Eight years after changing professional digital photography forever, Nikon does it again with the new D3 FX-Format Digital SLR
Mississauga, ON, August 23, 2007 - Eight years after Nikon’s D1 camera changed professional digital photography forever, Nikon today introduced the D3 - a new digital SLR camera that is poised to once again revolutionize photography for professionals. The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon’s new FX-format sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup, shortest viewfinder blackout time of any digital SLR camera, shortest shutter lag and the capability to shoot up to 9 frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.*
Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 features Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the amazing speed and processing power of the D3’s new features.
Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to an impressive 6400. 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.
The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s high resolution LCD monitor. The D3 uses the world’s first Scene Recognition System to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure and white balance detection in the camera by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.
Nikon’s Sensor Formats: FX and DX
Nikon’s digital SLR cameras based on its DX-format sensor have been hugely successful and represent an excellent combination of high image quality, size and value. While the DX-format has been widely accepted by professional photographers and photo enthusiasts around the world, there is an increasing demand among professionals for a digital SLR camera that features higher ISO sensitivity, wider dynamic range and offers the same relationship between picture angle and depth-of-field that were the hallmarks of the 35mm film format.
Responding to this demand, Nikon has developed the D3 as its first digital SLR camera that features the Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor to meet the real-world requirements of its customers. The D3 delivers full resolution 12.1 megapixel images at up to 9 frames per second when used with a conventional NIKKOR lenses. When used with DX NIKKOR lenses, the D3 automatically switches to the DX-format mode that uses a cropped portion of the sensor to generate 5.1 megapixel resolution images. In DX-format mode, the D3 automatically masks the portion of the viewfinder that will not be photographed and enables the capability to shoot up to 11 frames-per-second.
Both Nikon FX and DX formats provide their own advantages and Nikon recognizes that both formats are necessary in order to satisfy their diverse customers’ demands. Based on this recognition, Nikon will strengthen its D-SLR line-up with the addition of the D3 FX-format SLR camera and a broadened assortment of NIKKOR interchangeable lenses, while continuing to develop and market high performance DX format cameras and lenses.
The Most Intelligent Nikon Ever
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. Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colours and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before an image is captured. This information is also used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure and white balance detection functions in the D3. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better in all directions and by identifying them. It can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater precision, and analyze scene highlights and more efficiently determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance.
The D3 incorporates Nikon’s new Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can be used either individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses colour and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.
Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply the desired adjustments and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation). Photographers can customize and store up to 9 Picture Controls in the D3 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings within multiple D3 cameras.
Photographers will quickly find that the D3’s new Active D-Lighting control provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.
The D3’s LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, ultra high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor. The Hand-held mode allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, using the camera’s standard phase-detection auto focus system with all 51 AF points activated. The second mode, called Tripod mode, is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and while the camera is mounted on a tripod. The Tripod mode uses focal plane contrast auto focus to achieve pinpoint focus on a desired point. The D3 also offers the capability to remotely control the camera while in LiveView mode, allowing focusing and shooting from a computer either over a wired or wireless connection, when using the optional Camera Control Pro 2 software.
The Fastest FX Format Camera in the World
The D3 has the fastest reaction times of any camera in its class. Its shutter release time lag is only 37 milliseconds and its start up time is approximately 0.12 seconds. It is capable of continuously shooting approximately 9 frames per second in full resolution with FX format, or up to 64 consecutive frames in JPEG, Normal compression. For NEF (RAW) files, the D3 can shoot up to 20 or up to 17 consecutive frames depending on whether it is set to 12 bit or 14 bit images. When using a DX-format lens, the camera automatically switches to DX-format mode adjusting the resolution of the camera to 5.1 megapixels. In the DX-format mode, photographers also have the opportunity to increase the speed at which the camera can take pictures by limiting the auto exposure and going up to 10 frames per second or limiting both auto exposure and auto focus and going up to 11 frames per second.
Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D3 reflects Nikon’s most streamlined, functional and aesthetically pleasing layout in a digital SLR camera, all designed so photographers can take pictures with greater accuracy and comfort. The camera’s viewfinder provides 100 per cent frame 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 colour and clarity. The 170-degree wide viewing angle makes composing shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode easy. The D3 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 D3 also features two CompactFlash™ card slots that can be used for consecutive recording (overflow), simultaneous recording (backup), separating recording of RAW and JPEG files or even copying pictures between the two cards. Images can be displayed directly from the camera to a high-definition monitor using the camera’s HDMI port and an optional cable.
The D3 is designed for professional use in demanding conditions. The exterior jacket of the D3 is crafted entirely out of magnesium alloy and the camera’s shutter unit is tested to 300,000-cycle releases. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and rubber gaskets and seals to protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.
Availability
The D3 will be available from select Authorized Nikon Canada Professional Dealers beginning in December 2007.
Major Features
* 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS Sensor
* WORLD’S FASTEST 9 frames per second continuous firing at full FX
resolution and up to 11fps in DX Crop mode
* Extreme low-noise from ISO 200-6400 (Lo-1, Hi-1 & Hi-2 ISO options
for expanded ISO range)
* ISO setting options up to 25,600
* Fast, accurate 51 Area AF with 3D Focus Tracking
* Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED digital image processing technology
* 12 or 14-bit output through a 16-bit processing pipeline
* 3.0-inch Super Density 920,000-dot VGA Colour Monitor with 170-degree
Wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass construction
* 2 LiveView shooting modes
* Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, further leveraging the
power and intelligence of the core of Nikon’s improved 1,005-Pixel 3D
Colour Matrix Metering II
* Auto White Balance integrated with pure white detection, subject
recognition and evaluation and colour analysis of light source
* Enhanced autofocus tracking performance
* Self-diagnostic shutter system, tested to 300,000 cycles
* Auto DX Crop mode for DX NIKKOR lenses
* Virtual Horizon graphic level indicator
* Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction for reduced JPEG artifacts
and moiré
* Active D-Lighting image enhancement
* In-Camera Image Editing
* Durable magnesium-alloy body and chassis
* Advanced dust and moisture protection
* Maximum burst rate up to 67 JPEG or 17 NEF (RAW) Images*
* Dual CF memory card slots
* Picture Control settings for advanced colour control
* 51-area Spot Metering
* Improved i-TTL flash control
* Lo-1, Hi-1 & Hi-2 ISO options for expanded ISO range (100 to 25,000)
* WT-4a Wi-Fi Transmitter with 802.11 a/b/g protocols
* HDMI direct connection to HDTV monitor or TV for image playback
Additional D3 Features and Technologies
* Real-time battery Fuel Gauge
* Sound recording for annotating images
*GPS compatibility with optional MC-35 cord (location and direction)
* Image Authentication with Nikon’s optional Image Authentication
Software
* Variable Centre-Weighted Metering
* FP High Speed flash sync to 1/8,000 with 1/250 sec X sync
* Shutter Speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8,000 sec
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find a Nikon Authorized Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
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