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The new D3 digital SLR is a landmark for Nikon since it's their first
DSLR incorporating a full frame sensor. Nikon is calling the sensor
size in the D3 "FX" to differentiate it from the "DX" sensor found in
their other cameras.
Previously, only Canon offered full frame 35mm digital sensors in
commercially-viable cameras--the EOS 5D and 1Ds series. While Kodak
did offer a full frame camera (the DCS-14n), it wasn't a commercial
success due to its slow frame rate and limited ISO capability (ISO 640
max). The full frame Contax N also was not a commercial
success.
By contrast, the Nikon D3 looks like a winner. While it has "only" a
12MP sensor (the same pixel count as the Canon EOS 5D), it is housed
in a professional-class camera body, capable of capturing 9
frames/second in full frame (FX) mode, or up to 11 frames/sec using
only part of the sensor in DX mode (yields a 5.1MP image). It has a
native ISO range of 200-6400, but this can be expanded to a range from
ISO 100 (Lo) to an amazing ISO 26,500 (Hi 2), presumably through a
combination of electronics and software. It remains to be seen how
image quality will hold up at the maximum ISO setting, though image
quality may be a secondary concern to simply getting the photograph
under conditions where ISO 25,600 is required.
Other features of the Nikon D3 include the Multi-CAM 3500 51 point AF
system with 15 cross type sensors, scene recognition, two "LiveView"
modes, dual CF card capability and a 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor.
Clearly aimed at the professional photographer, the Nikon D3 could be
described as a combination of the Canon 1D MkIII's high speed
capturing capability and the EOS 1Ds MkIII's full frame sensor, though
the 1D MkIII does have a 21MP sensor vs. the 12MP of the Nikon D3. The
Nikon D3 is priced at $5000, slightly more than the $4500 of the Canon
1D MkIII, but significantly less than the $8000 of the 1Ds
MkIII. Nikon estimates that the D3 will be available in November 2007.
Here's what Nikon has to say about the new Nikon D3:
Nikon Press Release
TOKYO –
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the
new-generation professional digital SLR, Nikon D3.
Incorporating the large CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon, the
D3 features 12.1
effective megapixels and a sensitivity range from ISO 200 to 6,400 at
normal setting
As its image processing system, Nikon’s comprehensive digital
image processing
concept EXPEED is employed, for which Nikon’s accumulated knowhow
and technologies
are applied and optimized. The D3 provides high picture quality and
high-speed
image-processing capability that have never been realized with
conventional digital SLRs.
The D3 enables continuous shooting at approximately 9 frames per
second for 12.1
megapixel images. In addition, when [DX format (24 x 16)] (5.1
megapixels) is selected,
approximately 11 frames per second is made possible. With these
advanced features in
picture quality, sensitivity and speed, the D3 meets the many diverse
requirements and
demands of customers, including professionals.
The image sensor of the D3 is a CMOS sensor developed by Nikon with
a sensing area of
36.9 x 23.9 mm, that is compliant with the area of 35 mm film. Nikon
will use the term
“FX format” for the image format of 35 mm equivalent Nikon
digital SLR cameras.
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,
“I 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 knowhow 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 “3D 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 “Scene Recognition System
for more accurate
autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance” 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
Ultrahigh-definition
[920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass
provides 170 degree
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.
Nikon D3 Specifications
Nikon Digital SLR Camera D3
Specifications
Type of Camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels
12.1 million
Image Sensor
CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million;
Nikon FX format
Image Size (pixels)
FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x
2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416
[S]
5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416
[S]
DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x
920 [S]
Sensitivity
ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV;
sensitivity decreases
approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200,
and increases approx.
0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600
equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400
File System
Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21
Storage System
Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless
compressed): approx. 60-80%
Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60%
JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority
and Optimal quality
Storage Media
CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA);
Microdrives
Release Modes
1) Single-frame [S] mode
2) Continuous low-speed [CL] mode: 1-9 frames per second*
3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 9 fps (9-11 fps with DX
format)*
4) Liveview [LV] mode
5) Self-timer mode
6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode *With Continuous-servo AF, S or M exposure
mode, shutter speed 1/250
s or faster; other settings are set at
“Default”.
