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Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX- format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.
From the Manufacturer
Manufacturer Description
Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX- format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.
The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest start-up time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera, as well as the capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.
Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. By setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation. The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D3 uses the world’s first Scene Recognition System to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection in the camera by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.
The D3 is designed for professional use in demanding conditions. The exterior of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera’s shutter mechanism is tested to 300,000-cycle releases. The 3-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D3’s comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.
Nikon D3 Digital SLR Highlights
New, 12.1 effective megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) sensor The D3’s new and original 12.1 effective megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor features a series of technologies that enable it to deliver superior quality pictures throughout the camera’s exceptionally broad ISO range. In addition, the sensor’s high-speed 12-channel readout allows the camera to shoot 12.1-megapixel images at up to nine frames per second.
Wide sensitivity range The camera’s ISO sensitivity range is extremely broad, allowing photographers to shoot low-noise photographs in a variety of situations. The camera’s normal range is from ISO 200 to 6400, and this range can be extended using the camera’s built-in settings of Lo-1 and Hi-2 for the equivalent of ISO 100 and ISO 25,600, respectively.
High-speed performance The D3 is designed to deliver high-speed performance in virtually any situation. With a shutter release time lag of only 37 milliseconds, camera start-up time of 0.12 seconds, and continuous shooting speed of up to nine frames per second with full resolution 12.1 megapixel images, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.* The D3 is also capable of shooting at up to 11 frames per second when using the camera’s DX- format mode, with 5.1-megapixel images. The Nikon D3 is also compliant with UDMA memory cards, enabling recording speeds of up to 35 megabytes per second.
* As of August, 2007; among cameras featuring an imaging sensor similar to the size of 35mm film.
New EXPEED Image Processing System The D3 features Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the speed and processing power of the camera. EXPEED delivers optimized performance for the camera and its features, and ensures high-image quality and high-speed image processing.
Versatile new Picture Control System Nikon’s new Picture Control System, featured in the D3, allows photographers to fine-tune and adjust fundamental rendering options for their pictures so they can define the exact tone, sharpening, brightness and saturation they prefer. They can then port these settings to any other Nikon camera featuring the Picture Control System, such as the recently introduced D300, so that even when shooting with different cameras, they can get consistent tones for all their pictures.
New 51-point auto focus system The D3 features Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus sensor module, with 51 AF points, including 15 cross-type sensors that are located in the center of the frame. These cross-type sensors work with all Nikkor lenses, including those with apertures as small as f/5.6. The D3’s auto focus system is closely linked with the camera’s innovative Scene Recognition System to deliver greater accuracy in subject detection and focus tracking performance.
Revolutionary new Scene Recognition System Nikon’s D3 features a revolutionary new Scene Recognition System that greatly enhances the accuracy of auto exposure, auto white balance detection and auto focus in the camera. The Scene Recognition System uses the camera’s built-in, 1,005-pixel RGB metering sensor to recognize the subject or scene being photographed and detect any movement. This information helps optimize exposure and white balance settings for the recognized subject and also enables the camera to assign appropriate AF points based on any movement of the subject, ensuring highly precise auto focus tracking performance.
Super-density, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with 920,000-dot resolution The D3 features a gorgeous, ultra high-definition 3-inch LCD monitor with 920,000-dot resolution. The monitor provides a 170-degree viewing angle and is very effective in confirming focus on pictures as well as framing a shot using the camera’s new LiveView modes.
LiveView shooting with two optimized modes Two new LiveView modes in the D3 enable photographers to compose their shot using the camera’s ultra-high resolution LCD monitor. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51 points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.
Active D-Lighting Nikon’s D-Lighting feature in its digital SLR cameras has proved to be a popular way for photographers to quickly compensate for dark areas of a picture after it is taken, without adversely affecting its highlights. The D3 now features an Active D-Lighting mode that when enabled provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.
