Eight Years After Changing Professional Photography Forever, Nikon Does It Again By Introducing The D3 Digital SLR 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.*
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.
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.
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.
“ 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.
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.
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.
Price and Availability
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.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. 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 Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging
System of 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. Through the Nikon
Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting
aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic
organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more
information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links
all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo
learning and sharing communities.
* 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.
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