Finally, the Nikon D3 has been announced. This page will be ground zero for all the latest details on the Nikon D3 (e.g., reviews, sample images, availability, and more). For now, check out the preview below along with the official links from Nikon. Additionally, you can view the official press release here and check out all the press release images of the Nikon D3 in this slideshow.
You can order the Nikon D3 from Amazon and keep track of the Nikon D3’s availability on this page.
Reviews
The first impression from the D3 comes from its size and weight. At around 1.5kg (3 lbs) with battery, this is one of the heaviest DSLR. Its integrated vertical grip and large pentaprism make this camera one of the biggest. It feels built-like-a-tank.
Photo.net (by Shun Cheung)
For those who would like a DSLR optimized for sports, news, and wedding photography, the D3 is probably the top choice. Since the D3 can handle ISO 3200 easily and provides very acceptable 6400 results, it changes the approach to indoor and low-light photography.
Unparalleled ISO performance, a 9 fps full resolution shooting rate, exceptional color and image quality, a superb monitor, robust construction, outstanding build quality and a full frame sensor offering wide angle and depth of field lens performance like a 35mm film camera are some of the attributes that makes Nikon’s latest pro model a must-have for serious Nikon shooters.
The Nikon D3 has got to be the top choice for anyone wanting high quality, rapid-fire image capture, or extremely low light photography without flash, who is not otherwise wedded to the Canon system. Press – sports and news – photographers are the ones who are going to get the most out of its capabilities, which stretch beyond those needed by the average photo hobbyist, and these professionals are also the ones most likely to be able to stomach that price tag without complaint.
One thing that became very clear when first looking at a D3 RAW file is just how much you can push them exposure wise. The latitude available is astounding and I actually have to try to blow highlights in most situations when shooting raw.
Even at ISO 200, the added light-gathering capability of the larger pixels on the D3’s full-frame sensor beats the D300. Shooting RAW takes advantage of its lower noise and 14-bits-per-color capture. And it gives you much more flexibility, especially when using the supplied Capture NX 1.3 software to convert NEF RAW to 16-bit TIFF files.
Luminous Landscape (Combined Essay on D3 and D300)
We now have a bit of a sea change happening. Nikon has flexed its considerable muscle and with the D3 produced a camera that sends a clear challenge to Canon’s nearly decade-long dominance of the digital arena. The D300, though in many ways simply a logical progression from the D200, is a much better camera than its predecessor, and along with its superior sensor offers the pro and advanced amateur a set of features and functionality that is unmatched at the moment in Canon’s line up.
Photo Business Forum (Comparison to Canon 1Ds Mark III)
For large commercial jobs, where I am thinking I want a higher native resolution, it’ll be the Canon I reach for. For low light situations, which are all too common, it will, without a doubt, be Nikon. In fact, with the noise issue out of the way, and most client deliverables needing to be down-rezzed anyway, I can see that the Nikon not only would be a better solution to speeding up my post-production process, but moreover, storing the RAW/DNG files will save me significant hard-drive space in my archives over the larger Canon files.
Call me a sucker for beauty, as all photographers should be, but I think half of why I want a D3 isn’t logic or the photos I could make with it, but simply because it is so beautiful. It makes me want to have and to hold it.
My conclusion is that you will get image quality from D3 to satisfy even the critical needs, for almost any application to which the 35 mm systems can be used.
Luminous Landscape’s first impressions
I NEVER shoot on auto exposure. In fact I don’t think I have even used autoexposure on the Contax or Canons more than once, but since Nikon handed me this camera set on Auto I just thought I would see what happens, and it was dead on perfect, almost to the point I couldn’t trick it unless I was in extreme 5 stop backlight. Set to Matrix metering it just completely surprised me how accurate it was. From time to time I would moved the little +/- dial from .3 to .7 but usually the meter was dead on, even in mixed lighting.
Cliff Mautner’s first impressions
My first impressions, as expected, were mind blowing. To be brief, I’m stunned at how responsive this camera is and I didn’t believe there was much room for improvement to the way the D2xs handled. I was clearly wrong. The Focus, feel of the shutter, focus point selection, enormous LCD, auto white balance, dynamic range, color rendition, and a few other things have all been written about and touted, but nothing prepared me for the incredible quality of the files out of camera. In addition, the high ISO performance, which was also talked about, is nothing short of revolutionary.
