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The D300 supersedes the hugely popular D200, and has a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, producing best-quality images with a resolution of 4,288 x 2,848.

The D300 is notable for its myriad similarities to the 40D; it emphasises speed with a burst mode of up to 8 frames per second (to the 40D's 6.5), and has a weatherproof magnesium-alloy body for outdoor work. Like the 40D, the LCD on the back is a 3in model, but unlike Canon's offering there's no live preview mode.

Nikon has also matched Canon with the announcement of a high-end professional camera.

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The D3 lacks the super-high megapixel count of the 21-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mk III, weighing in with just 12.2 megapixels, but there's plenty here to tempt professionals.

The sensor is a full-frame unit dubbed FX by Nikon, measuring 36 x 23.9mm; virtually the same dimensions as traditional film. In full-frame mode the D3 shoots 9fps, rising to 11fps when the sensor crops down to DX mode.

The D3 is Nikon's attempt to win back some of the professional market from Canon, with a company spokesperson saying that although "lenses around the football field do not represent our position, that visible share is important to us." To that end, Nikon also announced a new professional support package; everyone who buys a Nikon DSLR and registers it with Nikon's website receives an extra year's warranty.

Full details on the Nikon D300 can be found here.

Full details on the D3 can be found here.