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Monday, January 5, 2009

First Look: Nikon D3X

A year after the original D3, Nikon’s 24.5-megapixel full-frame D-SLR arrives

Click on the features of the camera diagram for more details.

Almost from the moment the D3 was introduced in fall 2007, photographers started wondering why it was only 12.1 megapixels. At the time, Nikon already had two D-SLRs in the 12-megapixel range, and while the D3 had a full-frame image sensor (Nikon calls it FX format), the resolution was a little puzzling. Much of that questioning disappeared as soon as photographers saw the superb image quality from the D3 even at extreme ISO settings. But for some photographers, it was still “only” 12.1 megapixels.

As this issue of Digital Photo Pro was going to press, Nikon introduced the new D3X, essentially setting a new 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor in the D3 body and upgrading the EXPEED image-processing components to suit the higher res. The result is a do-it-all D-SLR, with the resolution and image quality for commercial photography, and the shooting speed and AF performance for action, in a very rugged, take-anywhere body. Because we were going to press, we were unable to put this camera in the “D-SLRs For The Professional” article on page 40. Here are some of the highlights of the D3X.




Specifications

Image Sensor:	24.5-megapixel (effective) CMOS
Resolution:	6048 x 4032 pixels
Sensor Size:	35.9x24.0mm (full-frame); 1.0x AF System: 51-point
Shutter Speeds:	1⁄8000 to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1⁄250 sec.
ISO Settings:	100-1600 (1⁄3 increments), expandable to 50-6400
Continuous Firing Mode:	5 fps (FX format), 7 fps (DX format)
Recording Format:	JPEG, TIFF, NEF (RAW)
Metering:	1005-pixel evaluative, variable CW, spot
Storage Media:	Dual CF slots
Battery:	BLM-1 Li-Ion battery (included)
Dimensions:	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 inches
Weight:	43.0 ounces
Power Source:	Rechargeable EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery
Estimated Street Price:	$7,999
Contact:	Nikon, (800) NIKON-US, www.nikonusa.com