Nikon D3

Updated - Thursday, 17th July 2008

Latest - Review and Sample Photos at ByThom (added 17 July’08)

Nikon D3 features:

12.1 megapixels
51-point AF system
3D tracking AF, 3 inch TFT LCD
2 liveview modes
9 frames-per-second shooting speed
ISO range from 200 to 6400
Scene recognition
Optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
Magnesium alloy body construction
Active G lighting
Camera dimensions are (W x H x D) Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.) and it weighs 1,240 g (2.7 lb.)

Overall Rating: 4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5

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Read More Reviews - (updated 17 July’08)

ByThom has reviewed the Nikon D3 and they write -
“I start with the problems because, other than those, the D3 simply blows away any DSLR Nikon has previously produced. I’m almost tempted to say that you can shoot at any ISO up to 1600 at any camera setting (sharpening, JPEG compression, etc.) with impunity. I said almost. As with all digital cameras, increasing ISO does have other impacts, most notably on dynamic range and noise. If I really work at it, I can force JPEG compression artifacts into the faint noise and make them visible at 100% view at as low as ISO 800.”

Rating: Not Rated

ConsumerElectronicsNet has reviewed the Nikon D3 and they write -
“This camera looks big, feels big, and produces big images of outstanding color and detail. I should emphasize that - the color this camera captures is very accurate and even the finest of details are clearly visible with high quality optics. What that equates to is picking up more of the textures to things.

You have unimaginable control over the final output of the camera and that can be a little intimidating at first but Nikon’s personalized presets make things a lot easier once you have it set up.

Another wonderful feature is the viewfinder. Gone is the tiny window of past digital cameras, as the D3’s viewfinder is considerably larger and much easier to look through. Its like the old days with my beloved Nikon 90s film camera and its high-eye-point viewfinder.”

Rating: Not Rated

KenRockwell has reviewed the Nikon D3 and they write -
“ISO 6,400 is normal. Use it all you want without any excuses. I know of no other digital camera that can do this. Here are some crappy party snaps made in almost no light at ISO 4,000. The D3 did a perfectly fine job, even if the color of the lighting didn’t cooperate.

ISO 12,500 can be grainy, and ISO 25,600 is downright loaded with red dots, but still usable when you need it.

I only need ISO 6,400 to shoot under moonlight with my 28mm f/1.4 lens. You might need more with slower or longer lenses. “

Rating: Not Rated

Shutterbug has reviewed the Nikon D3 and they write -
“Okay. So there is no perfect camera; at least I’ve never found one. There were a few things I didn’t like about the D3. The first was the menu hierarchy. Though the D3 is not menu driven like some cameras, it still took me a while to learn how to navigate through an extensive array of menu items to find and change even basic things. However, after using the camera for about two weeks the functions and features I habitually use started to fall into place, so this wasn’t so bad after all.”

Rating: Not Rated

DPReview has reviewed the Nikon D3 and they write -
“We’re not sports photographers and anyone even close to considering a D3 will be more than capable of making an informed decision without a technical review such as this (in fact they’ve probably already bought one), but we can confirm that from an image quality and performance point of view the D3 raises the bar by a fair degree. For a sports camera it’s also a surprisingly good studio and landscape camera, and if there’s a better DSLR out there for photojournalists and red carpet paps we’ve yet to meet it. Image quality (especially at higher ISOs) is stunning, the camera a joy to use and the speed and responsiveness breathtaking. If there is an EOS-1Ds Mark III - bating ‘D3X’ coming this year it will have quite a job to do to better the D3; possibly the most compelling, capable and well-rounded professional digital SLR ever made.”

Rating:

ProPhoto - 28 March’08 - has an image noise comparison review of the Nikon D3 and claimed the D3 beats Canon in low light capability. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Nikon leads in low light capability, not a great lead, but none the less, it leads. Rhis review compares popular Canon cameras and even the D300 in head-to-head low light ISO sensitivity test shots.”