White Balance
Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and
1,005-pixel RGB
sensor);
Seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color
temperature setting;
white balance bracketing: 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2
or 3
Liveview
Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51
focus areas (15 cross-type
sensors)
Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a
specific area
1) Full frame, 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), 3) Zoom, 4)
Slide show, 5) Histogram
indication, 6) Shooting data, 7) Highlight point display, 8) Auto
image rotation
Video Output
NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the
video output and on the
LCD monitor available
HDMI Output
Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is
provided as HDMI output
terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal
and on the LCD monitor
not available
Interface
Hi-Speed USB
Lens Mount
Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF
contacts
Compatible Lenses*1
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 *1. IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used
*2. Excluding lenses for F3AF
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; built-in diopter
adjustment (-3 to +1 m-1)
Eyepoint
18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Focusing Screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal)
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0
m-1)
Reflex Mirror
Quick-return type
Lens Aperture
Instant-return type, with depth-of-field preview button
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
deg C/68 deg F); AF fine
adjustment possible
• Focal-plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode]
Lens Servo
1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C);
Focus tracking
automatically activated according to subject status
2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder
Focus Point
Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus
points
AF-Area Mode
1) Single-point AF, 2) Dynamic AF [number of AF areas: 9, 21,
51, 51 (3D-tracking)],
3) Automatic–area AF
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or by
pressing shutter-release button
halfway (single-point AF in AF-S)
Exposure Metering System
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB
sensor
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix
Metering II (other CPU
lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides
lens data)
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle
in center of frame, or
weighting based on average of entire frame
3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on
selected focus area (on
center focus area 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 deg C/68 deg F)
Exposure Meter Coupling
Combined CPU and AI
Exposure Modes
1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, 2)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S), 3)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation
+/-5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Exposure Lock
Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Bracketing
Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in
increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1
EV)
Picture Control System
Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome;
each option can be
adjusted
Shutter
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter;
1/8,000 to 30 s in
steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; Bulb
Sync Contact
X = 1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/250 s
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-800, 600 or 400
2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-800 and CPU lens
3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-800, 28, 27 or 22s
4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-800
Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Sync Terminal
ISO 519 standard terminal
Creative Lighting System
With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports
Advanced Wireless Lighting,
Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication,
modeling flash and FV lock
Self-timer
Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 3, 10 or
20 s
Depth-of-field Preview Button
When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down
to value selected by user
(A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)
10-pin Terminal
1) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard
supported with 9-pin D-sub
cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
2) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Supported Languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish,
French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish,
Swedish
Power Source
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger
MH-22, AC Adapter EH-6
(optional)
Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)
Weight
Approx. 1,240 g (2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body
cap or accessory shoe
cover
Operating Environment
Temperature: 0-40 deg C/32-104 deg F, Humidity: under 85% (no
condensation)
Supplied Accessories*
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, Quick Charger MH-22, USB
Cable UC-E4, Audio Video
Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-D3, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe
Cap 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
Main Optional Accessories
Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC
Adapter EH-6, Capture NX
Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication
Software
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, ?I want a digital SLR that offers the same relationship of picture angle that I have become accustomed to in 35mm format over the years?
Which translates into: Damn, we bet on the wront horse after all and let Canon steal a huge number of pro customers from us. I'm not even a pro, but wanted FX since I got my D70. I resisted the dark side, so hopefully Nikon will bring a D300x (D300 with FF sensor) soon.
Nikon didn't really bet on the wrong horse commercially. They're doing extremely well in that sense.
Yes, they've lost pro market share since the beginning of the autofocus era. Perhaps they now, having made a huge amount of money selling DX format DSLRs, have the funds to keep up with technological development with Canon. The D3 and D300 seem to suggest that.
It's good to see that Nikon has decided not to run in a pixel count race with Canon on their top-shelf camera, but rather have concentrated on other things that might matter more to most. It will be really interesting, for instance, to see the noise compared to ISO-setting on this camera when it shows up, and with such settings available, it can perhaps be assumed that noise handling is superior to anything else currently on the market. Head to head tests with Canon's new 21 megapixel monster will be interesting reading and viewing. I have been considering upgrading to a Canon 5D - or if my patience allows - whatever Canon decides to follow the 5D with, but once I read the specs of the new Nikon, I'll definitely wait a bit and see how these new Christmas stocking fillers do when the jolly season comes a bit closer.
