Nikon D3x

Information and reviews of Nikon’s D3x

D3x Reviews / Info

> points to latest new

• Latest Information 
• Press releases EU / US
• D3x Specifications
• Camera Images
• Nikon UK D3x page
• Nikon US D3x page
• D3x Nikon site / ‘on assignment’
• Full Res image samples
• Sample images PB / FA
• 28-page PDF D3x brochure
• D3 Comparative specifications 
• Articles – TH / RG
• Pre release info and rumours
• D3x video (warning – bad production/sound :-)
• Capture NX v2.1.1 (Mac) / Capture NX v2.1.1 (Win)
• Camera Control Pro v2.4.0 (Mac) / Camera Control Pro v2.4.0 (Win)
• More Nikon samples

Contd.

• Lots of test and sample images [IR]
• Reviews (‘preview’) TR / WE / CN / DR
• Samples and D3/D3x comparison
• D3x DxO sensor data
• Rewritten Thom Hogan review
• > DPReview reviews the D3x

Latest

2009 February 

19th DPReview has a full D3x review

Conclusion – Pros

At low ISOs clean, artifact-free output with class-leading pixel-level detail
Resolution up with the very best
Efficient D-Lighting preserves extra highlight detail (although the effect is fairly subtle)
Good High ISO/noise performance, usable results up to very high sensitivities
Plenty of RAW headroom with surprisingly good highlight recovery potential
Superb build quality, weather-sealed magnesium body
Excellent ergonomics and abundance of external controls
Intuitive menu structure and control layout, consistent across Nikon ‘Pro’ line

Two control panels and shooting information display provide lots of information
Huge viewfinder
Almost endless customization possibilities
Superb 51 point AF system, very flexible and quick, especially when combined with Nikon’s AF-S lenses
Very fast operation throughout, good file writing and processing times
Good continuous shooting considering the file size, 7fps in DX mode
Supports DX lenses, switches automatically to crop mode when DX lens is attached
Dual CF card slot, highly configurable
Excellent high-resolution 3.0″ screen
Dual battery charger as standard
HDMI video output
Optional wireless WiFi transmitter (802.11 b/g)
User-definable noise reduction gives optimal control over NR
Efficient anti-vignetting system
Extensive battery information display (% charge, shots, aging)
Range of useful features such as virtual horizon, help system, Active D-Lighting, Overlay, Multiple exposures, intervalometer and built-in chromatic aberration reduction

Conclusion – Cons

Self-Timer cannot be used in Live-View
Image parameters only offer limited latitude of adjustment
Unreliable Auto White Balance in artificial light
Steep JPEG tone curve can lead to clipped highlights
Slight tendency to overexpose flash images at short subject distance (tested with SB-900)
Focus points somewhat concentrated in the center of the frame
No in-camera dust removal system
RAW processing requires substantial computing power
Not exactly a bargain

> reviews update

January 29th It seem that Thom Hogan got a duff D3x originally, and after getting a new one has rewriiten much of his review.

We hope to have one here before long to test – however we probably won’t be shooting resolution charts and all that other fun stuff Thom includes in his review

> reviews update

15th DxO publish their latest sensor data and the D3X is the best yet.

13th Prices going up, due to currency fluctuations

In the UK the D3X is up by £500

Latest UK price list [PDF]

2008 December 31st Comparison info added above

27th Prices are starting to come down a bit, with a few suppliers coming in at ~$7500

Some early preview/review info added above

22nd I just had a flyer from Calumet (UK) promoting 24 month interest free credit on the D3x

21st A D3x has appeared on eBay already – this is perhaps not the camera to make a fortune selling an early example…

Sample images added above.

20th I had a comment that several UK dealers have the camera in stock, and that’s never been seen before at the launch of a top end Nikon camera.

19th Sure enough, some people actually get some cameras today. As you’d expect, people are clamouring for sample images on forums – even though viewing in such circumstances gives virtually no useful information for comparative purposes :-)

14th Some direct A900/D3x comparisons [FA]

More samples added above.

11th Nikon update Capture NX and Camera Control Pro software – supports D3X

8th Advice on how not to film a product promo/review… see above ;-)

5th Nikon revised the sensor pitch info they had put out to 5.94µm – the same as the A900. I don’t think you could get much money betting against it being a Sony made sensor, but with Nikon ‘pixie dust’.

3rd Not much news about the D3x – although the forums are still well fired up about the price ;-)

2nd We’ll continue to update the list above with samples and reviews as we find them. Also we’ll add any delivery/ ordering info we get here.