PhotoNet - 19 March’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and claimed - “great low light performance”. Here’s a summary of their review -
“If you are looking for a camera that is perfect for optimized for sports, news, and wedding photography the D3 quite possibly is the perfect choice. Because of the superior method and outstanding high results that can be achieved with the D3 it literally redefines low light and indoor photography.”

Rating: Not Rated

YouTube - 11 March’08 - shows the Nikon D3 getting pommelled by a photographic student -
“Here are four separate videos detailing how to put the D3 to the ultimate torture tests.

DigitalCameraReview - 27 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and proclaims you simply can’t beat its ISO performance. Here’s a summary of their review -
“One of the things this camera offers that makes it a must have camera for serious photographers is full frame sensor offering wide angle and depth of field lens performance like a 35mm film camera. Very nice! Sports and photojournalism is the primary target market but wedding photographers who regularly find themselves in low light will find the D2 perfect. Bottom line is everything about the D3 is breathtaking and that includes the price tag.”

Rating: Not Rated

PhotographyBlog - 18 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and thinks this is a top rung camera. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Really low light does not intimidate this camera at all, neither does rapid fire fast action shooting. Top working professionals have already picked the D3 as their camera of choice. In short you get the best of of D2Xs and D2H predecessors without having to shell out the money for both. that being said this is NOT the camera you would want to lug around snapping family pics all day, this thing is big and heavy.”

Rating:

Pocket-lint - 08 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and notes that it’s a beast of a camera. Here’s a summary of his review -
“After 17 years of reviewing cameras this is the first time the reviewer felt like a camera had earned a 10 out of 10. This camera’s white balance is second to none it was nearly impossible to confuse. As other reviewers have noted the D3’s ISO performance is remarkable with pristine photos up to around ISO 1000 where this reviewer notice VERY subtle softening in fine detail like portrait skin pores.”

Rating:

WhatDigitalCamera - 06 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and thinks if you want the best, here’s your camera. Here’s a summary of his review -
“From a to z this camera performs at all levels. This high end shooter is really two cameras in one. High resolution for press photographer types and fast frame shooting rates for sports and paparazzi types.”

Rating:

ProfessionalPhotographer - 05 February’08 - has a pre review of the Nikon D3 and were absolutely impressed with this camera. Here’s a summary of his pre - review -
“This camera is big and heavy. Another glitch is the lack of firewire and as the reviewer indicates USB 2.0 is not as fast as firewire. On the plus side this camera uses power very discriminately and for such a big camera it handles remarkably well. Also the auto focus does a superb job even in low light and low contrast situations.”

Rating: Not Rated

ThinkCamera - 01 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and feels this camera is stuffed with new technology. Here’s a summary of his review -
“Clearly the best camera Nikon has ever made. One of the negative the reviewer points out is the lack of a built in sensor cleaning technology after all sports fans the D300 has it. Kind of odd, don’t you think? Image quality was just short of insane, in a good way. Like most other reviews ISO performance was outstanding, in foact it’s the only camera you can safely use 5 digit ISO settings for normal use.”

Rating:

PopPhoto - 28 January’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and feels this is the best camera has made to date. Here’s a summary of their review -
“With all its power the reviewer felt it could use some kind of built in flash if nothing else to fire off remote units. Another item is the beautiful LCD and that it would be really nice if the D3’s LCD would swivel which a lot of photographers would appreciate since it would allow odd shots. Last but not least is too bad it does not have a sensor-shift image stabilization system and Nikon expects everyone to by the VR lenses.”

Rating: Not Rated

OutBackPhoto - 12 January’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and would like to have seen Nikon include a dust removal system as they did in the D300. Oh well… Here’s a summary of their review -
“If we look at the ISO range that would comfortably deliver consistent worry free images then on the D3 it would be in the 200 to 800 range. It’s clear this a well built, fast and responsive camera from Nikon about the only negative items so far is the AFS 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens autofocus likes to have hard edges to get a solid lock and the inability to active a grid in the view finder is annoying.”