This camera literally changes the rules of photography and will simply allow me to capture things like never before.
Scott Kelby’s first impressions:
Q. Is the D3 really usable at very high ISO (6400 and more), as promised in the advertisements?
A. I didn’t actually try it at higher than 6400 ISO, but the test shots I took at 6400 ISO were absolutely usable. In fact, they were shockingly usable, and I think you’ll see working pros shooting at 6400 ISO with the D3. When you zoom in, you can definitely see noise, so it’s by no means “noise free,” but the amount of noise at 6400 ISO was dramatically less that I would have expected. In reality, I don’t know how often any of us will be shooting at 6400 ISO (but it’s nice to know that in a pinch; you can), but I can say with certainly that on the D3 I would shoot at 1200 ISO without hesitation.
DPReview has posted their hands-on preview of the Nikon D3:
Important headline improvements include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option, 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support (albeit at lower resolution) and a 3.0? 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (which it has to be said is lovely).
Moose Peterson has some hands-on time with the Nikon D3 along with some brilliant sample images:
What is amazing to me is the color retention of the new color engine and what you can’t see here, the beautifully crisp, sharp files the D3 produces. The files truly are a work of art. The new LCD while not the best at color & exposure rendition, it does show sharpness better than any other LCD I’ve used.
Here’s a 10 minute interview with Lindsay Silverman, Nikon’s Senior Technical Manager, about the new Nikon D3.
Check out some sample images from the Nikon D3 at ISO 3200.
Thom Hogan has some rather thorough First Impressions of the Nikon D3 and D300. He also has a great FAQ on the D3 and D300 to some of the questions that have been floating around the forums.
Check out Rob Galbraith’s initial impressions of the Nikon D3:
AF:
“We can say that in limited testing of a prototype body, the D3’s ability to hold and repeat focus on static subjects is impressive, but whether the Multi-CAM 3500 will be what helps Nikon replace a few white lenses on the sidelines is an open question”
High ISO:
“based on a look at ISO 1600 – ISO 25,600 frames produced by prototype D3 bodies, including a handful we shot ourselves, the camera looks like it will produce low light photos that are both massively cleaner and more usable than the D2Xs and in the same ballpark as Canon’s EOS-1D Mark III (which is the D3’s primary competition)……We’ll need to shoot with a production D3 under real-world conditions to find out whether it approaches, meets or exceeds the EOS-1D Mark III in high ISO image quality. But based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s safe to say that the D3 will produce photos of dramatically better quality than the D2Xs at ISO 1600 and up.”
LCD:
“A 3-inch (diagonal), 170 degree viewing angle rear LCD that is so crisp and clear you’ll never want to use another rear LCD to review your pictures again. Its 920,000-dot resolution makes it possible to judge critical focus when zoomed in to nearly full magnification. In fact, it’s like looking at a screen without pixels; they’re so small as to be invisible when looking at photos at even abnormally close viewing distances”
Shiny Video has a hands on video preview of the Nikon D3.
Imaging Resource has a report from the Tokyo press announcement with initial impressions of the Nikon D3 and D300.
Gizmodo has an initial hands on impression of the Nikon D3 and D300 with a ton of images of the new cameras.
I did have a bit of trouble navigating the D3’s controls despite the emphatically touted Italian design and had to ask for some help, but I wasn’t overly familiar with its predecessor, which could be why I had some trouble. The D300 has a simpler layout, so I had an easier time.
Official Nikon Pages
Nikon D3 “Special Site” from Nikon Global.
Nikon D3 Instruction Manual (.PDF).
Nikon D3 Digitutor Videos and more.
The Nikon D3 product page from Nikon Global.
Here is the Official Nikon D3 brochure/spec sheet (.PDF).