Is it even possible for you to give an honest unbiased review of a non-Canon product? Is it possible for you to give a review of a non-Canon product without mentioning the Canon equivalent over, and over, and over? Are you so wrapped up in your Canon world that EVERYTHING must be related to Canon?
I do not read anything biased here at all. Very well written with valid points. Bob did not even leave out the little known Contax full frame digital innovation.
It would seem to me that Nikon is right back in it with the D3.
And Bob's review seems to be nonbiased and fair to me.
Oh, and I shoot Canon. The MIII to be precise. It is impossible not to review anything digital without making some comparison to Canon. But I have a feeling that one day Sony is going to change that.
Yeah, Nintendo is pounding sony in current-gen console sales ;)
This camera makes me so happy. I love my nikon gear, but mainly it has been for the feel of the equipment. When it comes to innovation and tech in those cameras, I would never have argued in a million years that Nikon was on par with Canon. For a while now, I've thought that the D80 would be the last Nikon DSLR that i would buy if things didn't change. Now, however, I'm not regretting my 80-200 2.8 purchase or senselessly clinging to my 105 2.5. While I won't be able to afford a D3 right out of the box, the innovations will trickle down unto us poor "prosumer" consumers or the price of the D3 will drop to a point (or my income will rise to a point) where I'll be able to snatch one up.
I didn't dread getting rid of my nikon gear because of any particular hatred for canon as an entity, but because I just didn't like the feel of their bodies and didn't particularly want to learn a new "language" (the L, D, IS, VR and all of the other little pre- and suffixes) or control arrangements. I wasn't afraid that i couldn't learn them, it's just that for those months that a camera isn't transparent to the process, it isn't all that fun to shoot.
Is it even possible for you to give an honest unbiased review of a non-Canon product? Is it possible for you to give a review of a non-Canon product without mentioning the Canon equivalent over, and over, and over? Are you so wrapped up in your Canon world that EVERYTHING must be related to Canon?"
I'd put money on Bob being more capable of an objective, unbiased review than the likes of you...
Bob provides useful feedback and everyone on this forum is entitled to their opinion and it doesn't mean that Canon is better than Nikon or that anyone should feel that Canon "is" the one to aspire to. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Just aspire to enjoy your chosen DSLR and create beautiful images rather than being one-dimensional.
Excerpt:
"The good news, if you can call it that, is that many EOS-1D Mark III owners are telling us that the article described all too well the autofocus difficulties they're experiencing. We'd heard fewer than 20 complaints about the camera's autofocus before this article was published; since the story went up, that number has climbed past 200. And the email is still rolling in."
I have no doubt it will all be sorted out before the Beijing Olympics.
I have tried to be pretty detailed in my reading, and I have found no reference to whether the Nikon D3 has a self-cleaning sensor, like the new Canons. I also have found no information regarding the size of the buffer in the Nikon D3. What I mean when I say "buffer" is the number of RAW photos I can shoot without having to wait for the camera to "catch up" to me (write the files to the card), so I can continue shooting. One reason I bought a Canon 5 D is its huge buffer size, but I miss the speed of shooting with my 20 D. I was thinking I might get a 1D Mk III, because it has a much larger buffer and a higher ISO. (I compared the quality of a friend's 1D Mk III at ISO 6400 with my 5 D at ISO 3200, and they seemed almost identical - very impressive.)
I would love to have a fast-shooting full-frame sensor camera for just $5,000. I just can't use it if the buffer will only let me shoot a few photos before I have to sit and wait for the images to write to the card. One of the most important features I can think of as I compare the Canon and Nikon cameras is the dust control of the the two. I get dust on my sensor from time to time, and it is a serious pain in the ass! I hope there is very little problem with the Nikon sensor getting dust on it. Obviously, the Canon is almost impervious to dust, since the sensor has a self-cleaning feature that surely works well.
Does anyone have anything to say about the buffer size or self-cleaning ability (or lack there of) in the Nikon D3, or do I have to wait a month or two?
I couldn't find anything about a sensor self-cleaning feature, either.
But, DP Review did have this about the buffer capacity. As I read it, because of size and in/out flushing and card writing speed, it looks to be un-fillable.
--Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
--Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking
--Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)
I would hate that they would not put a self cleaning sensor on the D3, as the review for the D300 shows that it has one. One could probably assume that they have followed suit on the D3.
