Alright, so, first, of course, we have the D700:

Body based on the D300. So, all the semi-pro features, and pro weather sealing, etc. etc. 95% viewfinder coverage and 0.72x magnification puts it riiight around the size of the Canon 5D's viewfinder, just a tad smaller than the D3's viewfinder.

Sensor of a D3. And that's about all there is to it. 5 FPS in FX mode, 8 FPS in FX mode with the battery grip.

Also, it looks as if Nikon has gone to town with customizability. Apparently you have the ability to assign ANY menu item to the func. button. The DOF preview button and AF-L/AE-L buttons are also customizable, something I already love on my D300...

The body should cost $2999 USA, and will be available as early as July 25th. WOW, Nikon, WOW. That is the most impressive "spec" of the whole day! Near-immediate availability!

And now, the exciting part, the SB900.

~ 17-200mm zoom coverage, without even using the wide angle diffuser. Wow.

~ Multiple AF-assist patterns, for different kinds of focusing. I think that means you can still use it with off-center focus points, YESSSS...

~ It automatically detects whether you're using FX or DX, and adjusts the flash zoom accordingly. (If it is pointed straight forward, I assume.)

~ A faster recycle time. Yay. No need for that oddball 5th battery!

~ A thermal (overheating) sensor that stops the flash if there is a danger of burning it out

~ Automatic incandescent and fluorescent gel filter recognition, to help set camera white balance. WOW, how the heck did they do THAT???

~ A manual on / off / master / remote switch, YESSSSSSS YES YES YES!!!!111!!!!!11!!!!! (just like Canon USED to have, on flashes like the 430...)

~ A command dial, like Canon has. Woohoo.

~ 180 degree rotation in both directions, FINALLY, like Canon has had for a while. Sheesh...

~ Optional weather guards, for either the D3, D700, or D300. I guess that means it goes over the hotshoe connector. Not nearly as cool as Canon's 580 mk2, but still useful.

This is pretty much the ultimate flash unit. I want two of them. Anybody wanna buy an SB800? I REALLY look forward to being able to switch from commander to remote with the flip of a switch, I mean you have NO IDEA how much I look forward to this.

The only problem is that Nikon will probably try and get away with charging $500 or so for the SB900 initially, like Canon did with the 580 EX mk2. One can only hope that the price will drop like a rock after a year or so, as with the Canon.

Take care all! I'm VERY excited to see what CANON does now! The 5D mk2 should be juuuuust around the corner, and it should probably ROCK for maybe $500+ LESS than the D700...

Also, we still have the Nikon D90 and D3X to enjoy, soon. Probably later this summer, just before Photokina in the fall.

=Matt=