Nikon D3 Accessories
Nikon WT-4A Wireless Transmitter
Nikon Type E Focusing Screen w/ Gridlines
Nikon Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI Focusing Screen
Nikon D3 PhotoBert Cheat Sheet
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
Preview
Major Features
New large image sensor developed by Nikon; 12.1 effective megapixels
The D3 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with a sensor area of 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm. It offers superior picture quality throughout a wide sensitivity range with such advantages as a large pixel size to ensure high S/N ratio and wide dynamic range, adoption of an element structure that improves light-utilization efficiency. In addition, high-speed 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting for 12.1-megapixel images at approximately 9 frames per second, as well as high-speed performance to ensure shooting in Liveview modes.
Wide sensitivity range
Sensitivity range is extremely wide, from ISO 200 to 6400 at normal setting. High picture quality without noise is realized not only at low sensitivity setting, but also at high settings such as ISO 6,400. Even in dark conditions in which satisfactory results were almost impossible to obtain before, high-quality pictures can be taken. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to HI 0.3, HI 0.5, HI 0.7, HI 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), HI 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), and decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), Lo 0.7, Lo 0.5 and Lo 0.3. All these settings expand the shooting possibilities.
High-speed performance
Shutter release time lag is only 37 ms*, equivalent to the Nikon D2XS, which is generally regarded as a mechanical limit. Continuous shooting speed is approximately 9 frames per second with FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), approximately 11 frames per second with DX format (24 x 16). The Nikon D3 is also the first digital SLR compliant with next-generation high-speed card UDMA, that enables 35-Mbyte recording speed, approximately 4 times as fast as the Nikon D2XS. Approximately 6-megapixel JPEG-Large-Fine image data taken with the FX format can be recorded at a speed higher than 5 frames per second. Startup time is approximately 0.12 second, shorter than the D2XS by 0.08 second.
* 41 ms if based on the new CIPA guideline to be established around August 4, 2007.
EXPEED — Nikon’s image processing concept embodied
As Nikon’s new digital image-processing concept — featuring the core ideas of our image creation and processing — EXPEED incorporates the optimized knowhow and technologies we have accumulated throughout our long history while receiving users’ requirements. It realizes diversified functions to ensure high picture quality and high-speed image processing.
Picture Control System
Picture Control System is a new function to enable selection and adjustment to create pictures easily according to skills of users from novices to professionals. When settings are the same, even with different cameras, you can get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome — enabling image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be easily adjusted and customized.
AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points is incorporated. 15 cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to subject condition. In many aspects, the functions of AF points are linked with the Scene Recognition System to offer superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points. Dynamic AF mode enables appropriate focusing by detecting subjects with a zone containing many AF points located densely. In this mode, the number of AF areas, including user selected AF points and backup points, can be selected from either 9, 21 or 51. In addition, newly employed “3D tracking” mode shifts the focus point automatically to respond to the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position in selecting AF points.
Scene Recognition System
By improving the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which was first incorporated in the Nikon F5, information from the sensor can be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. For example, 3D tracking in AF realized by using the Scene Recognition System tracks subject position, and automatically shifts AF points to be used according to the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to improved accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance.
Three image areas available
With the Nikon D3, users can select one of the three image areas — FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16) or 5:4 (30 x 24).
When a DX NIKKOR lens is attached, DX format is automatically selected. With DX format or 5:4 format, an area not covered by the sensor is automatically masked in the viewfinder. High-definition, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle Ultrahigh-definition [920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides 170° viewing angle. Large monitor is quite effective when confirming focus with enlarged playback images. Wide-viewing angle enables easy recomposing of the frame in Handheld mode of Liveview.
Two Liveview modes available
Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.
In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.
Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. In this mode, focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area is possible. Remote view, focusing and shooting are also made possible on a PC (wired or wirelessly).
Optical finder with 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification in FX format
SLR-type viewfinder featuring eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index provides 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification. Large and bright viewfinder image ensures comfortable focusing, which is one of the advantages of the FX format.
Eyepoint is 18 mm (at –0.1 m-1), and diopter can be adjusted within the range from –3 to +1 m-1.
Superior durability
Magnesium alloy is used for exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure both lightweight and ruggedness. Also, strict sealing with O-rings at various connected parts effectively resists dust and moisture.
Shutter unit developed and manufactured by Nikon employs shutter blades made of new materials (hybrid of carbon fiber and Kelver). Excellent durability is guaranteed with 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with shutter monitor.
