Nikon D3

Photographers asked and Nikon answered—its full-frame D-SLR is finally here. But that's not all the new 12.1-megapixel flagship has to offer. The D3 is a force to be reckoned with.

By Staff

Published November 1, 2007

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This Article Features Photo Zoom

1 Expanded ISO Range

The broad ISO range, from 200 to 6400, allows capture of low-noise exposures in a wider variety of scene conditions. This range can be expanded even further using the built-in settings of Lo-1 and Hi-2 for the equivalent of ISO 100 and ISO 25,600, respectively.

2 Active D-Lighting Technology

When using the new D-Lighting mode, real-time highlight and shadow correction is applied to images. Automatic exposure compensation and localized tone control technology help achieve better contrast over the entire exposure.

3 FX-Format (Full-Frame) Sensor

With 12.1 effective megapixels, the FX-format CMOS sensor, along with EXPEED digital image-processing technology, delivers full-resolution images at up to nine frames per second. When used with DX lenses, the D3 automatically switches to the DX-format mode that uses a cropped portion of the sensor to give you 5.1-megapixel images at up to 11 frames per second.

4 51-Point AF

The new Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points.

5 Scene Recognition System

The enhanced 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II sensor recognizes colors and light patterns to help the camera determine the subject and type of scene being photographed. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure and auto white-balance detection.

6 Optical Viewfinder

The optical viewfinder provides virtually 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification in FX format. Equipped with the world’s first virtual horizon level indicator, the D3 detects the inclination of the camera relative to the horizon and can display this information in either the viewfinder or on the LCD.

7 Two Live-View Mode LCD

Compose shots in one of two modes on the super-density, three-inch VGA, TFT LCD, with 920,000 dot resolution and a 170-degree viewing angle. Tripod mode is designed for photographing subjects that aren’t moving when the camera is fixed on a stable platform. The camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD can be selected as the focus point. Handheld mode allows you to use the D3’s conventional TTL focusing system with all 51 points and 15 cross-type points available.

Versatile Storage & Interface
The D3 accepts two CompactFlash cards simultaneously for a host of recording options, including the ability to copy images between cards. It has a Hi-Speed USB port for downloading images, and an integrated HDMI port lets you view images directly on a high-definition television.

Contact: Nikon, (800) NIKON-US, www.nikonusa.com

Specifications
Image Sensor: 212.1 million (effective) CMOS
Resolution: 4256 x 2832
Sensor Size: 36.0×23.9mm (FX format)
AF System: 51-point AF system
Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 to 30 sec.
ISO Settings: 200-6400, up to ISO-equivalent 25,600
Continuous Firing Mode: 9 fps
Recording Format: NEF (RAW) & JPEG
Metering: 3D Color Matrix II, 75% center-weighted, 1.5% spot
Storage Media: CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA)
Power Source: Li-Ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4
Dimensions: 6.3×6.2×3.4 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Estimated Street Price: $5,000