D3X Digital Masterpiece

Digital Masterpiece

Flagship 24.5-megapixel FX-format D-SLR—meticulously engineered for professionals whose work demands extreme resolution, file size and image fidelity

EnlargeD3X 25442
Price$7,999.95*ESP

Supplied Accessories

  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
  • Quick Charger MH-22
  • USB Cable UC-E4
  • Audio Video Cable EG-D2
  • Camera Strap AN-D3X
  • Body Cap BF-1A
  • Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
  • Eyepiece DK-17
  • Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
  • USB Cable Clip
  • Software Suite CD-ROM

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

Key Features

Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
Large 5.94µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.

138 MB1 Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.

1 Approximate

Two Live View shooting modes
Two Live View modes add flexibility, and up to 27x magnification in the Tripod Mode, acute focusing accuracy is easily confirmed.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF system
AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.

3-inch super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD monitor
Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review.

Nikon Picture Control
Four preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, and 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control.

Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options

Up to 4,400 images per battery charge

Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600
Added ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 50 equivalent), Hi-1 (ISO 3200 equivalent) and Hi-2 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility.

Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities—in the studio or on location.

1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
Two Nikon-exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

100% viewfinder coverage

Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction
Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.

Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator

Experience It

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Specifications

  • Total Pixels
    25.72 million
     
  • Effective Pixels
    24.5 million
     
  • Image Sensor Format
    FX
     
  • Image Sensor Type
    CMOS
     
  • Sensor Size
    35.9 x 24.0mm
     
  • Dust-Off Reference Photo
    Yes
     
  • Image Area (pixels)
    FX-format
    (L) 6,048 x 4,032
    (M) 4,544 x 3024
    (S) 3,024 x 2016
    5:4 format (30 x 24)
    (L) 5,056 x 4,032
    (M) 3,792 x 3,024
    (S) 2,528 x 2,016
    DX-format
    (L) 3,968 x 2,640
    (M) 2,976 x 1976
    (S) 1,984 x 1,320
     
  • Storage Media
    CompactFlash© (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA)
    MicroDrive©
     
  • File Format
    Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW)
    Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent
    Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent
    JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size Priority and Optimal Quality
    TIFF (RGB)
    WAV
     
  • Picture Control
    Standard
    Neutral
    Vivid
    Monochrome
    Nine User-customizable Settings
     
  • LCD Monitor Size
    3 in. diagonal
     
  • LCD Monitor Type
    VGA TFT
    Super Density
     
  • LCD Monitor Resolution
    921,000 Dots
     
  • LCD Monitor Angle of View
    170-degree wide-viewing angle
     
  • LCD Monitor Adjustments
    Brightness, 7 levels
     
  • Live View Shooting
    Handheld mode
    Tripod mode
     
  • Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator
    Yes
     
  • Playback Functions
    Full frame
    Thumbnail (4, 9 or 16 segments)
    Zoom
    Slideshow
    Histogram display
    Shooting data
    Highlight point display
    Auto image rotation
    Voice Memo
     
  • Image Comment
    Yes
    Up to 36 characters
     
  • Voice Memo Function
    Yes
     
  • Lens Mount
    Nikon F bayonet mount
     
  • Compatible Lenses

    1) Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported

    2) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size

    3) AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II

    4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II

    5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

     
  • Viewfinder
    SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
     
  • Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

    -3 to +1 m

     
  • Viewfinder Frame Coverage
    Approx. 100%
     
  • Viewfinder Magnification
    Approx.