CF card double slot
Two CF cards can be set, realizing consecutive recording, simultaneous recording, RAW + JPEG separate recording, and copying of data between two cards. Because two cards of the same kind can be used, users do not have to prepare different kinds of storage media.
Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)
The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function.
It realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them and downloading of images selected. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D3’s Liveview function.
Active D-Lighting
D-Lighting incorporated in the conventional digital SLRs enables editing after the image is taken. In addition to the D-Lighting, newly developed Active D-Lighting is employed in the Nikon D3.
Active D-Lighting lets users choose the intensity from among “High”, “Normal”, “Low” or “Unchanged” prior to shooting. The conventional method of simply expanding dynamic range is not employed in compensation. Instead, localized tone control technology is utilized to prevent images from looking flat with low contrast. As a result, “lost highlights” and “lost shadows” are well compensated while maintaining proper contrast.
Fine adjustment function for AF
If there is a slight difference in focusing point among lenses, users can finely adjust it.
Two methods are available. In specific adjustment, a certain level of compensation set for each registered lens is applied when the lens of the same type is attached. In uniform adjustment, the same level of compensation is applied regardless of the lens used. Up to 20 lenses can be registered.
Improved Function button feature
Besides the exclusive Function button, this feature can be assigned to the Preview button and AE/AF Lock button, giving photographers optimum operability in a flexible way.
HDMI output (High-Definition TV) supported
The Nikon D3 is compliant with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Ver. 1.3a which enables transfer of world-standard video and audio signals. Standard Type A connector is employed.
Info display
Various shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture is displayed in the LCD monitor. Color of characters can be selected according to lighting condition — black for light locations, white for dark locations. Auto switch mode can also be set.
Digital level incorporated
By utilizing a sensor incorporated in the body, the inclination of the camera is detected and displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder.
Image-management software ViewNX/Nikon Transfer included in the Software Suite CD-ROM
ViewNX is a viewer application to offer quick display of images, while Nikon Transfer provides simple transfer of taken images to a PC.
Designed by Giugiaro
“Ergonomic” is a new design theme that will be a standard of Nikon’s new-generation digital SLRs. This is applied to every detail including inclination of command dial and top control panel as well as comfortable holding and handling, e.g. shape of a grip. To support photographers’ concentration, curves of the pentaprism top, grip and side panels are directed to the center of lens’ optical axis, and the red, triangular motif has been redesigned to project a sharper image.
[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, d3h, review, rumors, news, norm olsen, concept, announcement, price, availability[/tags]
carl says
Wow! That is one very nice looking professional digital camera. The vague specs make it sound like it has some real grunt. As per Nikon, the D3 looks very heavy / weighty. Any ideas?
carl says
Wow! That is one very nice looking professional digital camera. The vague specs make it sound like it has some real grunt. As per Nikon, the D3 looks very heavy / weighty. Any ideas?
Michael says
That price is ridiculous, especially since it does not move us any farther ahead in the quest for a medium format resolution camera. Canon did that several years ago. We need a 30 to 40 Megapixel camera and at an affordable price.
Michael says
That price is ridiculous, especially since it does not move us any farther ahead in the quest for a medium format resolution camera. Canon did that several years ago. We need a 30 to 40 Megapixel camera and at an affordable price.
james says
Jim dont you feel a tad daft now sir? lol relax its here -ahuh sure was confident statement but sadly it is nowhere near here http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk has best info and it will be on there when its done i think u will find
james says
Jim dont you feel a tad daft now sir? lol relax its here -ahuh sure was confident statement but sadly it is nowhere near here http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk has best info and it will be on there when its done i think u will find
jim says
it seems that the Nikon D3 news moves on with a new report on http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk/item.do?item=…. If its true then our prayers are answered!
jim says
it seems that the Nikon D3 news moves on with a new report on http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk/item.do?item=602185 . If its true then our prayers are answered!
Eric says
Jim,
While I appreciate the update, it seems this is the same report I quoted in my <a href=\"http://www.photographybay.com/2007/05/30/latest-n…rel=\"nofollow\">May 30 post</a> that I\'ve linked to in this post as well. Moreover, this quote seems to come from DPReview.com forums rather than directly from the magazine as the post seems to imply (it\'s got the same typos). I\'m all for folks stirring up the rumor mill; however, I think sites like the one you link to should be more responsible by properly attributing their sources.
