Model |
Announced |
Effective pixels |
Auto focus |
Continuous highest (JPEG) | LCD monitor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
D1 | Jun 1999 | 2.6 mp | 5 point | 4.5 fps, 21 frames | 2.0", 120K pixels |
D1X | Feb 2001 | 5.3 mp | 5 point | 3.0 fps, 9 frames | 2.0", 130K pixels |
D1H | Feb 2001 | 2.7 mp | 5 point | 5.0 fps, 40 frames | 2.0", 130K pixels |
D2H | Jul 2003 | 4.1 mp | 11 point | 8.0 fps, 40 frames | 2.5", 211K pixels |
D2X | Sep 2004 | 12.2 mp | 11 point | 5.0 fps, 22 frames *1 | 2.5" 235K pixels |
D2Hs | Feb 2005 | 4.1 mp | 11 point | 8.0 fps, 50 frames | 2.5" 235K pixels |
D2Xs | Jun 2006 | 12.2 mp | 11 point | 5.0 fps, 22 frames *1 | 2.5" 230K pixels |
D3 | Aug 2007 | 12.1 mp (FF) | 51 point | 9.0 fps, 64 frames *2 | 3.0" 922K pixels + Live View |
*1 Also 8 fps in cropped mode (6.7 MP)
*2 Up to 11 fps with DX format (5.1 MP)
This preview is based on material supplied by Nikon, it is designed to provide as much detail as we can about the D3 at this point in time. As soon as we are able to produce a hands-on preview or review of the camera we will replace this article.
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author, we recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of them, click to display a larger image in a new window.
To navigate this article simply use the next / previous page buttons or jump to a specific page by using the drop-down list in the navigation bar at the top of the page. You can support this site by ordering through the affiliate links shown at the bottom of each page (where available).
This article is protected by Copyright and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.
Price (body only) | • US: $ 4999 • UK: £ 3399 • EU: ?? 5180 |
---|---|
Body material | Magnesium alloy |
Sensor | • 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor • FX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 12.9 million total pixels • 12.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio |
Image processor | Nikon EXPEED |
A/D conversion | 14 bit |
Image sizes (FX format) |
• 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP] • 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP] • 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP] |
Image sizes (DX format) |
• 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP] • 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP] • 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]] |
Image sizes (5:4 format) |
• 3552 x 2832 [L; 10.0 MP] • 2656 x 2120 [M; 5.6 MP] • 1776 x 1416 [S; 2.5 MP] |
File formats | • NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF + JPEG • TIFF • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) |
NEF compression | • Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80% • Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60% |
Lens mount | • Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • No field of view crop (full-frame) • When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop |
Usable lenses |
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported |
Auto Focus | • 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) • Multi-CAM 3500FX • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode |
Lens Servo | • Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] • Manual focus [M] • Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in [S] or [C] AF |
Focus Point | • Single point from 51 or 11 focus points • Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame |
AF Area Mode |
• Single point AF |
Focus Lock |
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
AF assist | External Speedlite only |
Exposure modes | • Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M] |
Metering |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor |
Metering range | • 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens |
Meter coupling | CPU and AI |
Exposure lock | Locked using AE-L/AF-L button |
Exposure bracketing |
• 2 to 9 frames |
Exposure compen. | • +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps |
Sensitivity |
• Default: ISO 200 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps |
Shutter | • Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb |
DOF Preview | • Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modelling flash |
White balance | • Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine tuning • Manual presets (four) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps) |
Picture Control | • Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome |
Image parameters | • Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels • Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 5 levels • Hue: 5 levels |
Color space | • sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) • Adobe RGB (Neutral mode) |
Viewfinder | • Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen • Frame coverage 100% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.7x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens |
Focusing screen | • B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II • Superimposed focus brackets • On-demand grid lines |
LCD monitor | • 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • Brightness adjustment |
LCD Liveview |
• Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) |
Shooting modes | • Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 9 fps • Continuous High [CH]: 9 fps (9 - 11 fps with DX format) • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode |
Continuous buffer | • JPEG Large/Normal: 64 shots (at 9 fps) • RAW: no data yet |
Self-timer | • 2 to 20 sec custom |
Flash control |
•TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, 600 or 400 |