Rating: Not Rated

LuminousLandscape - 05 January’08 - compares the Nikon D3 to Canon’s best the Mark III and the die hard Canon reviewer was in for a surprise. Here’s a summary from that review -
“After being deeply committed to shooting strictly Canon for years to this reviewer it appears Nikon now offers features and functions that are above Canon’s many of which translate directly into increased production efficiency. Nikon has sent a challenge to Canon with the emergence of the D3 and D300 that their dominance in the pro digital market is over.”

Naturfotograf - 02 January’08 - reviews the Nikon D3 and notes that with this camera you can literally say goodbye to film cameras altogether.. Here’s a summation from their review -
“The D3 allows photographers to shoot in challenging low light situations like no other camera on the market. This camera is a loud and clear statement from Nikon that it is VERY serious about delivering truly professional camera systems. Concerning image quality - Files from the D3 need a little more attention to sharpening than from other Nikon models. Night shots taken with high ISO and auto white balance showed wonderful detail, even in shadow areas. The D3’s white balance was even able to provide accurate color under blended sodium vapor street lamps, fluorescent tubes and incandescent lamps at night, impressive.”

Rating:

LuminousLandscape - 29 December’07 - has hauled the Nikon D3 to a rock concert for some hight ISO performance testing. Here’s a summation from their results -
“Live performance photography has its own uniques set of challenges. Low light and fast moving subjects can challenge even the most sophisticated photographic tools. One speed bump encountered was Nikon’s decision to reposition the manual control readout. Traditionally the read out was along the bottom of the image area however, the manual read out on the D3 is now displayed vertically on the right side of the image area.”

PhotoReview - 13 December’07 - has a review “taster” of the Nikon D3 and felt the cameras white balance was better that the D300. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“In the D3, Nikon has provided photographers with a superb imaging tool and we enjoyed reviewing it. A beautifully-designed piece of equipment like this makes you want to keep taking pictures – and allows you to record better images than you ever have. The menu system is intuitive and anyone who has used Nikon SLRs will quickly feel at home.”

Rating: Not Rated

Amateur Photographer - 07 December’07 - has a review “taster” of the Nikon D3 and was not very fond of the default display and control settings. Here’s an excerpt from their review -

Rating: Not Rated “As the latest in a long line of professional DSLRs, I didn’t expect the D3 to present a poor handling experience, and it doesn’t, but there are a few minor irritations. First, like the D2 and D1-series cameras before it, the ‘AF/AE lock’ button on the rear right-hand side of the camera is not replicated in the vertical format. Instead, if you need it, the ‘AF on’ button must be reassigned via a custom function. Second, I have never liked the ‘rubber-on-rubber’ feel of the front control dial in Nikon’s D2 series cameras, and now the D3. The rear dial stands proud from the metal body of the camera and clicks positively into position as it is turned, but the front dial barely projects from the rubber lip of the handgrip, and I sometimes found myself rubbing the top of the grip, wondering why the aperture wasn’t changing.”

luminous-landscape - 07 December’07 - runs a head to head test of the Nikon D3 - Canon 1Ds - MKIII - Nikon D300 and points out that the cameras expense is justified by its top notch performance. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“As I wrote a little while earlier, based on initial impressions of the D300, and now their first full-frame CMOS camera, the D3, Nikon is now back in the IQ game. Canon has enjoyed a deserved reputation for high image quality, especially at high ISO. But now with the D3 Nikon has upped the ante, producing a camera that appears to offer lower noise than Canon (at least against the flagship 1Ds MKIII), and higher available speeds as well.”

CNET Asia - 15 November’07 - has a hands on review of the Nikon D3 and notes the ISO performance alone sets this camera in a class all its own. Here’s an excerpt from the review -
“In terms of speed or image-capturing performance, the D3 is probably the fastest camera we’ve ever had the chance to use. It’s able to capture up to nine frames per second (fps) in FX (full frame) mode and 11fps in DX (1.5 crop) mode. This happens to better Canon’s sports-oriented 1D Mark III by 1fps, albeit at a different resolution.”

