Nikon D3 Review

The Nikon D3 digital SLR is Nikon’s first ever full-frame camera, offering a 12.1 megapixel, FX format CMOS sensor. The 9fps continuous mode, even when shooting RAW images, should appeal to all the sports photographers out there, supported by Nikon’s next-generation 51-point AF system. The Nikon D3 has an incredibly versatile ISO range of 100-25,800 (yes, ISO 25,800!), new EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing, and a high resolution 3 inch LCD screen with 920,000 pixels. Other standout features include Live View with Autofocus, support for the DX-format crop mode, which means that DX lenses can be used with the D3, and HDMI video output for connection to high-definition video systems. All of this and more is housed in an environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body. With a street price of over £3,000 / $5,000, the Nikon D3 certainly doesn’t come cheap, but even if you can’t afford it, the D3 does give a tantalising glimpse of what the future might hold for Nikon’s more affordable DSLR models. Gavin Stoker got to grips with the Nikon D3 to find out if this is the ultimate DSLR - let’s just say that he didn’t want to send it back…

Website: Nikon D3 Review

Published: Monday, February 18, 2008

Reader Comments

1. Page "sample images" should show crucial exif data below each image: ISO Speed, Focal length, Exposure time.
   
   There should be also sample images using higher ISO speeds. Currently the highest ISO is 400.

   trikki at 06:46pm on Monday, February 18, 2008

2. In the second paragraph under Ease of Use, you wrote that the Canon 1D Mark III was 16MP. Actually it is 10.1MP. The 1Ds Mark II is Canon's only 16MP camera that I'm aware of.

   Roger at 10:32am on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

3. I got two D3 five days ago and started to take images immediately, I have owned every Pro-Digital camera that nikon makes and update my equipment every year and I am used to cameras not living up to their statements, and for the exception for the D1H & D1X this camera arrive with zero flaws.
   
   I was very impress with the construction and the feel and this camera have the best viewfinder of any camera that I have owned including Canon with I have owned several models. It is so clear it is hard to belive, and I don't need my digital wallets any more since I use two 12 GIG extreme III on each camera and it backs up itself.
   
   One of the most impresive feature of the camera is the ISO, I shot several images at ISO 4000 and they are great, I also shot several at ISO 6400 and 12000 and ran them on Noise Ninja and the 6400 turn out exelent and the 12000 had as much noise as my D2Hs at ISO 1000.
   
   One thing you have to get used to is the new 51 point focusing because Nikon never used this before it takes some time to adjust to it. Another feature is the new retouching menu, YES you can retouch images on the camera and it have a very useful picture control for monochome, standard, neutral & vivid images.
   
   At a Wedding I had one camera with the 70-200 VR and a second camera with the new 14-24 and this is a very impressive lens, these machines look like two very mean sports car and they are not taking second place. It is the first time that I had more people interested in my gear than the Bride that I was shooting.
   
   I higly recommend this camera, it brings back the fun in shooting weddings and my exposures are extremely accurate.
   
   Here are some video reviews: Nikon D3 video reviews

   Peters at 11:57am on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

4. How did you find the tendency to change the AEL exposure because the dial is so close to your finger when switching between portrait and landscape orientation?

   Angus Jenkinson at 11:22am on Monday, May 05, 2008

5. This D3 seems to be great !
   Very good your review.

   Gmail at 02:54pm on Thursday, July 31, 2008