I'm an Amateur photography student, and started out with a Nikon FE. Once I was able to take digital classes, I got myself a Nikon D80. I noticed the ratio in the class was 4/1, Canon/Nikon. I want the best equipment to take the best photos, so I was going to sell all my Nikon gear for a Canon 5D. However, when I saw the D3, I decided to hold off on my switch. $5000 of course is a huge thing for a photography student, but if its what I have to do to go pro, I'd do it. I can't wait to see how this camera will do, and if I can round that kind of pocket change together. And it would be also great to be able to use my 24mm wide angle lens again.
I'd like to see if Nikon matches the D3 with a faster RAW converter software than the current Capture NX. I personally shoot a D200 but have been considering a switch to Canon based solely on the amount of time it takes me to process RAW images with Capture NX. When I shot with a Canon 20D it took about a third of the time (vs. Nikon) to correct exposure and white balance with their Digital Photo Professional, which comes at no charge - Nikon charges $139 for Capture NX. Sure, Capture NX has more capability than Canon's software because of the Nik stuff, but for a basic RAW converter of several hundred pictures, it is so slow and crashes easily. It's infuriating that Nikon has to make money on their RAW converter software yet makes it inferior in processing time to Canon's free software. The D3 doesn't entirely convince me that they really do get it. I think they will always play catch-up with Canon.
1. How long after the release of the D3 before we see a D3x or D3s or D3xs?
2. One feature that I would like (as I have been playing with HDR lately) would be the ability to autobracket more than one stop at a time. In other words, +4 +2 0 -2 -4. Right now we are limited to 1/3, 1/2 and 1 stop increments. It seems like a simple software change.
3. When will the actual camera be available? Nikon doesn't have the best track record when it comes to shipping new products on time. When they say, "November" does that mean November, or does it mean spring 2008 or does it mean next November?
4. I'd still like to see slightly higher resolution. I'd say that 12.1 is okay but they really should be looking higher.
5. Support for the Adobe DNG format would be a plus as I am tired of proprietary formats.
Jeffery Schwartz said: "I'd still like to see slightly higher resolution. I'd say that 12.1 is okay but they really should be looking higher."
I am also disappointed with the resolution of both the D300 and D3. I'm a pro, but I don't shoot sports, so image resolution is much more important to me than frames per second. I will not buy a new Nikon until something above 16 MP is announced.
At last Nikon takes a step in the right direction. 2 years ago I switched to Canon for the 1dsII and it hasn't been that great an experience. After half a lifetime as a Nikon user (for 35mm work) I was used to stuff working the way it should, good ergonomics and great build quality. With Canon particularly focus allignment has been a problem and I have had to have camera and lenses adjusted several times...and I handle my gear with great care.
Just as I have managed to sell the last few bits of Nikon gear on Ebay, Nikon finally surrenders and does what they have sworn they would never do...go full frame.
My reason for switching to Canon was for the filesize. It was replacing my primary camera the Pentax 67. The 17 mp sensor is good enough to deliver any file size that I have needed in the last 2 years, for advertising. It certainly matches the quality of 160NC film at 6x7. The problem has always been the lenses (mainly focus) and the handling of the camera. It works but it is cumbersome.
I would say that the 12mp of the D3 is a little bit too small for my needs, but with this camera announcement there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. If Nikon can match the sensor size of the 1dsII in the usual Nikon quality body, I will switch back in a heartbeat! So I carry on with Canon for another year (?) and then make the big switch! Well done Nikon!
The main reason to buy the D3 is not whether it's 12 Mp or not. It is the size of the sensor and the speed at which the camera shoots.
I am considering switching to Nikon from my Canon 5D. Why? Speed of shooting and the fact that the new cameras capture more info. 14 instead of 12 bits per pixel. Canon does not make a competitor to the new Nikon. They won't any time soon.
Re. buffer size - there is NO WAY that you can shoot at 9 frames per second continuously in RAW and not run into the buffer limit. I don't care how fast your CF cards are, they are not as fast as SATA, and even SATA can not take that volume of data continuously! That's 90 MB per second! There HAS to be a buffer limitation on this camera when shooting RAW.
The fastest CF cards I know of allow a 15 MB per second write speed. That's 30 MB per second for two cards if the camera can save odd numbered files to one card and even numbered files to the other. If cards were made right now that could have write speeds three times as fast, then maybe I'd believe they have a camera that can shoot continuously without having to stop and allow the buffer to empty out.
My primary problem with my 3 frame per second EOS 5D is that I have to stop and wait for my camera to "catch up" - the buffer is constantly being filled. Yes, having two cards to write to simultaneously would help, but if I am shooting at 3 times the speed, I doubt that will help enough.
What the hell is the buffer size?!
Here's another reason to publish that limit - old 1 and 2 GB CF cards that are only 20x or 40x speed. I have some old cards that are not 150x and 133x, like my new 4 GB SD cards. (I use a CF to SD adapter.)
Its like a dream come true. I was seriously about to up, sell out, and go to canon. Its all because of the full frame sensor. Ever since I first got my Nikon D1x and discovered the heartbreaking crop factor, then watched as new DX series lenses came out, I felt as though everything was going in the direction of small sensors. I'm so used to a 50mm lens being normal and a 24mm lens being 24mm not 36mm. And being the all powerful consumer my dollar was going to show my faithfulness to this principle over brand. And not paying attention until recently, almost a save at the last minute, I see Nikon's D3, and out of curiousity, the first thing on the spec sheet I look at is the sensor... Low and behold full frame cmos. I'm estatic with delight. And the price, being about half of what Canon put their first full frame out at, is just wonderful.
Capture NX was designed for image quality and not processing time. If you need fast yet high quality conversions, use Lightroom or ACR. From what I hear almost nobody uses Canon's raw conversion software.
To convert my D70 RAW files to TIF or JPG the Irfan View software works well.
I also use Irfan View to rename the files from Nikon's to a system of my own design.
I too would like to know if the D3 has a self-cleaning feature for the sensor. I can't believe the Nikon press release didn't mention this. Since they didn't "brag" about it then I wonder if it's missing.
If Nikon is listening: I hate how some features of the D70 must be set by looking at the display on top of the camera. There is no duplication of these settings on the display on the camera's back. When the camera is on a tripod at eye level I want to be able to make changes to settings via the back display. Instead I have to tip the camera back over 90 degrees, make the setting change then tip the camera back toward the subject. PLEASE PLEASE on the D3 and future cameras allow any settings to be made via the back display in addition to the top one.
In the article copied here there were two different sizes listed for the sensor's long side. This error should be corrected.
Also to Nikon: does the D3 "know" if the camera is tipped to the left or right for a portrait view? Then does it reliably report the orientation to the EXIF? If so, good. What about if the camera is mounted upside down as I sometimes do for low angle or scientific work? What then does the EXIF say?
Yes - best thing for me too is that lenses will again be "what they should be", rather than having a crop factor. Now just have to wait until they're doing a D3 successor at D200 prices. Give it a few years. Keeping my lovely little 45mm pancake and all the others now!
There is no sensor cleaner, folks!
The French mag Chasseur d'Images explained this as follows:
This would have compromised image quality, by a small amount. So
they tolerated it on the D300 but not on the D3. I'll get back to you
when I find the details.
The D3 will probably be the D2H (high-speed) version, though Nikon is not giving any hints if there will be a higher resolution D3X - it may be this is the only FX camera for a while - it depends to a great deal what sensor development yields, I imagine.
Buffer size is given on the robgalbraith.com site, home to many press and sports shooters:
Nikon's specification for the D3's burst depth, when set to FX Format and the card is a SanDisk Extreme IV (or, presumably, other fast UDMA-capable cards), is 64 Large Normal JPEG, 17 NEFs (14 bit) and 20 NEFs (12 bit). For a camera that can shoot at 9 fps, the NEF burst depth is on the skimpy side, owing to its relatively paltry 512MB of RAM (for a camera of this resolution and speed).
Also noted is Nikon's claim of 35MB/s write speeds to UDMA-capable CF cards.
A few weeks ago, I was at a photo show in Toronto, Canada, and was able to handle the pre-release D3 and D300 & speak to the Nikon representative. Both are impressive, but the D3 is as expected outstanding. The size & resolution of the screen, the robust build quality, and the ergonomic feel in the hands is super.
We collectively asked if it had a sensor cleaner like the D300, and the answer was NO. The seals and the anti-static coatings on the inside housing (including the internal mount area) are the only things that protect the sensor from dust. They tried to give an explaination as to why it doesn't have one, but nothing seemed too logical. How much of a big deal this is, is open to debate.
