The Nikon D3 Professional SLR Digital Camera features the exclusive FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of a 35mm film frame - thereby eliminating any significant crop factor or focal length multiplier. Images taken with the D3 exhibit exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. Furthermore, by setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation.
Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 incorporates the EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3's performance features. Thanks to this exclusive processor chip, the D3 has incredibly fast reaction times with a shutter release lag of only 37 milliseconds, and a start-up time of approximately 0.12 seconds. The D3 is also capable of continuous shooting at up to nine frames per second in full resolution FX-format for up to 64 consecutive frames in JPEG compression and up to 20 frames when recording NEF (RAW) files. The camera can even record images at a mind-boggling rate of 11 fps when shooting in DX-format (5.1 Megapixel) mode.
The D3 introduces a range of innovative technologies and features that significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance professional photographers can get from their equipment. For example, Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment exposure sensor to recognize colors and light patterns in order to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection functions, while Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors, that can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes, and also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject.
These innovative technologies are also instrumental in making the Nikon D3 one of the easiest Professional cameras to use. The Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments, and offers four basic setting options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. Photographers can also customize and store up to nine customized options in the D3 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple D3 cameras. Furthermore, the D3 features an Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast.
The D3 has been designed with refined ergonomics and usability and a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing layout so photographers can take pictures with greater accuracy and comfort and with less concern about fatigue. The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage for accurate framing, while an ultra-high definition, 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. The 170-degree wide viewing angle makes composing shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode easy, and the camera also features a unique Virtual Horizon digital level sensor that indicates the camera's alignment relative to the true horizon on the rear LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The cameras impressive durability means that it can be used under the most demanding conditions. The exterior of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested to 300,000-cycle releases. Furthermore, the 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.
| Camera Type | Digital SLR Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.87MP, Recorded: 12.1MP |
| Sensor | 36 x 23.9mm CMOS |
| Bit Depth | 12-Bit |
| File Formats | RAW, TIFF, JPEG, WAV |
| File Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Image Stabilization | Body: No |
| Crop Factor | 1x (FX format), 1.5x (DX format) |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | No |
| Zoom | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F mount |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Range | N/A |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO: 200-6400 (expandable to 100-25600) |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/8000 - 30 sec, bulb |
| Metering | Matrix, Center-weighted Average, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Manual, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Program |
| White Balance | Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Sunlight, Shade, Cloudy, Flash, Kelvin, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Burst Capability |
High-speed continuous: 9fps (FX format), 11fps (DX format) Low-speed continuous: up to 8fps (FX format), up to 9fps (DX format) |
| Self Timer | 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes, optional 10-pin remotes |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | No |
| Effective Flash Range | N/A |
| External Flash Connection | Hotshoe, PC terminal |
| Dedicated Flash System | Nikon CLS Flash series |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/250 sec. |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | CompactFlash I/II |
| Still Images per GB |
RAW: 41 TIFF: 28 JPEG: High Res:179 - Low Res:2560 |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Resolution | N/A |
| Video Clip Length | N/A |
| Audio Recording |
WAV format Up to 30 seconds with image |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Eye-level Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display | 3" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 (mini-B), A/V Out, HDMI (Type-C) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.1.5 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C Humidity: 85% or less |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | EN-EL4A Lithium-ion Battery |
| Power Adapter | EH-6 AC Adapter |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4" (160 x 157 x 88mm) |
| Weight | 43.2 oz. (1240g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 159 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I introduced this camera to my studio about two months ago and everyone loves it. I personally have been photographing weddings and portraits professionally in studio for 6 years. The D3 allows me to shoot in low light situations up to ISO 6400 without any problems. The colors are always very vibrant and the clients love it. In the studio it is nice for shooting the 85mm f1.4 with tack sharp detail. I use the 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, 70-200mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8 on this camera and do not have anything bad to say about it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Shoots when you want it to shoot, it captures whatever shot you want when you want it. Great low lighting quality images, fast, and accurate White balance. This camera does not need flash. I shoot weddings, and I went from a D70 to D3 (BIG change) and although I have an SB800, I very seldom use it on my D3, especially in weddings. Best of all, when I shoot, no one knows I am actually shooting and as a result, I get great, natural shots that my clients love. It's like going undercover. This camera is an investment worth having whether you're a pro or not. And best of all, people are more willing to pose for me than when I had the D70. D3 makes anyone a PRO!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
simply the best camera i have ever owned. high iso is amazing. fits in my hand like a glove easy controls picture quality in low light is superb
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I am completely delight by this purchase. It's low
light capability is fantastic. And paired with the
Nikon 24-70mm zoom, it is unmatched in usefulness.
Haven't tried it with my 300mm VR lens yet, but I
am looking forward to the results. Large rear display makes settings a lot easier to view and set.
