Nikon D3X FX 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera

NikonD3X Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format Camera
Description

Nikon D3X digital SLR Camera Review. I've shot a lot with a D200, even more with a D3, but I have to say - this camera produces truly astonishing images. Matched with a suitable lens, the image detail becomes simply amazing, and other qualities, the more subjective ones like contrast and color, are challenging to describe but are exceptional for professional work, and exceeds the D3's already first-rate capabilities. You can count on this camera to deliver the shot...and that's where handling comes in. The D3X is, in my opinion, is perhaps the best-handling DSLR body in the world - a combination of the autofocus system, camera controls and the metering system. The D3x handling is identical to the D3 (except for the frame rate), which is precisely what I would have hoped for.

The Nikon D3x presents the most superb image quality in a digital SLR camera the world has observed up till now. The online whining and whimpering about the price won't change that truth, I don't care for the price either. But if you require or desire the very finest DSLR available today, the Nikon D3x is your camera. In fact, I have zero desire to shoot my Canon 1Ds Mark III any more. None at all. It's not about resolution: it's about spectacular image quality.

Features

Nikon Extreme Digital SLR Image Quality In the studio or on location, the D3X faithfully captures NEF (RAW) files that, when processed, are approximately 138 MB! Of course, neither a Nikon 24.5-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor nor 138 MB files are of value unless they deliver truly superior image quality. And in this regard, the new D3X exceeds expectations. Like its 12.1-megapixel D3 counterpart, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing technologies teamed with the proprietary Nikon Scene Recognition System to ensure the utmost in image fidelity, low noise, faster, more accurate autofocus and amazing file processing speed that makes continuous shooting at up to five frames per second possible. In addition, the D3X’s ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 1600 (with Lo1, 50 and Hi 2 up to 6400) is mindful of the needs of photographers specializing in commercial, fashion and fine art photography.

Nikon Professional D-SLR System Synergy Nikon engineers understand that the needs of professional photographers vary with their assignments. Nikon also understands that a photographer's workflow can be seriously impacted by cameras with widely dissimilar handling, which is why the D3X takes its design cues from the enormously successful D3. Logical and familiar control layout integrates with rugged, reliable construction. And like the D3, the D3X features Nikon’s 51-point AF system with 3D focus tracking. A bright 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot LCD monitor offers precise image review, along with razorsharp, 27x magnification for fast, critical confirmation of focus in one of two Live View modes, all of which contribute to the D3X’s professional potency.

More Nikon D3X Highlights

Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor Large 5.49µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.

Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.

138 MB1 Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600 Added ISO settings of Lo-1 ISO 50, Hi-1 ISO 3200 and Hi-2 ISO 6400 extend versatility.

Two Live View shooting modes Two Live View modes add flexibility, and up to 27x magnification in the Tripod Mode, acute focusing accuracy is easily confirmed.

Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities--in the studio or on location.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF system AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.

1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System Two Nikon exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate A performance.

3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review.

Additional Features

    • 100 percent viewfinder coverage
    • Nikon Picture Control
    • Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction
    • Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
    • Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
    • Up to 4,400 images per battery charge
Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities—in the studio or on location. Fast, accurate 51-point AF system AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness. 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System Two Nikon-exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance. 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review. 100% viewfinder coverage Nikon Picture Control Four preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, and 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control. Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction

Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles. Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator Up to 4,400 images per battery charge. Release date 11/30/2008

New/upgraded features on the Nikon D3X compared to the D3:

  • 24.5-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (D3 used 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor)
  • Exact sensor dimensions are 35.9 x 24.0mm (D3 sensor was 36.0mm x 23.9mm)
  • Pixel size is now 5.94µm (was 8.45µm)
  • Up to 5 fps continuous-mode speed at full resolution (down from 9 fps)
  • Up to 7 fps in 10.5-megapixel DX crop mode (down from 11 fps in 5.1-megapixel High-Speed crop mode, but this crop is only 1.6 megapixels and 2 fps below the D3's native resolution / full-frame speed)
  • ISO from 100 to 1,600, can be extended ISO 50 to 6,400 (was 200 to 6,400, expandable 100 to 25,600)
  • New "Auto" and "Extra-High" Active D-Lighting settings for real-time highlight and shadow correction, as well as previous High, Normal, Low or Off
  • Parameters for up to 10 non-CPU lenses can be registered (up from 9)
  • Improved battery life, now 4,400 shots to CIPA testing standards (was 4,300 shots)
  • Slight weight decrease to 43.0 ounces / 1,220 grams (was 43.7 ounces / 1,240 grams)


Specifications

Nikon D3X - Introduced fall, 2008

Image Sensor Format FX
Image Sensor Type CMOS
Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0mm
Total Pixels 25.72 million
Effective Pixels 24.5 million
Image Area (pixels) FX-format
(L) 6,048 x 4,032
(M)4,544 x 3024
(S)3,024 x 2016

