Nikon D3x – 24.5 megapixels FX digital SLR

OK, so now we have a Nikon Super Camera (finally), what does that mean though, how exactly will this camera change the lives of Nikon photographers around the world?

Will all the dentists and lawyers immediately run out and buy one? A fair number probably will and if history is any indicator they will soon be showing off their pictures of house cats, zoo animals and jelly sandwich eating grandchildren on the image sharing and photo forum sites.

The big question though is, will the professional photographers be lining up for it the moment Nikon starts to deliver?

The answer is kind of complex. The Nikon D3x body costs in the neighborhood of US$ 8,000, that is depending upon where you live, 3 to 4 thousand dollars more than the 12 megapixel Nikon D3, which it is almost a twin of, except for the higher resolution imaging device.

The first thing any sensible (and budget minded) photographer should of course do is find a rental house that is going to keep these monsters in stock and arrange for some one on one time with the new king of the hill on the Nikon playground.

Very affluent commercial photographers who also always use the latest Hasselblad and Sinar equipment, will already have ordered at least one D3x to be delivered as soon as they are available. Why waste time thinking about it, there is always room for a few million more pixels.

What am I going to do?, It is time for me to start stalking a rich dentist friend of mine and make him an offer on his now “obsolete” Nikon D3.

* Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels
* Exceptional noise control from ISO 100 to ISO 1600
* Fast 14-bit A/D conversion incorporated onto the image sensor for high signal-to-noise ratio and low power consumption
* Nikon’s EXPEED image-processing system, utilizing a supremely powerful CPU with 16-bit image processing
* Near-instantaneous shutter release time lag of approx. 0.04 second (based on CIPA Guideline)*
* 5-frames-per-second continuous shooting in FX format and 7 fps in DX crop mode (up to 130 frames)*
* 51-point Multi-CAM3500FX autofocus system
* Scene Recognition System for more accurate AF, AE, and AWB results
* Active D-Lighting for complete control over highlight and shadow detail
* Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape, Portrait and D2x Modes I, II and III are available free via download)
* Live View mode for shooting handheld and with a tripod
* High-resolution (approx. 920k dots), 3-inch VGA-size LCD monitor with tempered glass
* Durable, lightweight magnesium-alloy construction and comprehensive weather sealing against dust and moisture
* Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge (based on CIPA Standards)**
* Compatibility with the Nikon Total Imaging System

*In 12-bit A/D conversion mode
**Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode

Specifications

Effective pixels		24.5 million
Image sensor		CMOS sensor, 35.9 x 24.0 mm; Nikon FX format; total pixels: 25.72 million
Image size (pixels)		FX format (36 x 24): 6,048 x 4,032 [L], 4,544 x 3,024 [M], 3,024 x 2,016 [S] DX format (24 x 16): 3,968 x 2,640 [L], 2,976 x 1,976 [M], 1,984 x 1,320 [S] 5:4 (30 x 24): 5,056 x 4,032 [L], 3,792 x 3,024 [M], 2,528 x 2,016 [S]
Sensitivity		ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100, or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 1600
Storage media		CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
LCD monitor		3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Exposure metering		TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data) 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
Exposure modes		1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, 2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S), 3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)
Interface		Hi-speed USB
Power sources		One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22/MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)		Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)
Weight		Approx. 1,220 g (2 lb. 11 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. December 2008