Now if only the D800(D700x) would be announced and
my kit would be complete.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Used For Mainly Sports Photography
pros-Astonishing clarity with incredible speed!
con- a bit on the heavy side but totally worth it's abilities!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I bought the D3 to shoot sports at 9 fps. The image quality is outstanding, far superior to what I could take with my Canon 40D and Canon 70-200/f 2.8 IS zoom. It is very bulky, though. I was looking forward to taking photos with the D3 on our upcoming vacation, but a reality check tells me a smaller body (Nikon D300) will have to enter the fold for this use later when I have saved my shekels.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
General Photography. I love the weight, I can not find a thing that I dislike about this camera. Maybe the price
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Use it mostly for landscapes and nature. The camera has dead-on white balance, is extremely fast and ISO noise is extremely low. The dream of shooting in dark places with a fisheye fullframe without flash has come true. I wished I had bought it earlier.
The only con is the loud shutter release.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Nikon D3 FX format is great for my architectural assignments. With the use of Live View and a 28 PC E lens, things have gotten much more precise and a snap to use. A very good addition to my toolbox.[...]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
High iso, unreal 51 point tracking, super sharp with a 85 mm I rented. Blues and Greens are unreal you can see nikon D3 photos everywhere just for looking for the intense blues.
Selling all my Canon gear after using them since 1998, before that I was a Nikon user for 10 years I am happy to be back.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have been using this camera professionally for the past 16 months and must say... it is a near perfect camera!!!
I shoot corporate events, portraits, & weddings and have a the camera in my hand nearly every day of the week. Past cameras have become undependable by this point; not the D3. I feel comfortable using it as my main camera for the next year or so. After that I wouldn't hesitate to go out and buy another one!!!
* It's built like a tank and handles all my abuse
* Files come out of the camera require very little work in Photoshop
* Has all all the speed I could ever use
* The dual slot feature allows me to use 12 gig cards without worrying about card failure
* AWESOME in low light. Though I don't like taking it above ISO 6400
The only con I can find is that the focus was more consistently accurate on my D2Xs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The D3 is the best of the d series so far. It has superior image quality, shutter speed, image buffer and is easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This DSLR is simply breathtaking. It has no excuses. I took the plung after shooting with my Nikon D300 for about a year. The shutter release is simply smooth and highly responsive. The images are remarkable straight out of the box. It just simply goes. I don't feel as though the D3 is given it's full due. It is simply more than just speed and accurate focusing. The colors are simply gorgeous and fully rendered. The ability to shoot in low light at ISO'S up to 6400 are minor to it's ability to navigate from one feature to another on the fly. Metering on this camera is dead on. Simply place an 85 mm 1.8 on it and go to work.
There's no question why Nikon is on top.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I use this camera for fast action sporting events and informal portraits. Shoot in-doors and out. Can handle the dimly lit gym lights with ease. No negatives found. Fits my hand like a glove. Can carry with lenses up to 400mm with one hanging hand. Get nine shots a second which allows me to pick the peak action shot with certainty. My editors love the results. The camera is a work horse and keeps on ticking.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I am currently using this camera for drama/theater photos and it never ceases to amaze me. With older Nikons, I had to spot meter, lock exposure, recompose to lock focus, then recompose to shoot. With the D3, I simply utilize auto ISO, matrix metering and shoot - all for outstanding results. Highly recommended; the best camera that I have ever owned.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I love the quality of the images and just about everthing else with this camera. Dust on the cmos is a major problem. I am always having to clean it. I am talking about everyday use in benign situations. I also have the D300 and love the cleaning system on that camera. I am seriously considering trading down to the D700 for this reason and the fact that the pop up flash comes in very handy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
* Durable as expected. Always get an outstanding pic for publication. Clients are amazed with results. Demands viewers' interest. I use it mostly for fast action sports (Basketball, soccer, football, baseball, etc.). Cranks at 9fps. Always get a great peak action. Has worked flawlessly for a year. It's heavy when loaded with the longer lenses, but this relates to optimum quality. It just cranks and cranks and cranks and I keep getting paid and paid and paid.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This is my 2nd D3. The first was so awesome and let me photograph things I never could before with available light. This is the greatest camera I have ever owned and made me so excited about shooting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I've had this camera for about a month, and still testing it out. This is the camera I've been waiting for Nikon to produce since I got into digital photography. I can't say enough about it. The ISO performance is beyond my expectations, the build quality is what you have come to expect from Nikon, I love the huge LCD screen on the back. I didn't realize how much I missed FX sized images until I put my wide angles on, it's amazing. The image quality is so much better than my D2X (which was and is great), with rich colors, and I love the new Picture Control. Speaking of that, I can't recommend strongly enough that you get Capture NX2 if you shoot RAW.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Superb image quality, ergonomics & build quality
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »