Features
Performance
Image Sensor Expand your vision with the FX-format sensor
Nikon’s proprietary FX-format CMOS imaging sensor
D3: 12.1 effective megapixels
D3X: 24.5 effective megapixels
Discerning photographers always test the boundaries of their equipment, pushing it as far as they can to capture the most powerful images possible. In the 75 years since the introduction of NIKKOR lenses, Nikon has dedicated itself to helping photographers go the extra mile. With the D3 and D3X, Nikon utilizes its proprietary FX-format sensor for striking tonal gradation and detail. The story, however, doesn’t end there. By enlarging the size of each pixel of the D3’s 12.1 effective megapixels, Nikon’s FX format captures light with unrivaled accuracy, which in turn contributes to a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and wider dynamic range. The rich initial data of each image is then swiftly and carefully routed through a 12-channel parallel readout for 14-bit A/D conversion, which serves two professional demands — speed and precision. With the D3X, each of its 24.5 effective megapixels has been specially designed to carry a larger electrical charge for outstanding light transmission properties and a wider dynamic range. The D3X’s image sensor incorporates 14-bit A/D converters on the chip, delivering fast conversion, high signal-to-noise ratio and low power consumption.
Adding to this versatility, the D3 and D3X also offer you three different formats — FX format, DX format and 5:4 — delivering all the options to respond to a vast range of shooting situations.
D3 CMOS imaging sensor
Sensor size: 36 x 23.9 mm / Pixel size: 8.45 x 8.45 μm
D3X CMOS imaging sensor
Sensor size: 35.9 x 24 mm / Pixel size: 5.94 x 5.94 μm
AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, M mode, 1/1,000 second, f/4 ©Dave Black
AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED, M mode, 1/250 second, f/8
©Frank P. Wartenberg
ISO Sensitivity Strikingly high image quality at up to ISO 6400
D3: ISO 200 to ISO 6400
D3X: ISO 100 to ISO 1600
Color and detail only begin to explain the extraordinary potential of Nikon’s FX-format sensor. Not only can photographers now work within a larger sensitivity range, they can also shoot with confidence at both low and incredibly high ISO sensitivities and still expect exceptionally natural tonal gradation. Thanks to the D3, capturing bold and remarkably noise-free images from ISO 200 to 6400 will become the standard. And for those using the D3X, the bar has been significantly raised when it comes to extreme-resolution image quality at ISO 100 to ISO 1600.
Whether it is shooting indoor sports, night games at stadiums, theaters, weddings, wildlife at dusk or any other situation where light is limited and
Whether it is shooting indoor sports, night games at stadiums, theaters, weddings, wildlife at dusk or any other situation where light is limited and
Speedlights are not an option, the D3 changes how you take pictures. Imagine capturing sports and action images at faster shutter speeds without worrying about excessive image-degrading noise. You can be confident that more winning shots will be yours. The D3X delivers its own incredible set of advantages: studio-level image quality indoors and out, with a level of mobility and sensitivity completely new to extreme-resolution photography. Simply put, the D3 and the D3X redefine how good high ISO digital images can look. And to further expand your potential, both cameras can extend their light sensitivities on demand: the D3 from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 and the D3X from ISO 50 to ISO 6400. Consider the new possibilities.
Advanced noise reduction at high ISO for natural-looking results
Unlike other image processing systems, the technology incorporated into the D3 and D3X doesn’t sacrifice spectacular saturation for advanced noise reduction. Low-noise performance is an integral part of the core engineering, which means that your D3 or D3X has been strategically designed to minimize image noise, long before you’ve selected the noise reduction function.
When the High ISO NR function is on at ISO settings of 2000 and above, the D3 automatically minimizes mottling, color bleeding and shadow noise. The resulting images reveal natural tones without looking plastic or artificial like so many conventional noise reduction images.
Quick Response More winning shots per second
9-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format (D3)
5-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format (D3X)
In many fields of photography, reflexes and timing can make or break a career. That’s why Nikon’s engineers set out to radically improve speed, response time and recording time for the D3 and D3X.
Indeed, these cameras mark an incredible breakthrough. The D3 gives you options to master any shooting situation: 9 frames per second in FX format (12.1 megapixels) and up to 11 fps in DX crop mode (5.1 megapixels). The D3X, with its 24.5 megapixels, gives extreme-resolution photographers the chance to shoot up to 5 fps* in FX format and 7 fps* in DX crop mode (10.5 megapixels).