5:4 format (30 x 24)
(L) 5,056 x 4,032
(M)3,792 x 3,024
(S)2,528 x 2,016

DX-format
(L) 3,968 x 2,640
(M)2,976 x 1976
(S)1,984 x 1,320
Top Continuous Shooting Speed
at full resolution
 
Continuous Shooting Optics FX-format
CH: Up to 5 frames per second
CL: Up to 4 frames per second
5:4 format
CH: Up to 5 frames per second
CL: Up to 4 frames per second
DX-format
CH: Up to 7 frames per second
CL: Up to 5 frames per second
LCD Monitor Size 3 in. diagonal
LCD Monitor Type VGA TFT Super Density
LCD Monitor Resolution 920,000 Dots
LCD Monitor Angle of View 170-degree-wide-viewing angle
LCD Monitor Adjustments Brightness 7 levels
Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane
Slowest Shutter Speed 30 sec in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Fastest Shutter Speed 1/80000 sec in steps of 1/2, 1, 1/3 EV
Bulb Shutter Setting Yes
Mirror Lock Up Yes
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity L0-1 (ISO 50 equivalent, in steps of 1/3, 1/2, EV)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity Hi-2 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options Lo-1, (ISO-50 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps

Hi-1, (ISO-3200 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps

Hi-2, (ISO-6400 equivalent), 1 EV step
Storage Media MicroDrive© CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA
Storage System WAV Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent TIFF (RGB) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW)
File System Compliant with EXIF 2.21
DCF 2.0
DPOF
Exposure Modes Manual (M)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program
Exposure Metering System Spot AF
Variable Center-weighted
1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Spot meter centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering Range 1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)
Exposure meter Coupling AI, CPU
Exposure Compensation ±5EV
Exposure Lock Yes
Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Bracketing Yes
From 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Shutter Release Modes Live View [LV] mode
Single-frame [S] mode
Self-timer mode
Mirror-up [Mup] mode
Continuous low-speed [CL] mode; 1-4 frames-per-second
Continuous high-speed [CH] mode; 5 frames-per-second
White Balance Fluorescent
Preset
Incandescent
Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting
Auto
Shade
Sun
Flash
White Balance Bracketing Yes, 2 to 9 exposures, in increments of 1, 2 or 3
Live View Shooting Handheld mode, Tripod mode
Playback Functions Highlight point display
Auto image rotation
Voice Memo
Shooting data
Slideshow
Full frame
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 16 segments)
Histogram
Zoom
Interface Hi-speed USB
PAL
NTSC
10-pin Terminal
HDMI
Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses 1) Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported

2) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size

3) AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II

4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II

5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data
Picture Angle Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)
Viewfinder SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 100%
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment -3 to +1 m
Viewfinder Eyepoint 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Reflex Mirror Quick-return type
Focusing Screen BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
Interchangeable Focusing Screens Yes
BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B Clear Matte VI - Type E
Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m-1)
Lens Aperture Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview button
Depth-of-field Control Yes
Autofocus System Autofocus TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module; Detection: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points 51
Autofocus Fine Tune Yes
Focus Modes Manual
Single-servo AF (S)
Continuous-servo (C)
Single-point AF Mode Yes
Dynamic AF Mode Yes
Number of AF points: 9, 21, 51 and 51 (3D-tracking)
Auto-area AF Mode Yes
Focus Lock Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
AE-L/AF-L button
Picture Control Neutral
Nine User-customizable settings
Vivid
Standard
Monochrome
In-Camera Editing Color Balance
Monochrome
Image Overlay
Trim
Side-by-Side Comparison
D-Lighting
Filter Effects
Red-eye correction
Built-in Flash No
Dust-Off Reference Photo Yes
Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator Yes
Save/Load Camera settings Yes
Nikon Creative Lighting System
Compatibility
Yes
Flash Sync Speed up to 1/250
X-Sync Speed up to 1/250
FP High Speed Sync up to 1/8000
Flash Sync Modes Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Front-curtain sync (normal)
Slow sync
Flash Control 1) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400
2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lens
3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, SB-800, 28, 27 or 22s
4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, SB-800
Flash Sync Terminal Yes
Accessory Shoe Yes
Self Timer Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec.
World Time Setting Yes
Date, Time & Daylight Savings
Time Settings
Yes
Battery Type Rechargeable
Battery / Batteries EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
AC Adaptor EH-6 AC Adapter
Battery Charger MH-22 Quick Charger
MH-21 Quick Charger
Image Comment Yes, Up to 36 characters
Voice Memo Function Yes
Battery Life (Shots per charge) 4,400 shots (CIPA)
Tripod Socket Ľ-20
Approximate Dimensions Width 6.3 in. (159.5mm)
Height 6.2 in. (157mm)
Depth 3.4 in. (87.5mm)
Approximate Weight 43.0 oz. (1,220g)
Supported Languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Supplied Software Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional Accessories WT-4a Wireless Transmitter, DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-6 AC Adapter, Capture NX 2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software
Supplied Accessories Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, Quick Charger MH-22, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-D3X, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2, Eyepiece DK-17, Battery Chamber Cover BL-4, USB Cable Clip, Software Suite CD-ROM Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area

