D3
Key Features
Nikon's original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Couple Nikon's exclusive digital image processing system with the 12.1-megapixel FX-format and you'll get breathtakingly rich images while also reducing noise to unprecedented levels with even higher ISOs.
Continuous shooting at up to 9 frames per second: At full FX resolution and up to 11fps in the DX crop mode, the D3 offers uncompromised shooting speeds for fast-action and sports photography.
Extreme low-noise ISO range with advanced noise reduction: This enables photographers to confidently select from 200-6400 ISO with an expanded range that includes: Lo-1 (100 ISO), Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).
Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Technology: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED incorporates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing experience, providing superior image quality with state-of-the-art technologies at blazing processing speeds.
Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations at slower operating speeds.
3.0-inch super density 921,000-dot VGA color monitor: With 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered glass protection, you'll get even better critical image review capabilities.
Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking: Add onto that, three dynamic AF modes to deliver exacting autofocus precision at blazing speeds.
Two Live View shooting modes: Use either hand-held or with a tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.
Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): Improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.
New Picture Control settings: This gives photographers dramatically advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.
Nikon's exclusive Active D-Lighting: Image enhancement provided on the fly while shooting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.
The World's First Virtual Horizon Graphics Indicator: The D3's super-density color LCD monitor, teamed with Nikon's innovative Electronic Virtual Horizon delivers instant and accurate confirmation of the D3's position relative to "horizon level." You can also level the D3 while looking through the viewfinder or on the top-deck LCD.
Nikon's self-diagnostic shutter system: Tested to 300,000 cycles, this system is a clear indication of advanced engineering and durable construction.
Comprehensive state-of-the-art dust and moisture countermeasures and electromagnetic interference: With a rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy chassis and body, the D3 goes beyond other D-SLRs to protect against invasive moisture, dust and even electromagnetic interference. A comprehensive series of O-rings and other specialized seals, combined with additional engineering, keeps you shooting when lesser cameras would fail.
LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only.
Tech Specs
-
Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
12.1 million -
Sensor Size
36.0 mmx 23.9 mm -
Image Sensor Format
FX -
Storage Media
CompactFlash© (CF) (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA)
MicroDrive© -
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 200 -6400
Lo-1 (ISO 100)
Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)
Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
-
Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal -
Monitor Type
Super Density
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD -
Battery / Batteries
EN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery -
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
6.3 in.(159.5 mm)x 6.2 in.(157 mm)x 3.4 in.(87.5 mm) -
Approx. Weight
43.7 oz.(1,240 g)
Type
-
Lens Mount
Nikon F bayonet mount
Image Sensor
-
Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
12.1 million -
Sensor Size
36.0 mmx 23.9 mm -
Image Sensor Format
FX -
Image Sensor Type
CMOS -
Total Pixels
12.87 million -
Image Area (pixels)
FX-format
(L) 4,256 x 2,832
(M) 3,184 x 2,120
(S) 2,128 x 1,416
DX-format
(L) 2,784 x 1,848
(M) 2,080 x 1,384
(S) 1,392 x 920
5:4 format (30 x 24)
(L) 3,552 x 2,832
(M) 2,656 x 2,120
(S) 1,776 x 1,416
File System
-
File Format Still Images
Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent
Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless Compressed): approx. 60-80 percent
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant; can be selected from Size Priority and Optimal Quality
TIFF (RGB)
Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW)
WAV -
Storage Media
CompactFlash© (CF) (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA)
MicroDrive© -
Card Slot
2 CompactFlash© (CF) cards -
File System
Compliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
EXIF 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras)
Viewfinder
-
Viewfinder
SLR-type with Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism -
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
100 % (Approx.)
-
Viewfinder Magnification
0.70x (Approx.) -
Viewfinder Eyepoint
18mm (-1.0m¯¹) -
Focusing Screen
BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B -
Reflex Mirror
Quick-return type -
Mirror Lock Up
Yes
Lens
-
Lens Aperture
Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview button -
Compatible Lenses
AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
DX AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) Image Size.
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.
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported.
Shutter
-
Shutter Type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane -
Flash Sync Speed
Up to 1/250 sec. -
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution
9 frames per second
-
Self-Timer
2, 5, 10, 20 sec.
Timer duration electronically controlled
Exposure
-
Exposure Metering System
1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Spot
Spot AF
Variable Center-weighted -
Metering Range
2 to 20 EV (Spot metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens at 20°C/68°F) -
Exposure Meter Coupling
CPU
AI -
Exposure Modes
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S) -
Exposure Compensation
±5 EVin increments of 1/3
1/2
1 -
Exposure Lock
Yes
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button -
Picture Control
Monochrome
Neutral
Nine User-customizable Settings
Standard
Vivid
Sensitivity
-
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 200 -6400
Lo-1 (ISO 100)
Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)
Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
Focus/Autofocus
-
Focus Lock
AE-L/AF-L button
Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S) -
Focus Modes
Continuous-servo (C)
Manual
Single-servo AF (S)
Flash
-
Flash Control
i-TTL Balanced fill-flash, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR -
Accessory Shoe
Yes -
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
CLS Supported
White Balance
-
White Balance
Auto (2 types)
Cloudy
Direct Sunlight
Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting (2,500 K to 10,000K)
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Preset manual (up to 5 values can be stored)
Seven manual modes with fine-tuning
Shade -
White Balance Bracketing
2 to 9 exposures
Monitor
-
Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal -
Monitor Resolution
921,000 Dots -
Monitor Type
Super Density
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Playback
-
Playback Functions
Auto Image Rotation
Full Frame
Highlight Point Display
Histogram Display
Shooting Data
Slideshow
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 16 segments)
Voice Memo
Zoom -
Voice Memo Function
Yes
Interface
-
Interface
10-pin Terminal
HDMI
Hi-speed USB
NTSC
PAL
Menus
-
Supported Languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Swedish
Power
-
Battery / Batteries
EN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery -
Battery Life (shots per charge)
4,300 shots (CIPA) -
AC Adapter
EH-6 AC Adapter -
Battery Charger
MH-21 Quick Charger
MH-22 Quick Charger
Miscellaneous
-
Tripod Socket
1/4 inch 20 -
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
6.3 in.(159.5 mm)x 6.2 in.(157 mm)x 3.4 in.(87.5 mm) -
Approx. Weight
43.7 oz.(1,240 g)
default
-
Battery
Rechargeable -
Supplied Software
Software Suite CD-ROM -
Optional Accessories
EH-6 AC Adapter
DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece
Camera Control Pro 2
Nikon Capture NX
Image Authentication Software
For a full list of the technical specifications please refer to the product manual.
Accessories
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