In DX crop mode, shooting rates of up to 11 fps (D3) and 7 fps* (D3X) increase your opportunities of nailing the precise moment you need. For situations that require full resolution, photographers can shoot in FX-format — 9 fps with the D3 and 5 fps* with the D3X — and rely on full AF and AE performance. The FX-format empowers you and your editors to crop winning shots as necessary and still be able to enlarge them into commercial-quality prints.
And because the D3 and D3X support next-generation UDMA technology, recording speed gets an extra boost, enabling you to shoot more consecutive shots — pivotal to many professional assignments.
* When 12 bit A/D conversion is used.
And because the D3 and D3X support next-generation UDMA technology, recording speed gets an extra boost, enabling you to shoot more consecutive shots — pivotal to many professional assignments.
* When 12 bit A/D conversion is used.
The reflexes professionals demand
Whether professionals succeed or fail depends on their readiness and ability to capture the perfect moment. That’s why Nikon has minimized the response times of the D3 and D3X to nearly unnoticeable levels.
The D3 and D3X start up in approximately 0.12 seconds, and shutter-release time lag is an industry-leading approx. 0.04 second* (based on CIPA Guideline).
* For further information, please refer to the D3X’s shutter release time lag on the specifications page.
Speed that frees you to act on impulse
Nikon understands that for professional digital photography, exceptional speed means little unless it is supported throughout the entire process.
That is why Nikon has taken the comprehensive approach of optimizing the speed of processing, buffer memory, memory access, memory card recording and USB interface.
With these working together harmoniously, you can forget about the weight of the data and concentrate on capturing the moment.
AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, M mode, 1/25 second, f/4, -0.3 EV ©Dave Black
AF System51 AF points — a world first
The D3 and D3X cover the frame like never before with the world’s largest number*1 of AF detection areas. These 51 points create a dense net of focusing strength.
This means faster focus acquisition, even with quick and/or erratic subject movement.
The 15 areas that occupy the all-important center of the frame utilize cross-type sensors, for even more powerful detection.
Most important, all 15 cross-type sensors retain the same outstanding level of performance with any AF NIKKOR lens f/5.6 or faster*2 — in other words, all of your AF NIKKOR lenses can take full advantage of cross-type accuracy.
- *1 Among digital SLRs, as of August 23, 2007.
- *2 With some lenses used in combination with Nikon Teleconverters, three points on the top and three on the bottom may function as line sensors under certain conditions, even if maximum effective aperture is f/5.6.
Wide area coverage with 51 AF points.15 cross-type sensors perform with any AF NIKKOR f/5.6 or faster lens.
Nikon’s classic 11 AF points are still readily available.
Versatile AF area modes
Single-point AF mode ©Frank P. Wartenberg
In order to make the most of all 51 AF points, the D3 and D3X offer three AF area modes: Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF, and Auto-area AF.
All three options are available using either 51 AF points or the classic 11. Single-point AF ensures that an important element in the composition will be sharply focused, such as the eyes in a character portrait.
Simply select a single AF point out of the 51 available and the D3 or D3X will concentrate all its focusing power on that spot.
With Dynamic-area AF, you can select from several focusing options, utilizing 9, 21 or all 51 points. Just select a single AF point as priority, and the areas surrounding your selected point serve as backup — a real advantage when shooting moving subjects.
For more compositional shooting, try either the 9- or 21-point options. For subjects with extremely fast or erratic movement, the 51-point option will be your choice.
Plus there is 3D-Tracking mode, which also uses 51 points.
3D-Tracking makes the most of the Scene Recognition System’s subject-tracking information, accurately tracking the subject by selecting a new focus point to significantly improve your fix on moving subjects.
The Auto-area AF specializes in focusing on people, automatically detecting and prioritizing skin tones with all 51 points.
All three options are available using either 51 AF points or the classic 11. Single-point AF ensures that an important element in the composition will be sharply focused, such as the eyes in a character portrait.
Simply select a single AF point out of the 51 available and the D3 or D3X will concentrate all its focusing power on that spot.
With Dynamic-area AF, you can select from several focusing options, utilizing 9, 21 or all 51 points. Just select a single AF point as priority, and the areas surrounding your selected point serve as backup — a real advantage when shooting moving subjects.
For more compositional shooting, try either the 9- or 21-point options. For subjects with extremely fast or erratic movement, the 51-point option will be your choice.
Plus there is 3D-Tracking mode, which also uses 51 points.
3D-Tracking makes the most of the Scene Recognition System’s subject-tracking information, accurately tracking the subject by selecting a new focus point to significantly improve your fix on moving subjects.