Flash Sync Mode | • Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-curtain Sync |
Flash Accessory Shoe |
ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided |
Flash Sync Terminal | ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided |
Flash compensation | • -3 to +1 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps |
Creative Lighting System |
With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock |
Orientation sensor | Tags images with camera orientation |
Playback mode | • Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • RGB histogram • Shooting data • Highlight point • Auto image rotation |
Languages |
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) |
Custom functions | 48 custom functions |
Connectivity |
• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector |
10-pin terminal |
• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) |
Communications | FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g) |
Storage | • Compact Flash Type I or II • UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header |
Power | • Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a/EL4 • Included dual battery charger MH-22 • Optional AC adapter EH-6 |
Battery monitoring | The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL3e battery: • Remaining charge (%) • No. of shots taken since last charge • Battery life (5 stages) |
Dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in) |
Weight (no batt) | 1240 g (2.7 lb) |
Operating environment |
Temperature: 0 - 40 °C / 32 - 104 °F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation) |
Box contents |
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, Quick Charger MH-22, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-D3, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-2, Eyepiece DK-17, Battery Chamber Cover BL-4, USB Cable Clip, Software Suite CD-ROM |
Optional accessories |
Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-6, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software |
Guide price: D3 body only £3399.99 / ??5180*
*full list pricing, including lens, accessories and bundles will be available in September
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the revolutionary Nikon D3 professional Digital SLR that defines a new benchmark in professional photography.
“Nikon has eclipsed the competition with the D3, a cutting edge camera that will change how professional photographers take pictures,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The incredible speed, resolution and flexibility of the D3 will enable photographers to capture images under conditions previously thought impossible.”
The D3, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0x23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.
FX Format Image Sensor
The D3 FX format CMOS imaging sensor was designed from the ground up to offer exceptional light transmission properties, so photographers can acquire outstanding image quality even in low light conditions. With a high signal to noise ratio, a pixel pitch 15% larger than competitive cameras, gapless surface micro-lenses and advanced on-chip noise reduction means high-quality images under very low light levels are now possible. The sensor enables an ISO settings range from 200-6400, expandable up to the equivalent of 25,600 or down to 100.
EXPEED Image Processing System
The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D3’s ability to capture and process massive amounts of data at high definition. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing experience. The D3 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.
Scene Recognition System
The D3 features a radical new approach to calculating exposures and white balance with intelligent support for Autofocus tracking performance as well. At the heart of the Scene Recognition System is Nikon’s renowned 1005-pixel RGB metering sensor that has been modified to distinguish subjects’ shape and position for improved auto exposure and Autofocus accuracy.
Advanced Autofocus
Building on years of development through both the analogue and digital SLR era, Nikon has once again raised the bar for optical Autofocus systems. The D3 and D300 feature a completely new 51-Point autofocus system designed to acquire and track subjects’ movement more accurately.
The result of intensive studies into how professional sports and news photographers use autofocus, the Multi-CAM3500 AF module features the most AF points ever developed for a SLR camera. The inspired coupling of the AF module with Nikon’s easy-to-use 8-direction multi selector button makes selecting instant individual AF points simple and fast. As one would expect the AF system can be completely customised for every possible shooting condition.
Scorching Speed, Intuitive Response
The image quality of the D3 is combined with outstanding frame rate options. At 9 fps, the D3 is the world’s fastest full format D-SLR1, with an even faster 11fps2 consecutive shooting possible in DX crop mode. A second crop mode is also premiered in the D3, with 5:4 (30mm x 24mm) aspect ratio. Shutter release time lag is an imperceptible 41 milliseconds (CIPA standard), while the image sensor’s integrated high-speed 12-channel readout contributes both to burst speed and Live View performance. The D3 also gets to work quickly; startup time is just 0.12 seconds and mirror black out is only 74ms.
Shutter Unit
The D3 incorporates an all-new Nikon manufactured shutter unit tested to over 300,000 cycles. The shutter blades are constructed from a durable composite KevlarTM and carbon fibre material to deliver unmatched durability and accuracy even in the most demanding of conditions.
Picture Control
Nikon’s new Picture Control system, developed with the help of extensive feedback from photographers, offers improved productivity for JPEG shooters. Picture Control lets users of all levels manage and customise the appearance of their images in camera. This on-board processing saves significant post processing time. With a variety of default settings, photographers can also customize and share settings. Nikon anticipates photographic communities might develop their own Picture Control settings for specific subjects and conditions. Picture Control replaces the existing Colour Mode settings of current Nikon cameras.
High Contrast Subjects, Low Risk
The Active D-Lighting feature of the D3 adds to its JPEG capabilities. Prior to shooting under high contrast conditions, users can apply a pre-set curve that processes images with improved shadow and highlight details, without affecting overall contrast.
Designed for definition
Everything about the D3 is high definition. From the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port for output to the latest HD displays to the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, images can be played back at very high levels of detail. The new VGA screen also comes into its own when using the new Live View function premiered in the D3 and D300. Unlike other live view technologies, autofocus in possible in all Nikon Live View modes.
Flexible Image Storage
The D3 is the world’s first D-SLR to offer dual CompactFlash card slots for outstanding storage flexibility. A photographer can shoot images to each card one after the other, or simultaneously, as back up. When shooting combined NEF and JPEG files, the NEF image can be written to one card and the JPEG version to the other. Image files can also be selected and copied from one card to the other after shooting.
One Tough Customer
Long the choice of professionals, Nikon SLRs are renowned for withstanding the most challenging conditions. From freezing temperatures of the arctic to the humidity of the rainforest, Nikon’s keep working long after other cameras have ceased to operate, and the D3 is built to continue this tradition. Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box, while the seams and buttons of the camera body are sealed against the affects of dust and moisture.
Wireless Networking
Nikon pioneered wireless image transmission. Now, with the new Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-43, the era of the multi camera network has arrived. Not only can one transmit (‘push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, the WT-4 also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well.
In a wireless environment, networks of up to 5 D3 and D300 cameras can be established. At a sports event, for example, photo editors could browse all thumbnails on each camera simultaneously, selecting (‘pulling’) the images they need, while the photographers continue shooting.
Five New NIKKOR Lenses
Five new NIKKOR lenses are also launched today. They include a ground-breaking extreme wide-angle zoom lens, the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and a slim line standard zoom, the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. Nikon has also launched three all-new super telephoto lenses with VR (Vibration Reduction), the AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR.
The D3 body measures 159.5 (W) ×157 (H) ×87 (D) mm and weighs 1,390 grams including battery. It will be available in Europe from November 2007.
Images courtesy of Nikon.
첫댓글 ㅇㅎㅎ 역쉬 락큐님은 지름의 선구자가 맞습니다... 케케케
카멜에도 관심이 많으신가 봅니다^^
락큐님 전직이 사진기자& 포토그래퍼였습니다.... 요즘도 남들은 도저히 앵글이 나오지않는 작업은 알바로 뛰고있습니다.. ^^
도저히 앵글이 나오지 않는 작업! 은 .... 위험한 앵글 말씀하시는 거지요?!!!....일명 익스트림 앵글!!....저런걸 어떻게 찍었지? 또는 저런걸 왜 찍었지?!...햐햐햐
빙고!!! ㅎㅎㅎ
알바 소개 좀..... ㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ 요즘은 일당이 양에 안차도 갑니다..... 2백 정도면.... 움직입니다.... 존심 상해도.... 먹고 사느라..... ㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ 재워주고 맛있는거 먹여주면 공짜로도 찍어 줍니다...... ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
완벽에 가까운 바디입니다. 저도 군침이 철철 ~~
진짜 지름의 선구자.....딱 어울리는 별명이신듯....ㅎㅎ
전 캐논 막투엔 사용중인데 d3 나오면 기변 고려중입니다.. 정말 끌리는 모델이죠...
진짜 오랜만에 물건인 것 같습니다...전 현재 코닥바디 사용중입니다 ^^