash Colour Information Communication

A new system designed to improve AWB (Auto White Balance) irrespective of flash output duration. Until now flash lighting can exhibit changes to AWB depending on flash to subject distances. Long (distant) duration outputs tend to be redder, short (close) durations tend to the bluer end of the spectrum.

The new SB-800 incorporates systems that communicate flash output information during exposures to the image processing ‘engine’ of the new Nikon D2H Digital SLR.

The principle is to deliver uniform AWB results during flash exposures of varying subject distances.

Flash value Lock (FV-Lock)

The SB-800 introduces a new FV-Lock function that enables the user to ‘lock’ flash output over a sequence of shots, in the same way and using the same camera body button as the AE-Lock (AE-L) function used for ambient exposure lock.

The Epson R2400 is the new workhorse printer for the Story Photography studio, beating out the latest offerings from Canon and HP. I had a chance to get to know the R2400 during this past rainy weekend, and I thought I pass along my first impressions.

I based my buying decision on a few key factors. First, I was impressed with the new UltraChrome K3 inks. They are beautiful and take archival permanence to a new level... 100 years plus. Second, Epson's downloadable ICC Printer Profiles enable me to get perfect color matching right out of the box. Why every printer manufacturer doesn't provide these is beyond me. Third, Epson's printer software for both Mac and Windows is excellent and easy to use. And finally, the B&W output from the R2400 is gorgeous.

The R2400 comes with a FireWire cable, but since I'm often printing from a PowerBook that only has one FireWire 400 port, I opted to use my own USB cable. The printer works equally well via FireWire or USB 2.0. A full set of K3 cartridges comes with the unit, so you can fully set up and test without having to buy ink. I have an extra set, but after a weekend of printing both B&W and color, I haven't had to replace any of the 9 colors yet.