There is no question in my mind that Canon is the most adventuresome and creative company producing digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLRs). While all other SLR manufacturers were happily pursuing sub-full frame digital SLR technologies, Canon took its chances when it introduced a 35mm full frame DSLR sensor in its EOS 1Ds camera in 2003. Kodak beat Canon to the finish line the previous year with its Nikon body-based 14n. Today, however, while Kodak continues to manufacture camera sensors, it no long makes DSLRs. On the other hand, Canon’s 1Ds line lives on. The latest to bear 1Ds badge was released this week, the, gulp, 20.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark III. The camera will ship in November at the same price as its predecessor the 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II.

Canon’s EOS-1Ds Mark III comin’ at ya.

That would have been enough, but Canon also decided to update its sub full frame EOS D30, announcing its replacement, the D40, this week. In some features, the D30 lagged behind Canon’s lowest end, less expensive DSLR, the Digital Rebel XTi. The D40 catches up to the XTi in megapixels, 10.1 vs. the D30’s 8.2. And, it surpasses the older camera in other areas, while the price remains about the same as the D30s. Not quite as dazzling as the 1Ds Mark III, but still good for those who want a solid DSLR that competes well with Nikon’s similarly priced D200. The D40 will be available for early September delivery.

Canon’s EOS 40D replaces the 30D.

Woops. Just in, Nikon has announced its new D300 with a 12 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit analogue to digital conversion and a 922,000 3 inch live view display. It’ll be available in November. This camera competes with Canon’s D5, which sells for almost twice as much as the D300. Way to go Nikon!!! Welcome to the full frame world.

Here’s the newly announced D300. Watch this site for more on this spectacular new camera from Nikon.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the new Canon DSLRs and at the new features they offer.