Rating:

PopPhoto - 07 November’07 - has a hands on review of the Nikon D3 and comments the viewfinder is among the best they’ve ever seen. Here’s an excerpt from the review -
“A unique virtual horizon indicator appears aircraft-style during live view, and even shows up in the optical viewfinder. While it’s useful in some situations, we found other features far more appealing. Among our favorites: HDMI output that allows you to play back images in HDTV resolution, and the remote control and live view on a computer using supplied software. That’s something any pro, whether in the studio or on location, will find useful, if not indispensable.”

Rating: Not Rated

Luminous-Landscapes - 17 October’07 - has a first impressions review of the Nikon D3 and really appreciated the dual CF card slot which enable you to shoot RAW photos on one card and JPEGs on another. Here’s their take on the D3 -
“Now the bottom line is – would I buy this camera? Actually, I pulled out my Amex card three times and asked Nikon to sell it to me, and three times they declined. To me it really was that good – but as I stated earlier, I am predisposed to like Nikons.”

e-PhotoGraphia - 04 October’07 - has a first impressions review of the Nikon D3 and points out they were not allowed to post sample images or even analyze images on a computer. Here’s their take on the D3;
“So, what are my impressions? First of all, color accuracy has been greatly improved. When I used the D200 to capture a water spring in the wood, the whole image took on a green tint due to the sunlight reflecting off green leaves. With Nikon D3, the colors are much more neutral. This is also true for the Nikon D300, which also has the new Scene Recognition System. Apparently, this is more than just a bit of marketing fluff and actually works.”

DPReview - 22 September’07 - reviews the Nikon D3 and writes;
“Predictions have come true with the introduction of the ‘FX format’ (new moniker created by Nikon) D3 which features a 36 x 23.9 mm 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor as well as a vast array of new features which absolutely raise it another notch above previous single digit Nikon DSLRs. Important headline improvements include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option, 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support (albeit at lower resolution) and a 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (which it has to be said is lovely).”

ByTom has published a questions and answers section for the Nikon D3 and here is an excerpt;
“Why no sensor stabilization?
Nikon seems committed to lens VR. Indeed, they produced slides showing how much better lens VR is than sensor VR at the D3 launch and introduced the remaining exotic telephoto lenses in their VR versions (and it’s at the telephoto end that the differences become more pronounced). Curiously, the 24-70mm didn’t have VR, a critical mistake as far as I’m concerned, as Nikon continues to send mixed signals to users. Will there be a VR mid-range zoom (that covers FX) at some point? There should be if Nikon continues to stand by lens stabilization. But the fact that we haven’t got it yet is a silly marketing mistake and one that leaves them out of parity with Canon.”

e-Photographia has an exclusive preview of the new Nikon D3. This preview took place in Japan as Nikon rolled out the new cameras. According to the reviewer the D3 utilizes the new EXPEED processor which should put fear into any of the D3’s competitors since according to Nikon this new processor has enhanced noise reduction algorithms which also include better handling of colors, chromatic aberration and lens corrections.

Bottom Line: A photojournalist dream come true.

Read the Full Review »

Sample Photos

Specifications

[Official Nikon Specifications]

Videos

[Video Interview at InsideDigitalPhoto]

Owners Manual

[Owners Manual]

Press Release

August 23, 2007 — Nikon today introduced the new flagship D3 Full-Frame Digital SLR, a new FX Format camera that features higher sensitivity, increased pixel count, wider dynamic range and designed for professionals in press, sports, and commercial photo fields. The new D3 features 12.1-megapixel resolution, fast 9 frames-per-second shooting speed, Nikon’s Picture Control System, a new high-density 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors, 3D tracking AF, Scene Recognition System, Dual CF card slots, a large 3″ TFT LCD monitor, Two Liveview modes, and more. The D3 will be available in November 2007 at approx. $5000.