Dual CF slots offer memory flexibility Improved usability Several aspects of the D3’s usability have been refined to offer professional photographers a satisfying experience when using the camera. The camera’s optical viewfinder offers a large, bright image with virtually 100 percent frame coverage and 0.7x magnification in FX-format. The D3 accepts two CF (Compact Flash) cards simultaneously for a myriad of recording options as well as the ability to copy images between the two cards. Display images on your HDTV via the HDMI port An integrated HDMI port offers the ability to view images from the camera directly on a high-definition television. The D3 also features the world’s first virtual horizon level indicator that uses sensors incorporated within the camera to indicate the inclination of the camera relative to the horizon, on the LCD monitor or inside the viewfinder.
Reliable and durable The D3 is designed to perform reliably and consistently under the most demanding conditions. The exterior of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy, and numerous seals are used throughout the body to protect the camera against dust and moisture. The camera’s shutter employs blades made of a hybrid of carbon fiber and Kevlar and is tested to 300,000 cycles. The camera also features a Self Diagnostic Shutter Monitor that ensures the accuracy and precision of the shutter at all times.
Fine-tune adjustment for auto focus Photographers who need to make small adjustments to correct differences in focusing can do so using the D3’s built-in capability to adjust focus specific to a lens. The camera offers the option of either setting compensation for a specific lens so adjustment in focus is only enabled when that particular lens is used, or the camera can apply a uniform level of compensation for any lens used with the camera. Users can store settings for up to 20 different lenses if they prefer to fine-tune the camera’s focusing based on specific lenses.
Designed for ergonomics, by Giugiaro The D3 is built around the central theme of ergonomics and the camera’s exterior form is designed by world renowned Italian design house, Giugiaro. Every aspect of the D3 is fine-tuned to be ergonomic and help photographers seamlessly work with the camera. Its slightly inclined command dial, comfortable hand-grip, and curves on the pentaprism top, grip and side panels are all part of a new design theme.
Patricklee
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
NGL i thought i would receive this D3 in a secondary box halfway wrapped in God knows what kinda paper/plastic and to my amazement this baby damn near screamed BRAND NEW! It came in the original Nikon gold box with an untouched readers manual in the plastic, Camera was resting in its housing as though it were just off the assembly line. Shout out to REPLAY TECH for living up to the hype! Hey, the pressure is always out there to chase sensation and spend for the latest most advanced camera—yeah i get that but simply put, i’m not a major film studio or NASA whereas i can place orders in the hundreds of thousands for top gear. But the question should be is it about the gear or what one can do with what he or she has and can afford? Everything on my squarespace was shot with a Nikon D3 (patrickleehamilton.com) yes, you heard me, a Nikon D3. News flash: I’m gonna buy the D3s in 2024 🙌🏾
Arash ghaemi
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
The camera flash slot #2 broken . Mold smiling body . That camera body should be put out service!
Michael L. Taylor
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016
Buyer beware! I bought a Nikon D3 listed in acceptable condition. The D3 arrived and worked great. After taking the camera to my local camera store I was told that the shutter count was 430.000! The D3 shutter is rated for 250.000. I now have to send the camera to a shop in California for a shutter replacement. This will coast me an additional $860! The Camera worked as advertised, the shutter count was not listed. I should have known that a camera listed as acceptable would have seen heavy use. Buyer beware!
