Nikon D3 Review

The Nikon D3 digital SLR is Nikon's first ever full-frame camera, offering a 12.1 megapixel, FX format CMOS sensor. The 9fps continuous mode, even when shooting RAW images, should appeal to all the sports photographers out there, supported by Nikon�s next-generation 51-point AF system. The Nikon D3 has an incredibly versatile ISO range of 100-25,800 (yes, ISO 25,800!), new EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing, and a high resolution 3 inch LCD screen with 920,000 pixels. Other standout features include Live View with Autofocus, support for the DX-format crop mode, which means that DX lenses can be used with the D3, and HDMI video output for connection to high-definition video systems. All of this and more is housed in an environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body. With a street price of over �3,000 / $5,000, the Nikon D3 certainly doesn't come cheap, but even if you can't afford it, the D3 does give a tantalising glimpse of what the future might hold for Nikon's more affordable DSLR models. Gavin Stoker got to grips with the Nikon D3 to find out if this is the ultimate DSLR - let's just say that he didn't want to send it back...

Ease of Use

Keenly aimed at pro sports and reportage photographers who will get most out of the choice of either 9fps or 11 fps capture speeds (the latter accessible only in DX crop mode), Nikon's D3 � its very first full-frame DSLR � upgrades the D2x to challenge the might of what is arguably Canon's closest competitor in the 10fps, 10.1 megapixel 1D Mark III, which targets (and, like its MkII predecessor will doubtless largely monopolise) the same market.

With a new, Nikon-developed 12.1 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor plus selectable ISO extending all the way up to ISO 6400 and a HI option equivalent to ISO 25600, making it not only a rapid shooter but one capable of best-in-class low light performance, this is truly one amazing piece of technology encased in a solid-feel magnesium alloy body built like the proverbial outhouse at a weight of 1240g (2.7lb). Nikon claims shutter lag is 37 milliseconds � which in practice means it's imperceptible � and though the D3 sports a resolution of 'only' 12MP next to Canon's 16MP 1D MkIII, that's plenty big enough for print media. You also get a choice of RAW (Nikon NEF format), JPEG or RGB TIFF files, plus the expected RAW + JPEG option. While in single shot mode JPEGs are committed to memory literally in a flash and TIFFs only a slight margin slower, after a burst of 17 or so RAW files the camera's buffer is full and it's make a cuppa time while they're committed to card; a gross exaggeration of course but the difference is inevitably pronounced.

Gavin Stoker

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