Nikon D3 - Finally, a full frame DSLR from Nikon!

<p>

Well, after saying for years that they didn't need a full frame DSLR,

surprise, surprise, Nikon has announced one. It's 12MP and full frame, the

same as the Canon EOS 5D. However, it's in a pro level body (which the EOS 5D isn't) and is expected to

sell for around $5000 (the EOS 5D sells for around $2600, the new 21MP 1Ds

MkIII will sell for around $8000).

</p>

 

<p>

Now Nikon can make a full frame camera, they seem to have had a change of

heart and think it's a good idea! I agree.

</p>

 

 

<h2>Here's the Nikon Press Release:</h2>

 

 

<p>

MELVILLE, N.Y. (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 CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the

size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout

time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the

capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution,

the D3 is the world's fastest digital SLR camera in its class.*

</p>

 

<p>

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 incorporates Nikon's new EXPEED Image

Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power

needed for many of the D3's new features.

</p>

 

<p>

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 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.

</p>

 

<p>

The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point auto focus 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 auto focus, auto exposure and auto 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.

</p>

 

<p>

¨Nikon is proud and excited to once again respond to the needs of professional

photographers by introducing the D3. Nikon engineers have successfully

combined ultra high-speed shooting capabilities and handling with outstanding

low-noise image quality, offering professional photographers an ideal tool for

a broad range of shooting disciplines,¨ said Edward Fasano, general manager

for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. Sports, commercial and

press photographers are increasingly demanding higher ISO sensitivity, better

resolution, wider dynamic range and a familiar depth-of-field in relation to

picture angles. With the D3, Nikon is excited to deliver a solution that

represents an ideal unification of unsurpassed image quality, high-speed

operation and professional durability, without compromise. Nikon fully expects

the D3 to positively affect the photographic community in a way that hasn't

been seen since the introduction of the Nikon D1.

</p>

 

<p>

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. And 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 professional customers. The D3 delivers full resolution

12.1 megapixel images at up to nine frames per second when used with

conventional AF-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. While in this 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.

</p>

 

<p>

Both Nikon FX and DX-formats provide their own advantages, and Nikon

recognizes that both formats are necessary in order to satisfy its diverse

customer demands. Based on this recognition, Nikon will strengthen its D-SLR

lineup 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.

</p>

 

<p>

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 colors 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 auto focus, auto

exposure and auto 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 accuracy. It can also analyze scene highlights and more accurately

determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate

white balance.

The D3 incorporates Nikon?s new Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module that

features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal

sensors. These sensors can either be used 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 color 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.

</p>

 

<p>

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience

levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered 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, such as sharpening,

tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Photographers can 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.

</p>

 

<p>

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D3

features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, 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.

</p>

 

<p>

The D3's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and

composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while

shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the

camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode,

the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on

the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second

mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera?s

conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points

available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately

when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.

</p>

 

<p>

The Fastest Camera in its Class

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 nine frames per second in full resolution with FX-format, 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.

</p>

 

 

<h2>Refined Ergonomics and Usability</h2>

<p>

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 less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.

</p>

 

<p>

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. 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.

</p>

 

<p>

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

of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera?s shutter mechanism is

tested to 300,000-cycle releases. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with

tempered glass and the D3?s comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals

protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

</p>

 

 

<h2>Price and Availability</h2>

 

<p>

The D3 will be available from authorized Nikon Professional Dealers beginning

in November 2007 for an estimated selling price of $4,999.95**. With the

introduction of the D3, Nikon's current lineup of digital SLR cameras now

includes the new D3, D2xs, D300, D200, D80, D40x and D40.

* As of August, 2007; among cameras featuring an imaging sensor similar to the

size of 35mm film

** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set

by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

</p>

 

<p>

For the complete press review of the <a href="http://press.nikonusa.com/2007/08/eight_years_after_changing_pro.php">

Nikon D3 full frame 12MP DSLR</a>.

</p>

 

 

Put myself on a waiting list at 9:01 this morning.

Congratulatios Nikon! Way to go. With the purchase of my D200 which I love, I started asking myself questions such as where do I go from here? I looked at switching completely over to Canon for full frame photography. I had by this time fully lost any hope of Nikon ever producing a full frame camera. It seemed their policy was written in stone. But a friend told me to hold on several months ago because he had been noticing that some of the 3rd party lens manufacturers were still coming out with full frame lenses for the Nikon. He felt for sure something was in the works at Nikon. Well friend, you were right!

It was pretty obvious that Nikon downplayed full frame because they didn't have one. Standard marketing speak.

 

Now that they have a FF camera I assume they'll be playing it up and saying how much better it is than APS-C.

 

Canon will be sayings, sure, but we have twice as many pixels...

 

And so it goes on.

 

Let's wait and see what Sony come along with in the next few weeks.

"Let's wait and see what Sony come along with"

 

And let's see if the rumors are true that Nikon has a 6-month (or whatever) exclusive on the ff chip.

>Now that they have a FF camera I assume they'll be playing it up and saying how much better it is than APS-C.

 

Bob, I doubt that will happen, seeing that the D300 was released on the same day. I think the DX and the FX has their own usages and also meet the needs of their respective target market segments.

Now if they could just revive the SP body with full frame digital guts.

Canon might finally feel some pressure to release the 5D mk II or whatever it will be called.

Photo.net frequent contributers Ellis Vener and Bjorn Rorslett were in Tokyo to attend Nikon's D3 and D300 announcement. You can read their on-site report in this thread in the Nikon Forum:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MKgI

I don't think that Sony will be a major player for a looong time to come. Right now they don't offer enough choice.