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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.
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