Northwest Photo Enthusiast
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2008
This is the Nikon I had been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for -- a full-frame DSLR. Sure, Canon has had full-frame DSLRs for many years, but I have a significant investment in Nikon lenses for my Nikon bodies (including the F4s, F6, D100, and D200, among others).Now, it is true that I began my SLR days in the Canon line; but when the 35mm SLR world began to go autofocus and Canon chose to create a platform that would not use the existing manual-focus Canon lenses, I realized that I was going to have to buy new lenses either way. As it turned out, I elected to move over to Nikon (keeping just one or two of my manual-focus Canons).What took Nikon so long to come out with its "FX" (full-frame) cameras? I don't know, but from what I have read, there has been a shake-up at Nikon, reflecting a certain amount of angst at having waited so long and giving away sales to Canon. I recall reading one website in which the author suggested that Nikon was "doing the right thing" by not making full-frame cameras, since it isn't really possible to do so, anyway. Huh? No kidding -- the author worked very hard to create a case that the physics of light do not permit camera manufacturers to create a camera with a full-frame (24x36mm) sensor, and that Nikon had somehow taken the moral high ground by refusing to bow to full-frame hysteria......one of the (unintentionally) funniest things I've ever read. Since Canon already had been making full-frame cameras for some time -- and I guess we all just knew it was a matter of time before Nikon got its head on straight -- I couldn't help but think of the old quote that goes something like this: "Never tell the man who is busy doing something that it is impossible."Now, I've never held the high-end Canon (the EOS 1Ds Mark III), which goes for over $7,000, but I HAVE held the 5D and I like it very much. Like many others, I might have retraced my steps back to Canonland if Nikon had tarried much longer. But as much as I liked the 5D (which I obviously could have purchased using the D3 funds -- with a lens or two or three -- and still had change left over), the D3 is a much better camera. Both the Product Details on this site and the reviews by the other D3 owners will provide you with many of the technical reasons for this.I guess I don't want to repeat those technical reasons here. Most any decent DSLR can produce good and useable images. What it comes down to is how the camera FEELS in your hands as you use it....and the D3 just feels good. It doesn't look or feel like cheap extruded plastic (which, I am afraid, is a problem with the Canons). The D3 feels solid, substantial, and has clearly benefited from the attention of the folks in the ergonomics labs. It's anything but a lightweight, but I've been carrying large Nikons around for many years, so that is not a disincentive for me.At this point I've only owned the camera for a short time and have only had the opportunity to take a relatively small number of exposures -- perhaps the equivalent of two or three rolls of film (sorry, old habits die hard). I still have many things to learn about it in order to more fully exploit its capabilities....but I am very impressed with what I've seen so far. I have one CF Card set to record NEF (raw), the other to record high-res JPG. One thing I miss is the built-in architectural viewfinder gridlines that were standard with several of my previous Nikons. Yes, I know that one can buy a "Type E" replacement focusing screen or set the "FUNC." button for a (funky) capability that Nikon refers to as the "Virtual Horizon," but why did Nikon choose not to include the gridlines as a standard feature/capability? Also, Nikon really should package the camera with a decent eyecup.All-in-all, a wonderful camera. Thanks, Nikon.
S. D. Perry
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2008
After having used Canon for years (from film based EOS -1 to IDMKII, a 5D, and even a 1D MK III), there is just no comparison! This camera handles like it was designed by a photographer, not a tech. It's easy to do everything you want, and the quality is simply outstanding. If you're debating it - don't. Just get one and you'll understand!It has a TON of incredible features, but here are some of my favs:I know everyone praises the low light abilities and they are outstanding. I am able to get landscapes that would have been impossible before. I normally had to shoot ISO 100, so a tripod was mandatory. Now I routinely use 400 and even 800! I can get into tight spots and hand-hold now! This feature alone has completely changed the way I do photography!Another feature that I really like was the smaller AF areas. If you're doing wildlife, it makes it much easier to lock on to your subject when the animal is in heavy brush (you know, like all the time). The Canons would always have a hard time in these situations, the Nikon grabs the focus immediately.One last feature I'm really excited about is the virtual horizon. It makes keeping the camera level just so much easier. It has two ways of showing it - the first is a big display on the back that looks like it's out of a 747 and is kind of useless. The second is to set your function button on the front of the camera for virtual horizon. Just press that in with your pinky while you look through the finder and the exposure meter turns into your virtual horizon. Just get it to "0" and you're level. Much easier to do than it sounds. I always thought My shots were level, but I was really surprised how often I needed a little tilt one way or the other.The camera has incredible autofocus, a viewfinder so good you can actually manually focus with it if you like, an incredible screen on the back you can use to check focus accurately (impossible with any current Canon, at least by comparison), and so much more. Just a fantastic overall camera.
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