Key Features
Apr 18 2008
Announced
12 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Nikon |
| Sensor Type | Full frame |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 1300g |
| MSRP | $4999USD |
Other similar cameras
Nikon D300
Released Mar 12 2008 | 12MP resolution
Nikon D3X
Released Feb 19 2009 | 25MP resolution
Nikon D60
Released Mar 19 2008 | 10MP resolution
Overview of the D3
Nikon is a brand that has been synonymous with high-quality cameras for years. Their latest offering, the Nikon D3, is a camera that has been designed to cater to the needs of professional photographers. The camera has been engineered to deliver exceptional image quality, fast image processing, and advanced autofocus. The Nikon D3 is equipped with an impressive ISO range that can go up to 6400, making it possible to capture stunning photographs even in low-light conditions. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive review of the Nikon D3, the features that make it stand out, and why it's a must-have for any professional photographer.
Nikon D3 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Nikon D3
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88mm |
| Weight | 1300g |
| Thickness | 88mm |
Weather Sealing
The Nikon D3 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the D3 is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots |
| Body type | Large SLR |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 922k dots. This makes the Nikon D3 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
D3 includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.7x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Nikon D3 has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Nikon D3 has a native ISO range of 200 - 6400 which can be boosted to 100 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Apr 18 2008
Announced
200 - 6400
ISO Range
| Sensor | Full frame |
| Extended ISO | 100 - 25600 |
| Max resolution | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
81 / 102
Color Depth
23.5 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
12.2 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
2290 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D3 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is below average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D3 is average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x2 |
| Battery Life | 4300 shots |
| Battery Model |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Nikon D3 supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) x2 with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Nikon D3 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.
Battery
The Nikon D3 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 4300 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Nikon D3 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Nikon D3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Nikon D3 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 51 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Nikon D3 features a CMOS sensor
Yes the D3 does have weather sealing.
The Nikon D3 was announced on Apr 18 2008
No the D3 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The D3 has a native ISO range of 200-6400, which can be expanded to ISO 100-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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