The Auto-area AF specializes in focusing on people, automatically detecting and prioritizing skin tones with all 51 points.
Dynamic-area AF mode
Dynamic-area AF mode using 9 points
©Joe McNally
Dynamic-area AF mode using 21 points
©Joe McNally
Dynamic-area AF mode using 51 points
©John Shaw
Dynamic-area AF mode using 3D-Tracking ©Dave Black
Autofocus Fine Tune
Professional photographers have demanded a more refined AF accuracy. Therefore, the D3 and D3X let you apply the same amount of AF compensation regardless of which AF points or lenses you use. You can also make lens-specific individual adjustments for up to 20 registered lens models.
Autofocus Fine Tune is easily accessible
through the menus of the D3 and D3X
Autofocus Fine Tune is easily accessible
through the menus of the D3 and D3X
AE Sophisticated 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II has long been praised by discerning professionals for its accuracy.
The system analyzes scene conditions such as brightness, contrast, selected AF area, color, subject-to-camera distance and even the reflective quality of a scene.
Then it compares this with an in-camera database containing information from over 30,000 actual shooting situations for incredible precision.
Combined with the Scene Recognition System, 3D Color Matrix Metering II is now even more sophisticated.
The system analyzes scene conditions such as brightness, contrast, selected AF area, color, subject-to-camera distance and even the reflective quality of a scene.
Then it compares this with an in-camera database containing information from over 30,000 actual shooting situations for incredible precision.
Combined with the Scene Recognition System, 3D Color Matrix Metering II is now even more sophisticated.
The bright areas of your image are pleasing and precise, while intermediate tones also remain faithful to the original scene, even when backlit, under harsh frontal lighting or in other difficult lighting conditions.
In addition to producing the best possible exposure regardless of the file format, this advanced metering system gives you more satisfying results, frequently without the need for retouch or enhancement.
In addition to producing the best possible exposure regardless of the file format, this advanced metering system gives you more satisfying results, frequently without the need for retouch or enhancement.
AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, A mode, 1/50 second, f/5
©Joe McNally
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, M mode, 1/30 second, f/10 ©Frank P. Wartenberg
Active D-Lighting
When shooting in high-contrast lighting situations, the Active D-Lighting feature can be a tremendous help. Once the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor detects large highlight areas within the frame, the D3 and D3X first compensate for underexposure, then expose the image while digitally simulating a partial dodge effect.
This way, both shadowy and bright areas are more pleasantly detailed and exposed. Instead of simply broadening the dynamic range to show shadow details, Active D-Lighting maintains desired contrast for more attractive images.
This way, both shadowy and bright areas are more pleasantly detailed and exposed. Instead of simply broadening the dynamic range to show shadow details, Active D-Lighting maintains desired contrast for more attractive images.
Active D-Lighting On (Normal)
Active D-Lighting Off
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, A mode, 1/50 second, f/8 ©Joe McNally
White Balance Auto White Balance for a broader range of lighting situations
Nikon’s Auto White Balance systems have been praised for their accuracy, but professional photographers and Nikon engineers aren’t easy to satisfy. Tricky lighting can fool the most “intelligent” of cameras from time to time. For example, a camera might interpret a meadow under the noonday sun and a table under fluorescent light as similar subject matter. But now, when Nikon’s Scene Recognition System works together with Auto White Balance, you can expect far more.
Milliseconds before shutter release, the 1,005-pixel RGB information of the D3 and D3X calculates the characteristics extraction (see below) of the scene, cross-referencing it with 5,000 actual shot data examples among the 20,000 images stored in the camera. So no matter what the light source — even notoriously difficult mercury vapor light — the D3 and D3X can automatically detect the appropriate white balance accurately.
Milliseconds before shutter release, the 1,005-pixel RGB information of the D3 and D3X calculates the characteristics extraction (see below) of the scene, cross-referencing it with 5,000 actual shot data examples among the 20,000 images stored in the camera. So no matter what the light source — even notoriously difficult mercury vapor light — the D3 and D3X can automatically detect the appropriate white balance accurately.
Auto White Balance used for fluorescent light
AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, A mode, 1/30 second, f/2.8, +0.3 EV ©Joe McNally
Auto White Balance used for mercury vapor light
AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, M mode, 1/640 second, f/2.8 ©Dave Black
Auto White Balance used for natural daylight
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR, A mode, 1/160 second, f/5.6, +0.7 EV
©John Shaw