    0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m-1)

     
  • Autofocus System

    Autofocus TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module; Detection: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]

     
  • Focus Modes
    Single-servo AF (S)
    Continuous-servo (C)
    Manual
     
  • Focus Lock
    AE-L/AF-L button
    Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
     
  • Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
    51
     
  • Single-point AF Mode
    Yes
     
  • Dynamic AF Mode
    Yes
    Number of AF points: 9, 21, 51 and 51 (3D-tracking)
     
  • Auto-area AF Mode
    Yes
     
  • Focusing Screen
    BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
     
  • Interchangeable Focusing Screens
    Yes
    BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
    Clear Matte VI - Type E
     
  • Depth-of-field Control
    Yes
     
  • White Balance
    Sun
    Shade
    Fluorescent
    Incandescent
    Flash
    Preset
    Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting
    Auto
     
  • White Balance Bracketing
    Yes, 2 to 9 exposures, in increments of 1, 2 or 3
     
  • Exposure Metering System
    1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
    Variable Center-weighted
    Spot AF
    Spot meter centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
     
  • Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity
    100 in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1 EV
     
  • Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity
    1600in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1EV
     
  • Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity

    Lo-1 (ISO 50 equivalent, in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV)

     
  • Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity

    HI-2 (ISO 6400 equivalent)

     
  • Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options

    Lo-1, (ISO-50 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps

    Hi-1, (ISO-3200 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps

    Hi-2, (ISO-6400 equivalent), 1 EV step

     
  • Metering Range

    1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)

     
  • Exposure Modes
    Programmed Auto (P) with flexible Program
    Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
    Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
    Manual (M)
     
  • Exposure Compensation
    ±5 EV in increments of 1/3
    1/2
    1
     
  • Exposure Lock
    Yes
    Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
     
  • Exposure Bracketing
    Yes
    From 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1
     
  • Total custom Settings
    44
     
  • My Menu
    Yes: with customization
     
  • Recent Settings
    Yes
     
  • Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
    5 frames per second
     
  • Continuous Shooting Options
    FX-format
    CH: Up to 5 frames per second
    CL: Up to 4 frames per second
    5:4 format
    CH: Up to 5 frames per second
    CL: Up to 4 frames per second
    DX-format
    CH: Up to 7 frames per second
    CL: Up to 5 frames per second
     
  • Slowest Shutter Speed
    30 sec. in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1 EV
     
  • Fastest Shutter Speed
    1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1 EV
     
  • Bulb Shutter Setting
    Yes
     
  • Shutter type
    Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
     
  • Self-timer
    Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec.
     
  • Built-in Flash
    No
     
  • Flash Control

    1) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400
    2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lens
    3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 or SB-22s
    4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, SB-800

     
  • Flash Sync Modes
    Front-curtain sync (normal)
    Slow sync
    Rear-curtain sync
    Red-eye reduction
    Red-eye reduction with slow sync
     
  • Mirror Lock Up
    Yes
     
  • Card Slot
    2 CompactFlash© cards
     
  • File System
    Compliant with DCF 2.0
    DPOF
    EXIF 2.21
     
  • Exposure Meter Coupling
    CPU
    AI
     
  • Shutter Release Modes
    Single-frame [S] mode
    Continuous low-speed [CL] mode; 1-4 frames per second
    Continuous high-speed [CH] mode; 5 frames per second
    Live View [LV] mode
    Self-timer mode
    Mirror-up [Mup] mode
     
  • Picture Angle
    Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)
     
  • Viewfinder Eyepoint

    18 mm (-1.0 m-1)

     
  • Reflex Mirror
    Quick-return type
     
  • Lens Aperture
    Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview button
     
  • Autofocus Fine Tune
    Yes
     
  • Flash Sync Speed
    Up to 1/250
     
  • X-Sync Speed
    1/250
     
  • FP High Speed Sync
    Up to 1/8000
     
  • Flash Bracketing
    2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV steps
     
  • Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility
    Yes
     
  • In-Camera Image Editing
    Trim
    D-Lighting
    Color Balance
    Image Overlay
    Side-by-Side Comparison
    Filter Effects
    Monochrome
    Red-eye Correction
     
  • High ISO Noise Reduction

    1) Low
    2) Normal
    3) High
    4) Off

     
  • Long Exposure Noise Reduction
    Yes
     
  • Battery Type
    Rechargeable
     
  • Battery / Batteries
    EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery
    EN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
     
  • Battery Life (shots per charge)
    4,400 shots (CIPA)
     
  • AC Adapter
    EH-6 AC Adapter
     
  • Battery Charger
    MH-21 Quick Charger
    MH-22 Quick Charger
     
  • Supplied Software
    Software Suite CD-ROM
     
  • Optional Accessories
    WT-4A Wireless Transmitter, DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-6 AC Adapter, Capture NX 2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software
     
  • Interface
    Hi-speed USB
    NTSC
    PAL
    HDMI
    10-pin Terminal
     
  • WiFi Functionality

    FTP file transfer available and PTP/IP with optional WT-4a (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g)

     
  • GPS
    With optional GP-1 GPS Unit and supplied Connecting Cord or via optional MC-35 GPS cable.
    Requires user's own GPS unit that conforms to NMEA0183 data protocol.
     