Development background and future prospective

Nikon has consistently incorporated the DX format in its digital SLRs based on the conclusion, through comprehensive investigation of the picture quality, operability, size, price, etc. demanded, that it has the most appropriate balance for general shooting situations.As a result, the DX format has been evaluated as a mainstream format in the digital SLR market. Also, Nikon is proud that it has established a stable position in the field of the DX format through various contributions, including the supply of interchangeable lenses optimized for the format.

On the other hand, there is also an increasing demand for SLRs that feature higher sensitivity, increased pixel count, better resolution and wider dynamic range, mainly from professionals in press, sports, commercial photo fields and so on. Besides professionals, there are many opinions from high-end amateurs along the lines of, â€œI want a digital SLR that offers the same relationship of picture angle that I have become accustomed to in 35mm format over the years.

To deal with this situation, we have developed the D3 as the first digital SLR that features Nikon FX format to meet the requirements of customers in a flexible way. Nikon FX format and DX format both provide their own advantages. Nikon recognizes that both formats are inevitable in order to satisfy customers’ demands flexibly in respect of performance, price, size, weight, etc. Based on this recognition, Nikon will strengthen the lineup of Nikon FX-format SLRs and interchangeable lenses, while continuing development and marketing of DX format equipment.

Major Features

New large image sensor developed by Nikon; 12.1 effective megapixels The D3 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with a sensor area of 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm. It offers superior picture quality throughout a wide sensitivity range with such advantages as a large pixel size to ensure high S/N ratio and wide dynamic range, adoption of an element structure that improves light-utilization efficiency. In addition, high-speed 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting for 12.1-megapixel images at approximately 9 frames per second, as well as high-speed performance to ensure shooting in Liveview modes.

Wide sensitivity range

Sensitivity range is extremely wide, from ISO 200 to 6400 at normal setting. High picture quality without noise is realized not only at low sensitivity setting, but also at high settings such as ISO 6,400. Even in dark conditions in which satisfactory results were almost impossible to obtain before, high-quality pictures can be taken. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to HI 0.3, HI 0.5, HI 0.7, HI 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), HI 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), and decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), Lo 0.7, Lo 0.5 and Lo 0.3. All these settings expand the shooting possibilities.

High-speed performance

Shutter release time lag is only 37 ms*, equivalent to the Nikon D2XS, which is generally regarded as a mechanical limit. Continuous shooting speed is approximately 9 frames per second with FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), approximately 11 frames per second with DX format (24 x 16). The Nikon D3 is also the first digital SLR compliant with next-generation high-speed card UDMA, that enables 35-Mbyte recording speed, approximately 4 times as fast as the Nikon D2XS. Approximately 6-megapixel JPEG-Large-Fine image data taken with the FX format can be recorded at a speed higher than 5 frames per second. Startup time is approximately 0.12 second, shorter than the D2XS by 0.08 second. * 41 ms if based on the new CIPA guideline to be established around August 4, 2007.

EXPEED — Nikon’s image processing concept embodied

As Nikon’s new digital image-processing concept — featuring the core ideas of our image creation and processing — EXPEED incorporates the optimized know how and technologies we have accumulated throughout our long history while receiving users’ requirements. It realizes diversified functions to ensure high picture quality and high-speed image processing.

For details, see Nikon’s original digital image-processing concept EXPEED on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

Picture Control System

Picture Control System is a new function to enable selection and adjustment to create pictures easily according to skills of users from novices to professionals. When settings are the same, even with different cameras, you can get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome — enabling image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be easily adjusted and customized. * For details, see Picture Control System’s image optimization functions enable easy adjustments on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF

Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points is incorporated. 15 cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to subject condition. In many aspects, the functions of AF points are linked with the Scene Recognition System to offer superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points. Dynamic AF mode enables appropriate focusing by detecting subjects with a zone containing many AF points located densely. In this mode, the number of AF areas, including user selected AF points and backup points, can be selected from either 9, 21 or 51. In addition, newly employed â€œ3D tracking mode shifts the focus point automatically to respond to the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position in selecting AF points.

