The camera, unveiled yesterday to the press, builds on the D300 with a faster frame rate of 7fps and dual Compact Flash and SD memory card slots, while keeping the same DX-format 12.3 million pixel resolution CMOS sensor and the 51-point autofocus system.

The camera's sensor offers an ISO sensitivity range of 200-3200, which can be expanded to ISO100 and ISO6400 equivalent in the LO 1 and HI 1 modes respectively. The image's data is transferred using 14-bit integrated A/D conversation with subsequent processing handled at 16 bits. The D300s also sports Nikon's Expeed image processing engine, a scene recognition system and a face detection feature that allows users to instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode.

The D300s features a bright viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, a 3-inch LCD monitor and a built-in flash with 16mm lens coverage. The camera keeps its predecessor's Multi-Cam 3500DX autofocus sensor module, allowing users to benefit from 51 autofocus points.

Improving from the D300's frame rate, the D300s can shoot up to 7fps using its original battery or up to 8fps with the MB-D10 battery. The camera now features two storage slots for Compact Flash and SD memory cards.

However, the biggest improvement over the D300, while expected, is the inclusion of a high-definition 1280x720p video mode. Shooting at the 24fps speed, the camera's new mode also allows photographers to plug-in an external stereo microphone similarly to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Nikon has also added a virtual horizontal display to help photographers ensure they shoot stable videos.

Nikon UK's group marketing manager Jeremy Gilbert also confirms that the D300s features audio sensitivity controls. 'You can set up the audio levels before recording,' he says.

The D300s keeps its predecessor's size while adding 40g in weigh. It will retail from 28 August at £1500 body only. For more details, visit nikon.co.uk.

To view more than 20 product shots, visit our blog, 1854, here.