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The Nikon D3, the first full-frame DSLR from the Japanese camera maker, is packed with a 12.1-megapixel sensor, and high-resolution (921,600-dots, or 307,200 pixels), 3-inch LCD screen. The camera's screen is reinforced with a permanent tempered-glass cover. The camera can also be used in Nikon's DX-format mode, which makes it compatible with all existing Nikon F-mount lenses, including those designed for use with the smaller DX-format sensor that Nikon has used in digital SLRs before the D3. The camera sports a live-view function and can shoot at full resolution at 9 frames per second with autofocus. And that autofocus comes from a 51-point AF system. ISO can be expanded down to 100, all the way up to 25,600! There's also 14-bit processing of RAW data. All this performance comes from the new EXPEED processor and 16-bit image processing.
The D3's exposure controls include a 1/8000-30 second shutter speed range and a native 200-6400 ISO range. Its Low 1 setting brings the ISO down to 100, and two Hi settings push it up to 12,800 and 25,600. The camera's shutter is rated for 300,000 exposures, and a new monitoring system produces a warning when shutter timing is off. Nikon has used a new implementation of its D-Lighting technology in the D3, making it available in shooting mode instead of simply as an image-correction tool. Active D-Lighting applies localized tonal changes to open up dark shadows while retaining highlight detail, and can be used at low, medium, and high settings. Naturally, the D3 supports Nikon's iTTL external flash system. It does not include a built-in flash, however.
The company claims the D3's shutter lag clocks in at a mere 0.37 millisecond and its startup time at 0.12 second. Nikon rates its drive mode speed at 9 frames per second for a series of 64 JPEGs, 17 14-bit RAW files, or 20 12-bit RAW files. In DX mode, the company claims it can capture 5.1-megapixel shots at 10fps without autofocus changes or 11fps with both AF and autoexposure locked. High quality doesn’t stop with the camera's feature set. Nikon clearly spared no expense in toughening the D3's ergonomic body, comprising magnesium-alloy chassis components and a durable external surface with rubberized panels in all the right places. Water- and dust-resistant seals keep weather out. Rounding out the camera's feature set are dual CF card slots, HDMI output for displaying images on an HDTV, and remote control functionality with live view on a computer using supplied software. The D3 will be available beginning November 2007 with a MSRP of $4999.95.
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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30 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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8000 |
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| Built-In Flash |
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No |
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| Continuous Shooting |
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9 images/sec |
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| Flash Sync Speed |
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1/250 |
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| AF Points |
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51 |
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| Metering Zones |
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63 |
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| Lens Mount |
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Nikon AF, Nikon AF (digital only) |
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| Screen Size |
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3 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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307,200 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD and Optical |
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| Maximum ISO |
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6400 |
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| Max Continuous JPG |
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64 |
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| Max Continuous RAW |
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20 |
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| Battery |
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Nikon Battery EN-EL4a |
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| Width |
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6.3 in |
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| Height |
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6.2 in |
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| Depth |
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3.4 in |
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| Weight |
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43.2 oz |
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| Release Date |
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November 2007 |
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More Nikon D3 Articles
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April 2008
Veteran National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson shoots kilts and pagans. |
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April 2008
The company advises photographers who installed the latest firmware upgrade to avoid certain settings until revised firmware is available in late April 2008. |
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April 2008
The new firmware corrects problems with a previously released and withdrawn version, and adds a host of enhancements to the D3 digital SLR. |
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January 2008
Nikon's Flagship DSLR has impressive high ISO noise control in our initial findings. |
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January 2008
The Pop Photo Lab results are in, and they prove why Nikon's $5,000 pro-level DSLR is the low-light world champ. |
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More Digital SLR Articles
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September 2008
This is a heck of a kit for under five hundred bucks. |
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August 2008
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Olympus E-520, Pentax K200D, and Sony Alpha 350 are Midlevel Marvels. |
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July 2008
A crusading photographer takes on the dirtiest subject of his career: oil. |
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May 2008
The only excess is of good stuff. |
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May 2008
America's top-selling DSLR: Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Second: Nikon D40. More...
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9.8
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Ease of use |
9.6
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Fit and finish |
10
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Click-to-click speed |
9.6
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Display quality |
10
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Flash quality |
9.8
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Image quality |
10
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Overall value |
9.4
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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