Cheers!
Eric
P.S. That \"late June\" rumor isn\'t too far away now….
Eric says
Jim,
While I appreciate the update, it seems this is the same report I quoted in my May 30 post that I’ve linked to in this post as well. Moreover, this quote seems to come from DPReview.com forums rather than directly from the magazine as the post seems to imply (it’s got the same typos). I’m all for folks stirring up the rumor mill; however, I think sites like the one you link to should be more responsible by properly attributing their sources.
Cheers!
Eric
P.S. That “late June” rumor isn’t too far away now….
Maurice says
How come people keep throwing around these great, big, hairy lies?
T774 says
These rumors are pathetic, and almost all of them completely do away with any sort of logic. Why would Nikon take a FF sensor? Just to infuriate all the pros who bought DX lenses? I\'m sure if that happened, a lot of them would be thinking about bombing Nikon HQ. The modular concept wouldn\'t be suprising, since Nikon has been doing it since the F… however, some of the speculations are a bit too wild to be true. What would be plausible is a JFET LBCAST sensor, but it would probably make a high-res camera more expensive. I think Nikon is going to deliver an ergonomically sound, reliable, and well engineered camera which it has always done. There won\'t be fireworks, dancing panda bears and champagne fountains, just a good camera. And nice black brochures to drool over. Oh and another thing: the rumors are always from people who will never ever be able to afford or use one of these. :)
T774 says
These rumors are pathetic, and almost all of them completely do away with any sort of logic. Why would Nikon take a FF sensor? Just to infuriate all the pros who bought DX lenses? I’m sure if that happened, a lot of them would be thinking about bombing Nikon HQ. The modular concept wouldn’t be suprising, since Nikon has been doing it since the F… however, some of the speculations are a bit too wild to be true. What would be plausible is a JFET LBCAST sensor, but it would probably make a high-res camera more expensive. I think Nikon is going to deliver an ergonomically sound, reliable, and well engineered camera which it has always done. There won’t be fireworks, dancing panda bears and champagne fountains, just a good camera. And nice black brochures to drool over. Oh and another thing: the rumors are always from people who will never ever be able to afford or use one of these. :)
jim says
WHOAH check out the news – it may be coming !!!
http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk/1-day-i602188…
jim says
WHOAH check out the news – it may be coming !!!
http://www.photographywebsite.co.uk/1-day-i602188.html
Brent says
I can only hope that it looks NOTHING like the photo on your webpage. What a disgusting looking piece of gay equipment.
Bradley says
I hope that it will be in keeping with Nikon\'s attention to the details that matter with lower noise at higher ISO\'s, (I read a rumour that someone saw a 6400 ISO shot that was amazing on a Beta test unit).
To date, I have found that my camera\'s sexual orientation has no impact on image quality or general usability. Maybe it\'s just you Brent… ;-)
Bradley says
I hope that it will be in keeping with Nikon’s attention to the details that matter with lower noise at higher ISO’s, (I read a rumour that someone saw a 6400 ISO shot that was amazing on a Beta test unit).
To date, I have found that my camera’s sexual orientation has no impact on image quality or general usability. Maybe it’s just you Brent… ;-)
SGTB says
So I\'m guessing the next rumor will be about a Nikon D3 in late August
SGTB says
So I’m guessing the next rumor will be about a Nikon D3 in late August
Ken says
You heard it first right here. Aug 15 announcement. :)
Ken says
You heard it first right here. Aug 15 announcement. :)
Steve says
I hate rumours and speculation as most of you, but I have been curious about the introduction of the Nikon D3 (or whatever their going to call it) and am excited to see it\'s capabilities.
I noticed that the Nikon Digital site (http://www.nikondigital.com) automatically forwards you to the Nikon USA site. I\'ve been checking the Nikon Digital site frequently the last couple of weeks and reference it quite often. I\'ve never noticed it unavailable for this long. Maybe Nikon\'s getting some D3 content ready.
Steve says
I hate rumours and speculation as most of you, but I have been curious about the introduction of the Nikon D3 (or whatever their going to call it) and am excited to see it’s capabilities.
