Nikon has announced the release of the D3 Digital SLR camera, making its debut eight years after the original D1 first surfaced. The D3 camera boasts 12.1 effective megapixels and a new FX-format CMOS sensor, which measures 23.9 x 36mm, closely mirroring the 35mm film size. The camera features a startup time of 0.12 second, the shortest viewfinder blackout time in the series, and a shutter lag time of just 37 milliseconds, with the capability of shooting up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution.
The D3 comes equipped with tonal range and depth and low noise throughout its normal range of ISO 200 to 6400. If set at its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range can be stretched to equal ISO 100 or ISO 25,600. The D3 has a 51-point autofocus system, accompanied by Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature with automatic focus-point switching and two new LiveView shooting modes that are visible on the camera's 3-inch LCD screen.
The camera has the technology to recognize the subject or scene being photographed, and can apply the information to make appropriate calculations by using three functions, including the Scene Recognition System, Auto Exposure and Auto White Balance Detection. When using the conventional AF-Nikkor lens, the D3 captures up to nine frames per second at 12.1-megapixel resolution. In the DX-format mode, which produces an image resolution of 5.1 megapixels, the user can shoot up to 11 frames per second.
Designed for photographers of all levels of experience, the D3 allows for simple setting adjustments using Nikon's new Picture Control System. The system lets the user customize the sharpness, tone compensation, brightness and saturation using the camera's four settings: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome.
The D3's LiveView offers a tripod mode and a handheld mode, both ensuring quality results. The camera can continuously shoot around 9 frames per second in full resolution with FX format and up to 64 consecutive frames in JPEG, with normal compression. If the user chooses NEF (RAW) files, the D3 shoots up to 17 to 20 consecutive frames, depending on whether it's set to 12-bit or 14-bit images.
The camera's viewfinder provides 100 percent coverage for precise framing, and images are displayed on the 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen. Images show in color on the LCD screen, with a Virtual Horizon digital level sensor and 170-degree wide viewing angle.
The D3 Digital SLR has an estimated price of $4,999.