D3 | D3X - Proven Imaging Technologies

Proven Imaging Technologies

EXPEED Nikon’s comprehensive approach to quality digital images

Superior image processing relies on one simple truth: no shortcuts. Nikon knows that in order to deliver the most practical and versatile performance possible, image quality, accuracy and speed must be treated as equal partners of equal importance.

Nikon has a name for this uniquely comprehensive approach: EXPEED. What started at the birth of the film camera Nikon I and progressed with the digital SLR camera D1 has now evolved into an elite imaging system that is far more powerful than the present standards of any other camera maker. This unrivaled process is extremely fast and comprehensive, yet is extremely energy efficient giving longer battery life.

Pleasingly saturated, faithful colors

The D3 and D3X control color hue with unmatched accuracy, so specific colors that were previously impossible to achieve together in a particular image can now coexist in nearly any situation.
Colors are faithful throughout the palette — skin tones are pleasingly saturated without blowing out the reds, while blues that were once difficult to reproduce can now be considered standard. Expect this throughout the spectrum, with less tone jump than ever before.

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, M mode, 1/250 second, f/16 ©Joe McNally

AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED, M mode, 1/250 second, f/8
©Frank P. Wartenberg

14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image-processing pipeline

Nikon’s FX-format sensor produces an incredibly wide dynamic range, with rich initial data that maintains its integrity through 14-bit A/D conversion.
As professional photographers demand the smoothest tonal gradation and faithful color reproduction, no shortcut will do. So, to maintain impeccable accuracy, the D3 and D3X use 16-bit data transmission throughout the image-processing pipeline.

The resulting output reveals breathtaking details and subtleties, putting images taken by the D3 and D3X in a class of their own.

Lateral chromatic aberration reduction

High-megapixel sensors tend to produce chromatic aberration in the peripheral areas.
To achieve the sharpest images throughout the frame, the D3 and D3X use an automatic lateral chromatic aberration reduction function. This means new benchmarks in minimized aberration and maximized accuracy seen in the images below. It’s an advantage you’ll gain no matter what NIKKOR lenses you use.

Improved tonal gradation

The dynamic range of the D3 and D3X has broadened to such an extent that you can expect finer tonal gradation in highlight areas — even with extremely bright subject matter, such as skies, snowfall or white clothing shot under harsh sunlight. And thanks to more accurate treatment of data via 14-bit A/D conversion and a 16-bit image-processing pipeline, tone jump is negligible.

Scene Recognition System Unleashing the powers of Nikon’s 1,005-pixel RGB sensor

Introducing Nikon’s Scene Recognition System. Nikon engineers redesigned the most trusted automatic exposure system in the photo industry — the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor component — for an unprecedented level of detailed scene information and analysis.
The result: algorithms that recognize your subject and shooting situation with amazing accuracy. In other words, the D3 and D3X know and understand what you are about to shoot.
Milliseconds prior to shutter burst, each scene is analyzed while autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL control and white balance are optimized — all before the image is captured. Consider the Scene Recognition System as artificial intelligence, working in partnership with you for more winning shots.

Focus Tracking for lateral movement ©Dave Black

3D-Tracking tracks the subject by selecting a new focus point as required.

Scene Recognition System for subject identification

The D3 and D3X automatically detect people and skin tones using color information from the Scene Recognition System. This way the camera can quickly focus on the most important element — the human face — in Auto area AF mode.
Even if similar colors exist both in the foreground (human face) and background (building), the Scene Recognition System uses distance information from a D- or G-type AF NIKKOR lens to determine where the main subject is.
Even under the most demanding lighting conditions and compositional challenges, the D3 and D3X detect the subject and optimize focus just before the actual shutter release.

Scene Recognition System for improved Focus Tracking

For the D3 and D3X, Nikon engineers reassessed everything, including autofocus operation.
The Scene Recognition System takes color information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor and utilizes it to achieve superb Focus Tracking. Conventional Focus Tracking systems were only effective with subjects approaching or moving away, but the system of the D3 and D3X works for flat lateral movement as well.
Simply select any of the Dynamic-area AF mode options including 3D-Tracking, and your main subject is followed in sharp focus. The D3 and D3X accomplish this by using color information to trace and track your subject's path, even when it is temporarily blocked or completely outside of the 51 AF points.
The 1,005-pixel sensor covers an even wider area than the 51 AF points, so the focus can lock on to a subject over an exceptionally large portion of the frame. The AF and Scene Recognition systems are in constant communication with each other, thereby improving tracking performance even for subjects quickly approaching the camera.

Auto-area AF for subject identification ©Joe McNally

In Single-servo AF,
active focus points
are highlighted
for about one second.

Picture Control Custom-tailored tone and color

Standard

Neutral

Vivid

Monochrome

Landscape

Portrait

Universal tones for all Nikon digital SLRs to come

Picture Control is an intuitive, easy-to-use system for defining tones of your image files. This set of tools helps you define the look and feel of your images, matching them to your creative intentions by custom-tailoring the levels of sharpness, saturation and other parameters.
It’s similar to how photographers used to select certain types of film for specific shooting situations. And from now on, tones defined by the Picture Control System will be the same with all future Nikon digital SLR cameras compatible with Picture Control System. With the D3 and D3X, four types of Picture Control are preinstalled.
You can choose from “Standard,” “Neutral,” “Vivid” or “Monochrome,” alternating between them to create your own signature look.
Standard is versatile for a wide range of situations. Neutral produces less contrast, with natural skin tone and depth.
Vivid enhances the saturation of red and green, producing sharp contrast.
Monochrome produces black and white images.
You'll also have access to optional Picture Controls such as “Portrait” and “Landscape” that can be downloaded from the Nikon website.

Collaboration with Nikon’s exclusive software

Another aspect unique to the Picture Control System is its collaboration with ViewNX and Capture NX 2 software via Picture Control Utility. Importing and exporting Custom Picture Control parameters between your Nikon D-SLR and software further expands creative flexibility. You can apply Picture Control settings defined in the D3 and D3X to Capture NX 2 post-production work. Picture Control parameters minutely defined on a personal computer can then be applied to the D3 and D3X. You can even trade your favorite Custom Picture Controls with colleagues for enhanced potential and productivity.

Intuitive and direct control of the image for your desired tone

Picture Control can be displayed either by list or in grid form. With the grid display, you can intuitively confirm the degree of contrast and saturation for each Picture Control.
In Standard and Vivid Picture Controls, you can make quick adjustments easily. By simply moving the sliders, you have access to five parameters: sharpness, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue.
This level of simplicity offers a rapid learning curve.
You can also save adjustments as Custom Picture Controls, under your chosen name for desired shooting scenarios.