  • Approx. Dimensions
    Width 6.3 in. (159.5mm)
    Height 6.2 in. (157mm)
    Depth 3.4 in. (87.5mm)
     
  • Approx. Weight
    43.0 oz. (1,220g)
     
  • Accessory Shoe
    Yes
     
  • Flash Sync Terminal
    Yes
     
  • Tripod Socket
    ¼ inch 20
     
  • Save/Load Camera settings
    Yes
     
  • Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
    Yes
     
  • World Time Setting
    Yes
     
  • Supported Languages
    Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
     
  • Supplied Accessories
    • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
    • Quick Charger MH-22
    • USB Cable UC-E4
    • Audio Video Cable EG-D2
    • Camera Strap AN-D3X
    • Body Cap BF-1A
    • Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
    • Eyepiece DK-17
    • Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
    • USB Cable Clip
    • Software Suite CD-ROM

    *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

     

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

**Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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Industry Recognition

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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Manual

Resources

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Review

September 2009, Camera Test: Nikon D3X

by Phil Ryan

Popular Photography's Philip Ryan reviewed the Nikon D3X and after running it through a series of tests in the Pop Photo Lab, Ryan concluded that the D3X is an "incredible DSLR."  Ryan praised the D3X's ability to produce "truly stunning" photos, awarding the D3X with Excellent ratings for its resolution and color accuracy. The added combination of the "super-tough" build and "super" performance in low light led Ryan to concede that the Nikon D3X is "one smart big-ticket purchase."

Review

July/August 2009, Nikon D3X: Camera of the Year

by Jonathan Barkey and Russell Hart

American Photo awarded the Nikon D3X the Editor's Choice for Pro D-SLR Camera of the Year. American Photo's Jonathan Barkey and Russell Hart agreed that the higher megapixels and "lightning fast, supersmart" autofocus separate the D3X from other digital SLRs. With added features including the D3X's "superb ergonomics" and "superior shadow detail," Barkey and Hart concluded that the Nikon D3X is the "best D-SLR money can buy."

Review

July 2009, Nikon D3X Digital Camera – Full Review

by Michael Tomkins, Dave Etchells and Siegfried Weidelich

Michael Tomkins, Dave Etchells and Siegfried Weidelich of Imaging-Resource reviewed the Nikon D3X and came to the early conclusion that the D3X "produces the highest image quality," praising its 24.5 megapixels of resolution, color fidelity and noise performance.  The editors also complimented the build quality of the D3X, adding that it is "well-suited" for most any situation.  They proclaimed the Nikon D3X the "ultimate digital SLR," and awarded it a five-star "Dave’s Pick."

Review

March 2009, Nikon D3X

by Dan Havlik

PDN Online reviewed the Nikon D3X and was immediately impressed with its overall speed and 24.5-megapixels, adding that the D3X has "delicious image quality."  Havlik later noted the D3X's "luxury" extras, including the self-diagnostic shutter and "powerful" lithium ion battery.  He concluded that the Nikon D3X is an "amazing photographic machine."

Review

February 2009, Nikon D3X In-Depth Review

by Lars Rehm

Lars Rehm of DP Review praised the D3X's "stunning" image detail in low light settings. Rehm adds that the D3X delivers sharp details in part to the high resolution sensor coupled with a relatively weak AA filter and JPEG engine, making it the "best image detail that’s currently on the market." Rehm concluded that the D3X's ability to produce good results in under optimal conditions earned it DP Review’s highest award.
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