Either way, this is one heck of a nice body and would be worth getting...
The D300 is effectively a D200 with a bigger screen. The dimensions, feel, etc. seem virtually identical. I find the D200/300 relatively small vs. that of my F100/MB15 combination (ok, exclude the MB15 for that comparison); the D3 is a closer match physically. Not just the height, but the dimensions of the grip, the release button area, etc. It just seems to be more comfortable in the hands (at the expense of weight). It also feels better balanced.
From a price standpoint, it would be great to see a similar body/price that the F100 was relative to the F5, but in FX format in the digital world. I'm sure that will evolve in the next couple of years as the sensors get easier/cheaper to make in FX format.
Nikon engineers and marketing men, I am a bit disappointed.
As a stock image contributor I was expecting a full frame DSLR from Nikon, in the range 16-20 MP. Stock agencies require at least 48MB 8 bit uncompressed images and a 12.4 MP like the new D3 is not sufficient. Long life to Genuine Fractals and similar "inflating softwares" !
I am an "old fashioned" 35mm Nikon F5/Velvia 50 user and I hoped this would have become my first "true" DSLR. I am afraid I will have to wait some more time...
The D3 looks awesome, but why does the D3 DX mode change to 5.14mb? I don?t want a 5.14mb camera. That means all the DX lenses are useless, and all the people who got on board with Nikon?s past digital cameras, and invested in DX lenses are fubared. Thanks Nikon. Really, if I have to buy new lenses to take advantage of the FX mode, why should I stay with Nikon. Basically, having an outdated body and lenses at the same time is practically asking photographers to change brands.
This is what you should do about it. Make the DX mode at least 12mb, or something suitable for a professional so we can at least consider the D3. Then make the FX 20 or something huge. Make it so big its awesome. Make it so good it gives the Phase 1 back a run.
I've been a loyal Nikon user for five years. I stood by Nikon when Canon was clearly making better pro camera. Now a lot of my DX lenses are now unsupported. I feel betrayed by Nikon.
I hope someone from Nikon reads this.
5.1MP in DX mode is a result of cropping the 12MP FX sensor, which is less than half its actual area of effective pixels. It's a matter of simple math. If you can't work with 5-6MP on a DX size sensor, you should pick another hobby. High MP's don't equal high quality, only larger file sizes. If you want to shoot for stock, buy a Canon. I applaud Nikon for having the presense of mind to incorporate a DX mask on the FX sensor, for the purpose of retaining compatibility with DX lenses. Personally, I don't see that as a disadvantage, but a matter of convenience. If you went out and bought all DX lenses than your purpose was to never become more than an amateur, thus you wouldn't even have a need for a D3, so quit your whining. Because guess what, non-DX lenses work fine with DX sensors. The best and least expesive lens I own is the nikkor AF/D 50mm f/1.8. And most of Nikon's higher end fast aperture lenses are non-DX as well, built for full frame and now a perfect match with an FX sensor.
Way to go Nikon! I so want one, but as a current D80 owner methinks the D300 is looking a bit more realistic for now.
Did you really think Nikon was going to stay with the DX format for ever? You should have been more aware and bought Nikon's 35mm lenses, this way you would have been prepared for the introduction of the FX format, which should have come with no surprise.
My guess is that not a high proportion of buyers will switch to the FX line, meaning that DX lenses will still be in demand and will still bring a good price on the used market for those who decide to dump their DX lenses. As for Nikon's marketing of DX bodies and lenses, there did seem to be some intimation for quite a while that Nikon did not see DX as a stop-gap product line, but as a line that they would and will continue to support. Not everyone wants or needs the FF sensor, after all, and lots of people enjoy having at least one smaller, lighter body and at least a few lighter lenses to go with it.
I see this as a win-win situation for Nikon users, and good news for us Canon users as well: it will provide competition and keep prices for Canon FF cameras from staying so high. In fact, I wonder to what extent the recent drop in Canon 5D prices is due to rumors about a new version of that camera, or due instead to competition from Nikon.
I wonder if I should have sold my Nikon lenses and switched to Canon. Hmmm. . . . Well, in any case, now that I have Canon glass, I won't be switching back. Both companies make excellent products, and switching can be very expensive. Switching back and forth is totally irrational. I will continue to miss that little Nikon aperture ring, however. C'est la vie.
