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| dpmac digital lifestyle • digital cameras - computers - software - video games |
August, 2007
The Nikon
D3 DSLR - Nikon finally goes full frame.
Just like with the new Nikon D300, I can't say much about this camera
yet because it is not available
until November (2007). The obvious advantage of this camera is that it
is full frame format so lenses will once again perform just the same as
when you were using 35mm film SLRs, other advantages are larger sensor
sites for the same resolution than DX format SLRs which should give
better performance in relation to dynamic range and high ISO
noise. If I do manage to get my hands on the Nikon D3 before
November, I will write a full report. In the mean time here are the
main features and specifications. Time to start drooling and saving
your pennies (better make that some large denomination bills).
 Here are the main features:
- Nikon's original
FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm image size;
12.1 effective megapixels
- Compatible with three
image-sensor formats – FX format (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24) and DX format
(24 x 16)
- Sensitivity range ISO
200 to 6400 at normal setting for exceptionally high-quality images;
can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600
- Incorporates Nikon's
original EXPEED digital image processing concept
- Nikon's original
Scene Recognition system,
utilizing the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, greatly improves autofocus, auto
exposure and auto white balance performance
- New 51-point
autofocus system features 15
cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures
as small as f/5.6
- High-speed continuous
shooting at approx. 9 frames
per second [FX format (36 x 24)/5:4 (30 x 24)]/approx. 11 fps [DX
format (24 x 16)] *1
- Newly employed
Picture Control System enables creation of desired picture with
preferred tones
- Accurate focal-plane
contrast AF*2 available with built-in Liveview mode
- Wireless Transmitter
WT-4*3 (optional)
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
- CF card double slot
accepts two CF cards
- Quick response with
approx. 0.12 sec. startup time and 37 ms Shutter-release time lag
- Viewfinder with
approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
- High-definition
(920,000 dots), 170˚ viewing angle, 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with
tempered glass
- Active D-Lighting
optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
*1 With Continuous-servo AF, S or M
exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 sec. or faster; other settings are
set at "Default".
*2 When Tripod mode is selected.
*3 Specifications differ depending on country or area.
Related
Articles:
NEW - The
absolute best
Digital SLR camera and lens combination of the year - the Nikon D200
DSLR combined with the 18-200mm DX Nikkor Super-Zoom
The Nikon D80 Digital SLR
camera is aimed at aspiring photographers
Why the US$ 599 Nikon D40 Digital SLR will
be my next
camera purchase.
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Nikon D3 - Specification
Effective pixels
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12.1 million |
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Image sensor
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CMOS sensor, 36.0 x
23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format |
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Image size (pixels)
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FX format (36 x 24):
4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S]
5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416 [S]
DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920
[S] |
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Sensitivity
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ISO
200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases
approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and
increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO
25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400 |
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Storage media
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CompactFlash (Type
I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives |
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LCD monitor
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3-in.,
approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame
coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment |
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Exposure metering
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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) |
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Exposure modes
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1) Programmed Auto
(P) with flexible program,
2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S),
3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A),
4) Manual (M) |
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Interface
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Hi-speed USB |
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Power sources
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One Rechargeable
Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22, AC Adapter EH-6
(optional) |
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Dimensions (W x H
x D)
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Approx. 159.5 x 157
x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.) |
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Weight
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Approx. 1,240 g (2.7
lb.) 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. August 2007
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| dpmac digital lifestyle • digital cameras - computers - software - video games |
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