1st Official Nikon announcement – just as everyone thought :-)

Due to ship in December at $8000. In the UK, the only price I’ve seen so far is £5500 (list is £5500 and 7728 Euros)

In Japan, Yodobashi Camera lists the D3x release date as December 19th. Amazon in the UK (below) are saying UK release is 10th December and in the US it says ‘ships 1-3 weeks’

Key Features

24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
ISO 100 – 1600: extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent).
5fps consecutive shooting (7fps in DX Crop mode)
EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various colour modes.
920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
Durable magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
Battery EN-EL4a PSU EH-6 AC adapter
Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

Camera Images

Full size versions

D3x Press release information

Europe version

US version

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, colour depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today’s photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”
Image Quality Takes Center Stage

To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding colour reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X’s flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed

In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEEDTM Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise colour reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image colour parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate colour and fine details. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system’s sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer’s ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.
Synchronizing Both Form and Function

Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.
System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**
About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of NIKKOR optics and announced the production of over 45 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

* Based on CIPA Standards

** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

D3x Specifications

Release specs.

D3x Pre release announcements and news

November 30th A UK dealer expects the D3x to weigh in at £5500 – They are also taking £20 deposits and suggesting delivery by Christmas (no year given ;-)

One explanation for the Nikon Pro article is that the press event was originally due on the 20th (see eariler rumours) and that no-one thought to tell the people at the magazine – that or it’s deliberate :-)

Another bit from the magazine we were sent…

29th If it’s a fake then it’s the biggest hoax I’ve seen :-) My copy (thanks ;-) of Nikon Pro magazine dropped through the letterbox this morning, and there indeed is the D3x.

If it was an accidental release, then whoops, it looks as if Cedar Communications (the magazine publishers) may have had a few uncomfortable phone calls. However nothing spreads faster round the internet than this sort of news, and it will create comment in the forums that might have been full of people with their new Canon 5D Mark 2s ;-)

28th Seems that Nikon Pro magazine jumped the gun [UBP and SR and NR]

Same body design, AF, metering and main functions as D3

24.5mp FX sensor
5:4 and DX crops
5fps at full resolution; DX crop shoots 10mp images at up to 7fps
ISO 100-1600, extendable down to 50 and up to 6400
16 bit EXPEED processor
‘special low pass filter’ for sharp and detailed pictures (i.e. weak AA)

That Nikon Pro article…

27th Nikon’s European web sites all go down – bit early for an announcement next week?

26th It’s possible that Nikon USA have let the new product ID slip [NR] and it may well be ‘25442’

A picture was briefly visible on a Nikon site
http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Digital-SLR/25442-Nikon-D3x/Views/353_25442_D3x_front.jpg

The picture vanished after a bit, but it’s thought to be a retouched D3 press picture.

There was a page up too (for a while)

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25442/D3x.html

There are still some people expecting a D400 to update the D300 too.

20th More press events for 1st Dec – Finland/Australia [NR]

A Nikon announcement invite (China) [Xitek] Part translation from NR

Monday 1st December, 2008 Time 13:00 – 16:00
Grand Ballroom C, China Hotel Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District

Schedule:
13:00 – 13:30 Press sign-in
13:30 – 14:30 Products Description
14:45 – 16:00 Hands on product experience

19th The 24MP speculation mounts [DPR] and for MX too (see also our MF info page)

17th D3x on the 1st of December? [DPR] 24MP and a weak AA filter?

12th Thom Hogan has made his (Mostly Nikon) pronouncements for 2009 which includes a D3 followup idea:

Something not called a D3x: probably announced in late 2008, but certainly announced in early 2009 and shipped by the March timeframe.
D3-type body, new Nikon FX high resolution sensor
At least 24mp
5fps
If this is indeed in the D3 body as I expect, then I will also predict a D700-type body version of it about a year afterwards; Nikon likes using sensors in more than one body

His article is (as ever) always worth a read

9th I’m told [thanks] that the Copenhagen press conference has been moved to mid December and:
“it will not be software or a new Coolpix, but something ‘bigger'”

8th No news of what’s in store for the 20th, but the D3 has dropped in price in the US ($4200 at B&H) whilst in the UK it’s still at £2550 (has been just below £2500 at times in the last month or so)

Meanwhile, it seems that Nikon Germany already have a placeholder for the D3_2 on their web site [NR]

October 30th Sony sensor? maybe/maybe not (main rumours page)

17th Press conference has been moved to 20th Nov (Canon/Nikon/? MF page)

13th A press conference is called by Nikon in Copenhagen on the 22nd (text is via Google translation)

“Nikon now launching a new product, which will run until Wednesday 22 October Steen Evald photo studio. The strategy of making all Danes – all from the Coolpix users to fashion photographers – to better photographers is also evident with the launch of this new product.”
“Nikon product specialist Thomas Lorenzen will introduce the new product for selected Nikon partners and the press.”

Make of that what you will…

We were sent the press invite [thanks] and despite what I’ve seen on other sites, there is nothing to suggest what it actually will be (MX, D3x or a new P&S ;-) )

12th Some sample specs [DPR] and read for December?

“Full Frame, Crop features…24.4 megapixels 9 fps and a host of other features. The price? $6499.99 USD (U.S. Dollars) Its supposed to look identical to the D3, and use many of the same D3 addon’s…but have more megapixels, better noise-reduction software and faster high-speed for sports.”