I do wish that Olympus would also put a FF sensor out there, to increase the competition--and drop the prices--even more. Maybe Sony will do it.
More recently, the excellent autofocus and exposure accuracy have thrilled Nikon early adopters (pros). These plus much better images at 3200 and 6400 make both the D300 and D3 excellent cameras for those with an investment in Nikon glass (me). There is supposed to be a D3x coming in the Spring of 2008. At present, no one seems to know whether this means more pixels or higher speeds a la the D2h.
For those of you who are not Nikon owners, I guess you could say that Nikon "is back in the game."
I as a cannon shooter love Nikon. I hope that d3 and d300 will force Canon in selling lower priced and/or better full and crop frame cameras.
Competition is beneficent for us customers.
Great cameras by the way.
I have had a chance to play with this camera, i also had a chance to play with the 1ds MarkIII, all in the same day. Anyway for the record i am a Canon shooter, i own (2) 1ds markII's, (1) MarkIIn. I have sold my (2) 5D's and my 1d MarkIII. I also own a P45, used strictly for studio jewelry shooting.
Anyway, hands down the Nikon D3 is a better camera than the Canon 1d MarkIII. From image quality, to high iso image detail, focus, and build.
one you get past the Brand Loyalty and realize that they are all just cameras you will then understand my remarks.
No the Nikon D3 will not replace my 1ds MarkII's, but it sure as hell has got my attention on replacing my MarkIIn, to the point of were i have now listed, and sold my MarkIIn on FM, and put a deposit on a Nikon D3.
Granted Canon has a much better lens lineup, my 35MM f1.4, 85MM F1.5, 200MM F1.8's, 400MM F2.8's, and 500MM F4 can not be replaced, they are just spot on!
I purchased a AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4D IF and a AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED to go along with the SB-800 AF Speedlight and the D3.
I am to heavily invested into Canon gear to ever leave Canon, how ever i can start to purchase some Nikon gear and have a Dual setups. I will use the appropriate gear for the job at hand.
Anyway, there is an interesting place to explore D3: Nikon D3
I have used Adobe Lightroom and CS3 to batch process raw files. they both seem to work better than the proprietary camera software.
Lightroom has the advantage of being able to run multiple jobs at a time. I often batch up to 10 jobs and leave the computer running when I leave the office and they are done when I return.
Lightroom functions as a database, and because of this has very rigid rules that can be frustrating. However once you get used to it it works great.
I have owned Nikons since 1973. I have done so in spite of the Canon T90, in spite of Canon investing first in a fast auto-focus system. I ended my film-camera line with a Nikon F5, one of the best cameras, if not the best once range-finders excluded, camera I I have ever owned?and I have tested all top SLRs.
When digital came along, I waited for some time hoping that Nikon would get out of the APS format and solve problems with noise at high sensitivity, once again tempted by Canon in spite of all my lenses. I resisted. Then came the D200, a wonderful camera but not full frame, making my wide-angle lenses useless as wide-angle lenses. Then came the D300. I compared it to my D200, better images quality without any doubt and higher usable sensitivity but was it worth losing money on my D200 selling it on the used-camera market? I would still have to buy one or two wide-angle lenses for that format.
After a whole week of debate I opted for the D3.
Assessment after one week and over 1,000 images:
No second-thought as with the D200 (it was good but I could have done with a few more pixels, higher sensitivity, lower noise, full-frame). In spite of its weight and volume I have the new D3 with me all the time. It is just a pleasure to use and the results are there, especially at high iso settings. The best camera ever built by Nikon... which has very rarely fallen short of building such cameras, even if we, users, have had to be patient. With Nikon, patience and faithfulness pay off. I can still use my 1973 Micro-Nikkor on the D3, what other (Japanese)brand can come close?
If I were a Canon user I may not switch, out of convenience, not wanting to dump my equipment, but I am glad I have used Nikon all these years.
The new D3 digital SLR is a landmark for Nikon since it's their first
DSLR incorporating a full frame sensor. Nikon is calling the sensor
size in the D3 "FX" to differentiate it from the "DX" sensor found in
their other cameras.
TOKYO –
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the
new-generation professional digital SLR, Nikon D3. 
