Nikon D3S

Nikon is all about the "S" here in 2009. Nikon's newest pro-level DSLR
checks in at $5199.95, which is about $200 more than its predecessor, the
D3. Notable upgrades come in the form of an HD video mode capable of
capturing 1280 x 720 (720p) footage at 24 fps.

There have also been some substantial upgrades in the ISO department. They
have added a ISO 100 setting on the low end, as well as expanded sensitivity
settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, 51,200, and an impressive 102,400.

At the heart of the D3S is a newly-designed FX-format 36x23.9mm CMOS sensor
that boasts the same pixel size and 12.1-megapixel resolution as the D3.
They claim the new design gives it a higher signal-to-noise ratio as well as
an "unmatched" dynamic range for both stills and video.

Other upgrades include a self-cleaning optical low-pass filter that
oscillates to shake off particles.

There's also a monaural microphone built-in, as well as an input for a
stereo microphone if you want higher fidelity sound with your video.

All in all, the changes are few, but also quite signiicant. The increased
sensitivity alone is groundbreaking, marking the first time any camera has
allowed an ISO over 100,000. Photos are sure to be quite noisy at that
level, but will let you capture images that weren't possible before this
camera came along.

You can expect the D3S to show up at your Nikon dealer by the end of
November.

-- 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (36x23.9mm)
-- ISO range from the equivalent of 100 all the way to the equivalent of
102,400
-- Self-cleaning optical low-pass filter
-- Quieter shutter noise
-- HD video recording up to 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps
-- Full aperture control from f/1.4 to f/16 in video mode
-- Full-res image capture at 9 fps in FX format or 11 fps in DX crop mode
-- 1.2x crop mode
-- 2 UMDA compatible CompactFlash card slots for consecutive recording or
simultatneous recording
-- HDMI-out port
-- Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module with 51 AF points: 15 cross type sensors
and 36 horizontal sensors
-- Three AF modes: Single point, dynamic area AF, and auto-area AF
-- Live View mode
-- Latest generation EXPEED Image Processing System provides faster
processing and lower power consumption
-- 3D Color Matrix Metering II references the scene against 30,000 images in
its internal database to calculate correct exposure
-- Moisture-, dust-, and shock-resistant body with a shutter system tested
to 300,000 cycles
-- 100% viewfinder with .7x magnification
-- 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution
-- Up to 4200 shots per single battery charge

Canon 1D Mark IV

If you have been waiting for Canon to unleash an update at the top of their
DSLR line-up, you might want to get that credit card ready. As the name
would suggest, this $4999 body is a follow up to the 1D Mark III, to which
it's almost physically identical.

Inside, however, lives a completely new 16.1-megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor.
The pixels are actually smaller than they were on the Mark III (5.7 microns
down from 7.2), but Canon claims to have actually reduced noise levels.
We're certainly glad to hear it, because the expanded ISO range goes from 50
all the way up to the 102,400 mark hit last week by Nikon's D3S.

The Mark IV has also received the full HD video capture treatment, sporting
a list of video features similar to that of the 7D. It's capable of full
1080p HD at 30 fps and 24 fps, but can churn out 60 fps if you're willing to
settle for 720p.

The autofocus system has also been completely redesigned, boasting 45
selectable points. Dual Digic 4 processors help faster frame rates when
shooting stills, maxing out at 10 fps for up to 28 frames in RAW mode.
Shooting JPEG? You can get up to 121 before you run out of clicks.

On first look, this body sure looks like a real winner. Having seen some of
the low-light video footage shot with it, we wouldn't be surprised to see
these making their way into the bags of pro video shooters as well as pro
photographers.

-- Redesigned autofocus system has 45 AF points including 39 high-precision
cross-type focusing points for tracking moving objects
-- 10 fps in still image mode
-- New AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm improves responsiveness
and stability
-- Native ISO settings from 100 to 12,800. Expanded settings go down to 50
and up to 25,600, 51,200 and 102,400
-- Full 1080p video capture with total manual exposure controls
-- Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or
30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94)
-- Three RAW modes: Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx.
nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels)
-- Peripheral Illumination Correction corrects for light drop off around the
edges of the frame that can happen at a lense's widest aperture
-- 3-inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot resolution
-- Completely weather-resistant, made from magnesium-alloy
-- Compatible with Canon's new WFT-E2 IIA Wireless File Transmitter for
sending files directly to a computer. It also allows you to fire the shutter
using the web.
-- Available in December. Body only, $4999