I noticed that the Nikon Digital site (www.nikondigital.com) automatically forwards you to the Nikon USA site. I’ve been checking the Nikon Digital site frequently the last couple of weeks and reference it quite often. I’ve never noticed it unavailable for this long. Maybe Nikon’s getting some D3 content ready.
JT says
The only pro lens in the DX family is the 17-55 2.8. All the other lenses in the \"pro\" line are for 35mm including the 70-200 VR 2.8 so even if Nikon went FF it would piss off a few but not everyone, however Im guessing there would be a huge flux of DX lenses up for grabs on ebay.
JT says
The only pro lens in the DX family is the 17-55 2.8. All the other lenses in the “pro” line are for 35mm including the 70-200 VR 2.8 so even if Nikon went FF it would piss off a few but not everyone, however Im guessing there would be a huge flux of DX lenses up for grabs on ebay.
RD says
It is incorrect to say that the only pro-level DX lens is the 17-55 f2.8. There is also the 12-24 f4 and the 10.5 f2.8. That said, I do think Nikon will release a pro Full Frame D3(or nearly FF) DSLR. If not, they would have announced more new pro-level DX lenses by now. Honestly though, I don\'t really care because my current photographic needs are completely met by the D2X.
You people who complain on the Web about needing Full Frame to shoot noise-free at ISO6400 are driving me mad. No one could ever shoot acceptable images at that speed before digital. Yes, I know there are some situations where shooting at high ISO may be essential (ie for some indoor situations where flash is not an option).
In my opinion, the biggest reason for needing a FF DSLR is for wide angle shooting. The 1.5x factor in the APS sensor size requires smaller focal lengths lenses which are more expensive and generally slower in f-stop.
In most other cases, however, I find the DX sensor size a benefit in my shooting. I get more magnification of the subject with less focal length and, therefore I can carry shorter and lighter lenses.
RD says
It is incorrect to say that the only pro-level DX lens is the 17-55 f2.8. There is also the 12-24 f4 and the 10.5 f2.8. That said, I do think Nikon will release a pro Full Frame D3(or nearly FF) DSLR. If not, they would have announced more new pro-level DX lenses by now. Honestly though, I don’t really care because my current photographic needs are completely met by the D2X.
You people who complain on the Web about needing Full Frame to shoot noise-free at ISO6400 are driving me mad. No one could ever shoot acceptable images at that speed before digital. Yes, I know there are some situations where shooting at high ISO may be essential (ie for some indoor situations where flash is not an option).
In my opinion, the biggest reason for needing a FF DSLR is for wide angle shooting. The 1.5x factor in the APS sensor size requires smaller focal lengths lenses which are more expensive and generally slower in f-stop.
In most other cases, however, I find the DX sensor size a benefit in my shooting. I get more magnification of the subject with less focal length and, therefore I can carry shorter and lighter lenses.
robert Woudenberg says
I have the 17-55 and at 30 and above 4 it is great but man it needs serious DXO correction at 17. Also I think that perhaps I would have been better off with the mighty 24-70 2.8 and the 12-24 on a second body. Has anybody used the tamron 28-70 2.8?
robert Woudenberg says
I have the 17-55 and at 30 and above 4 it is great but man it needs serious DXO correction at 17. Also I think that perhaps I would have been better off with the mighty 24-70 2.8 and the 12-24 on a second body. Has anybody used the tamron 28-70 2.8?
xpherion says
Just wait couple of hours, new nikon is coming.
xpherion says
Just wait couple of hours, new nikon is coming.
james lee says
stink!
only 12Mpixel
Robert Capra says
A lot of waiting and wondering and now it\'s here. When you look at the specs it all makes sense and Nikon really took the exact right path to regaining it\'s foothold among news and sports shooters. I\'m sure within 6-12 months we will have a D3X version that will have the 20 megapixel feature to put it right there aginst Canon. If they can come in under Canon\'s $7,000 price they\'ve really got the game back in their court. We will need to see some new primes to make the picture complete… hopefully this spring.
james lee says
stink!
only 12Mpixel
isofifty says
Check Dpreview. The New Nikon D3 and D300 have been announced. I can finally stop looking at all these stupid rumors and look at the real thing. I knew there was a reason for sticking with Nikon :)
Pontus Charleville says
This looks like the real deal. The site is in swedish, but you can translate it with babelfish. The camera ships in November. 12,1 Megapixels. Looks good, but not perfect.