Item Includes

• Nikon D3X Digital SLR Camera Body
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
• Quick Charger MH-22
• USB Cable UC-E4
• Audio Video Cable EG-D2
• Camera Strap AN-D3X
• Body Cap BF-1A
• Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
• Eyepiece DK-17
• Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
• USB Cable Clip
• Software Suite CD-ROM
• Nikon 1 Year Limited Warranty

Reviews

The Best Yet, July 25, 2009

By G. Patrick Byers "Show and Tell" (Colorado)

I purchased and reviewed the Nikon D3 earlier and decided to keep it when I purchased the D3X. The reason I kept the D3 is that I shoot sports, low light, outdoors etc. The capability of shooting with such high ISO settings, high frame rate is what persuaded me to not trade it in. I did not realize just how much more detail the D3X would result in. I also had been almost convinced that higher megapixels is a waste over kill etc. It most certainly isn't unless you are dealing with small prints, snapshots, presenting just on internet along this line, then it would be a waste. If however you are like me, a want to be professional, larger the image the better, with extreme clarity, detail, conatrast, in a word stunning, then you must try to test out the D3X. I question my decision to keep the D3 but found at recent Zoo outing that both cameras came in handy. I had the Nikon 200mm F/2 lens on the D3X to shoot at greater distance and for the close intight shots, and had the 24mm to 70mm Nikon zoom on the D3. I was able to take about 150 shots on each camera, and found a few I liked because of the composition of my shots, not because of either camera, both are amazing. I found when you view a picture at 100% size from the D3X, I shoot in RAW in both cameras, the results are simply amazing. I could literally see seperate eye lashes of a camel, and elephant, even the lion shots some at a good distance convinced me that if I make it as a photographer it will be in large part of Nikon D3X, D3 and lenses. I love the build of both the D3 amd D3X, sturdy, heavy to some, solid to me. I lugged both cameras around with the above mentioned lenses, along with 2 extra lenses for 7 hours at the Denver Zoo. I spent maybe an hour all day with periodic rest stops. I would do it again and I'll be 60 in a few months. I love the controls and layout of both cameras which if you like one you'll like the other they are identical as far as I can tell, I have not closely examend each menu item. I am glad I kept both cameras now because of the changing lens issue, for me it is worth it and love the shots I took with both, but the D3X resolution would make it the choice if I had to choose between it and the D3. I know Nikon will come up with bigger and better in a few years they always do, but for now hard to imagine, how to better the D3X.


You get what you pay for., March 22, 2009

By Max Kalkman "Max Kalkman" (Santa Barbara, CA)

I was shocked as were many people to see the price tag for this body. Now that that is out there, here are the points I found important.

This camera feels exactly like a D3...because they are identical. It feels very solid and rugged, it doesnt feel like it would easily break.

The 24mp is surprisingly clear. I tried the 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.4. All three produced amazingly detailed and clear pictures that had a lot of pop to them. I'm not sure what the JPEGs were like but in my opinion if you are shooting this camera I hope for your sake you are shooting RAW. For my day to day setup I am using a 5D mk II and a 24-70f/2.8 and I was astonished how much more detail the D3x seemed to pick up. The amount of detail and tonal gradation was significantly higher.

So basically quit complaining about the price, if that is what you care most about then you aren't who Nikon made this camera for and just have too much money.

Nikon D3x Lenses

Best Lenses for the Nikon D3X
Lens DSLR Camera Lens F-Stop/Street Price Angle of View/Filter Weight Reviews/Info
Nikon 14-24mm G ED f/2.8 Nikon 14-24mm G ED f/2.8 f/2.8 - $875 114° - 84° - (90 - 61 DX°) 35.3 oz Nikon 14-24mm G ED f/2.8
AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED FX/DX f2.8 - $1,495 28°50´ - 77mm filter 26.6oz. Nikon Lenses
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED FX/DX f2.8 - $1,500 61 - 22 ° 50 minutes DX 2.45 lbs. Nikon Lenses
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G f/1.4 - $440 46° (FX) 31°30’ (DX) 9.9oz. AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Review
AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED f/2.8 - $1,630 34°20'-12°20' (22°50'-8° with D1-series and D100 digital 50.2 oz Nikon Lenses
AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D f/1.8 - $385 28°30' - 62mm filter 13.2oz Nikon Lenses
AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2D f/2 - $1,070 18, 12 - 72mm filter 28.6oz Nikon Lenses
AF NIKKOR 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED f2.8 - $750 13° - 72mm filter 26.8oz Nikon Lenses

 Best Prices for the Nikon D3X from Adorama, Amazon or B&H Photo Video


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