September 20th At NG, someone is sure they saw a D3x service manual…

There are quite a few suggestions of an announcement of some sort in early November, with a TH comment [DPR] adding a bit more interest.

Meanwhile an Aussie site is advertising a D3x for $10k AUD – they do say that it’s only rumoured though

August 31st The 5D replacement(s?) and new Sony FF are in the hands of reviewers, but no D3’x’ [DPR]

28th I see that NR have a shot of a D3z box… (good old photoshop ;-)

27th ‘Only’ a D90 at the moment? [DYX]

• 12.3-effective megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second
• D-Movie Mode — Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot colour LCD monitor
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
• 11-point AF system with Face Priority
• One-button Live View
• Nikon 3D Colour Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
• Comprehensive exposure control
• Auto Active D-lighting
• Shutter precision and durability
• In-Camera Image Editing
• GPS geo-tagging

Good to see shutter precision! ;-)

24th Nikon’s high res option (24.8MP) may be announced in November rather than at Photokina according to one of our more regular sources. With Sony and Canon announcing FF cameras at the event Nikon might delay things (the D40 was announced in Nov. 2006 which was a Photokina year)

20th Lots of Yes/No speculation on a new high MP body at Photokina [DPR] much agreeing with TH that any high MP body is a 2009 offering

12th An announcement by Thursday 28th? …and a D300s [DPR] as well?

or the 27th [DPR] – agreed by TH (suggesting a D90)

July 21st Are we to get a 24MP D800 using Sony’s big chip?

Some speculation in the French magazine Chasseurs d’Images (issue 306, Aug- Sept 2008) also suggests a new version of the D3 with anti-dust technology (I’ve had a 1Ds3 since November and the amount of dust i’ve seen is a fraction of that on my old 1Ds)

There’s a scan of the magazine article at NR

I’d personally be more inclined to trust Thom Hogan’s thoughts where he says:
“I received a message out of Japan that the high-resolution camera is in the D3 body.”

Also news of a Nikon Press conference on September 3rd…

2nd In a lengthy DPR thread there are some interesting suggestions (ok wishes ;-) for what Nikon will do next

However the option of a D900 (with the 24mp Sony sensor) is mooted to compete with the Sony A900 and 5D2

1st It’s a FF D700 rather than any D3X that gets announced.

That well known source of Nikon info, Thom Hogan, suggests that the next batch of Nikon updates will be in late August

2008 June 30th Numerous reports of the price of the D3 falling – currently ~£2560 in the UK (CPB track prices)

29th Whilst there is now wide expectation of a D700 announcement in a few days, I’ve heard of several dealers hinting that a D3X won’t be far behind it.

June 8th There have been enough D3X comments that we thought we’d put a few on a page of their own…

The most credible source for a lot of info is Thom Hogan, who is widely regarded fro his Nikon info. He summed up a DPR comment with:
“Thus, I’m predicting that by Christmas the Nikon DSLR lineup will look like this: D60, D90, D300, D3, D3x, and possibly the D10 or whatever the lower-speced FX body is called.”

Thom is also not afraid of making predictions, so for a good discussion of what’s expected and what he got right last year, see his 2008 predictions..

There is also a supposed YT video.

Even more in the land of speculation there’s the likes of…

28 or even 32MB?? In a DPR thread we get:

“Today told that while the resolution of the new top Nikon is a closely guarded secret, a strong hint was dropped in that it will offer an additional 12mpg crop. This sounds as though it will exceed the resolution of the 1DS MKIII – possibly 28mpg or 32mpg – at full resolution…”

We’re told that this underwater housing for the D3, originally included a mention of the D3 and D3X but now it doesn’t…

It seems that in a Delkin Press release back in December there was mention of the D3X

“Poway, CA. December 3, 2007 – Delkin Devices, Inc. today expanded the outer limits of CompactFlash card storage capacity and speed for digital cameras by announcing its 16GB UDMA enabled CompactFlash PRO card. This latest addition to Delkin’s Compact Flash PRO line boosts screaming fast read/write speeds—up to 305x (45MB/sec sustained transfer speed capability). Now photographers using UDMA enabled cameras such as the Canon 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3X have a memory card that can maximize the full benefits of their camera investment.”

However as is pointed out by those with more critical rumour checking skills, there is no D3 on the list, so just a typo? ;-)

The Nikon D3 specs – until we get D3X ones…

Nikon D3 Key Features

First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (aka FX format)
12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
ISO 200 – 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25,600)
Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked)
14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by colour (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Picture Control image parameter presets (replace colour Modes I, II and III)
Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking
Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)
Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy)
Compact Flash UDMA support
3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
HDMI HD video output
‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes colour in darkness
New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
Buttons sealed against moisture
Dual battery charger as standard

Nikon D3 specifications

Key differences

D3 specs

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