Robert Capra says
A lot of waiting and wondering and now it’s here. When you look at the specs it all makes sense and Nikon really took the exact right path to regaining it’s foothold among news and sports shooters. I’m sure within 6-12 months we will have a D3X version that will have the 20 megapixel feature to put it right there aginst Canon. If they can come in under Canon’s $7,000 + price they’ve really got the game back in their court. We will need to see some new primes to make the picture complete… hopefully this spring.
Pontus Charleville says
This looks like the real deal. The site is in swedish, but you can translate it with babelfish. The camera ships in November. 12,1 Megapixels. Looks good, but not perfect.
steppenwolf_sco says
Well, I know I\'m gonna get that \"Collecting Donations for Nikon D3\" T Shirt!
steppenwolf_sco says
Well, I know I’m gonna get that “Collecting Donations for Nikon D3” T Shirt!
xpherion says
I am glad to see you are ahead of ken Rockwell in google ranking for \"Nikon D3\"
xpherion says
I am glad to see you are ahead of ken Rockwell in google ranking for “Nikon D3”
slippery Pete says
Robert capra said: \"I’m sure within 6-12 months we will have a D3X version that will have the 20 megapixel feature to put it right there aginst Canon.\"
I\'m sure that with a 20 MP D3, some of the unique specs will have to step back dramatically, like the speedy 9-12 fps which can\'t b processed by any available hardware before 3-5 years from today. concerning the low noise in poorly lit areas and at high iso, we\'ll have to see what Canon has up it\'s sleeves when both cameras are thoroughly tested next month.
I think now the pro digital SLR will settle at 22mp roof for the next 15 years improving color/saturation and tonal dynamics to reach old slide film texture/quality/depth feel. Also working on faster fps processing times for fat fat files. I see an SLR capable of shooting 12mp at cinematic speeds sometime during the early 2020s!. but i think by then, HD 24 cine camcorders will be much cheaper than the 25000-45000 euros models available today, a lot less cheaper. That\'s when 22mp SLR\'s begn to shrink in size, weight and price to regain their modest original 20th century milieu of 1500-2000 euro for the pro series, and history will repeat itself.
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slippery Pete says
Robert capra said: “I’m sure within 6-12 months we will have a D3X version that will have the 20 megapixel feature to put it right there aginst Canon.”
I’m sure that with a 20+MP D3, some of the unique specs will have to step back dramatically, like the speedy 9-12 fps which can’t b processed by any available hardware before 3-5 years from today. concerning the low noise in poorly lit areas and at high iso, we’ll have to see what Canon has up it’s sleeves when both cameras are thoroughly tested next month.
I think now the pro digital SLR will settle at 22mp roof for the next 15 years improving color/saturation and tonal dynamics to reach old slide film texture/quality/depth feel. Also working on faster fps processing times for fat fat files. I see an SLR capable of shooting 12mp at cinematic speeds sometime during the early 2020s!. but i think by then, HD 24 cine camcorders will be much cheaper than the 25000-45000 euros models available today, a lot less cheaper. That’s when 22mp SLR’s begn to shrink in size, weight and price to regain their modest original 20th century milieu of 1500-2000 euro for the pro series, and history will repeat itself.
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Bob says
It\'s about freakin\' time that Nikon made a full-frame DSLR!
Bob says
It’s about freakin’ time that Nikon made a full-frame DSLR!
Andy Goris says
On D3 – how many Raws can be captured at 9 fps before the buffer is full? Is ths number increased if you have a UDMA CF card, since some of the Raw files will have been transfered to it before the buffer is full?
Does anyone have info on the D3 shutter sound? How quiet is it?
Andy Goris says
On D3 – how many Raws can be captured at 9 fps before the buffer is full? Is ths number increased if you have a UDMA CF card, since some of the Raw files will have been transfered to it before the buffer is full?
Does anyone have info on the D3 shutter sound? How quiet is it?
tamara says
how much cost this thing??