Scene Recognition System

By improving the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which was first incorporated in the Nikon F5, information from the sensor can be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. For example, 3D tracking in AF realized by using the Scene Recognition System tracks subject position, and automatically shifts AF points to be used according to the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to improved accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance.

For details, see â€œScene Recognition System for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balanceâ€ on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

Three image areas available

With the Nikon D3, users can select one of the three image areas — FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16) or 5:4 (30 x 24).When a DX NIKKOR lens is attached, DX format is automatically selected. With DX format or 5:4 format, an area not covered by the sensor is automatically masked in the viewfinder. High-definition, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle Ultra high-definition [920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides 170Â° viewing angle. Large monitor is quite effective when confirming focus with enlarged playback images. Wide-viewing angle enables easy recomposing of the frame in Handheld mode of Liveview.

Two Liveview modes available

Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.

In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.

Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. In this mode, focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area is possible. Remote view, focusing and shooting are also made possible on a PC (wired or wirelessly).

Optical finder with 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification in FX format SLR-type viewfinder featuring eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index provides 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification. Large and bright viewfinder image ensures comfortable focusing, which is one of the advantages of the FX format. Eyepoint is 18 mm (at 0.1 m-1), and diopter can be adjusted within the range from 3 to +1 m-1.

Superior durability

Magnesium alloy is used for exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure both lightweight and ruggedness. Also, strict sealing with O-rings at various connected parts effectively resists dust and moisture. Shutter unit developed and manufactured by Nikon employs shutter blades made of new materials (hybrid of carbon fiber and Kelver). Excellent durability is guaranteed with 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with shutter monitor.

CF card double slot

Two CF cards can be set, realizing consecutive recording, simultaneous recording, RAW + JPEG separate recording, and copying of data between two cards. Because two cards of the same kind can be used, users do not have to prepare different kinds of storage media.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)

The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function. It 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. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D3’s Liveview function.

Active D-Lighting

D-Lighting incorporated in the conventional digital SLRs enables editing after the image is taken. In addition to the D-Lighting, newly developed Active D-Lighting is employed in the Nikon D3.

Active D-Lighting lets users choose the intensity from among High, Normal, Low or Unchanged prior to shooting. The conventional method of simply expanding dynamic range is not employed in compensation. Instead, localized tone control technology is utilized to prevent images from looking flat with low contrast. As a result, lost highlights and lost shadows are well compensated while maintaining proper contrast. * For details, see WT-4 / Camera Control Pro 2 Software on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

Fine adjustment function for AF

If there is a slight difference in focusing point among lenses, users can finely adjust it.

Two methods are available. In specific adjustment, a certain level of compensation set for each registered lens is applied when the lens of the same type is attached. In uniform adjustment, the same level of compensation is applied regardless of the lens used. Up to 20 lenses can be registered.

Improved Function button feature

Besides the exclusive Function button, this feature can be assigned to the Preview button and AE/AF Lock button, giving photographers optimum operability in a flexible way.

HDMI output (High-Definition TV) supported

The Nikon D3 is compliant with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Ver. 1.3a which enables transfer of world-standard video and audio signals. Standard Type A connector is emplo yed.

Info display

Various shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture is displayed in the LCD monitor. Color of characters can be selected according to lighting condition — black for light locations, white for dark locations. Auto switch mode can also be set.

Digital level incorporated

By utilizing a sensor incorporated in the body, the inclination of the camera is detected and displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder.

Image-management software ViewNX/Nikon Transfer included in the Software Suite CD-ROM ViewNX is a viewer application to offer quick display of images, while Nikon Transfer provides simple transfer of taken images to a PC.

Designed by Giugiaro

Ergonomic is a new design theme that will be a standard of Nikon’s new-generation digital SLRs. This is applied to every detail including inclination of command dial and top control panel as well as comfortable holding and handling, e.g. shape of a grip. To support photographers’ concentration, curves of the pentaprism top, grip and side panels are directed to the center of lens’ optical axis, and the red, triangular motif has been redesigned to project a sharper image.