View source for Engineering:Nikon D3

{{short description|Digital single lens reflex camera}}
{{Infobox camera
| model = Nikon D3
| image = Nikon D3 img 1246.jpg
| image_size = 280px
| kind = Digital single lens reflex camera
| sensor = 36&nbsp;mm&nbsp;×&nbsp;23.9&nbsp;mm [[Engineering:CMOS|CMOS]], Nikon FX format
| res = 12.0 effective megapixels (4,256 × 2,832 pixels)
| sensor_maker = [[Company:Nikon|Nikon]]<ref>[https://www.chipworks.com/about-chipworks/overview/blog/full-frame-dslr-cameras-part-i-nikon-vs-sony Full Frame DSLR Cameras Part I – Nikon vs Sony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521000732/http://www.chipworks.com/about-chipworks/overview/blog/full-frame-dslr-cameras-part-i-nikon-vs-sony |date=2019-05-21 }} Chipworks</ref>
| lens = Interchangeable, Nikon F mount
| shutter = Electromagnetically controlled vertical travel focal plane shutter
| shutterRange = 30 to 1/8000 second and bulb
| metering = TTL full aperture exposure metering system
| emode = Program Auto [P], Shutter Priority Auto [S], Aperture Priority Auto [A], Manual [M]
| mmode = 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Centre Weighted, Spot
| farea = 51 area TTL
| fmode = Single Area AF, Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on, Closest Subject Priority, Group Dynamic AF
| cont = 9 frame/s up to 17/64 (RAW/JPEG Fine), 11 frame/s for DX mode (without autofocus)
| viewfinder = Optical type fixed eye level pentaprism, 100% coverage
| speedRange = ISO equivalency 200 to 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, boosted: 100 to 25,600
| flash = n/a
| flbkt = n/a
| fcbkt = n/a
| WB = Auto, Presets (5), Manual, and Color temperature in kelvins
| wbbkt = 2 to 9 frames, 10, 20, 30 [[Mired|MIRED]] steps
| rearLCD = 3 inch, 307,000 pixels (922,000 dots), VGA
| recording_medium = 2 [[CompactFlash]] (Type I or Type II)
| battery = Lithium ion EN-EL4a
| weight = {{convert|1240|g|lb|abbr=on}}
| obp = AC adapter EH-6
| date             = 23 August 2007
| made_in          = {{JPN}}
| predecessor      = 
| successor        = [[Engineering:Nikon D3S|Nikon D3S]]
}}
The '''Nikon D3''' is a 12.0-megapixel professional-grade full frame (35&nbsp;mm) digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) announced by the Nikon Corporation on 23 August 2007 along with the [[Engineering:Nikon D300|Nikon D300]] DX format camera. It was Nikon's first full-frame DSLR. The D3, along with the [[Engineering:Nikon D3X|Nikon D3X]], was a flagship model in Nikon's line of DSLRs, superseding the D2Hs and D2Xs.  It was replaced by the [[Engineering:Nikon D3S|D3S]] as Nikon's flagship DSLR. The D3, D3X, D3S, D4, D4s, D5, D6, D700, D800, D800Е and Df are the only Nikon FX format DSLRs manufactured in Japan. {{Citation needed|date=January 2014}}  The D3S was replaced by the [[Engineering:Nikon D4|D4]] in 2012.

== Technology ==
[[Image:Nikon d3 1.jpg|thumb|left|Nikon D3]]
The D3 features a full-frame 35&nbsp;mm equivalent [[Engineering:CMOS|CMOS]] image sensor measuring 23.9&nbsp;mm × 36.0&nbsp;mm.<ref name="nikon">{{cite web| url=http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d3/index.htm| title=Nikon D3| work=Digital SLR Cameras products line-up| publisher=Nikon Corporation| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref> This sensor is larger than the DX format sensors of all previous Nikon DSLRs, and Nikon has coined the term "FX format" to describe it. While the D3's sensor has larger pixels than some previous DX sensors,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digicamdb.com/compare/nikon_d3-vs-nikon_d2x/ | title=Nikon D3 vs. Nikon D2X - Sensor Comparison }}</ref> some previous DX sensors have larger pixels. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digicamdb.com/compare/nikon_d3-vs-nikon_d1/ | title=Nikon D3 vs. Nikon D1 - Sensor Comparison }}</ref> The design of the D3's CMOS sensor allows for greater light sensitivity than previous DX CCD sensors. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digicamdb.com/compare/nikon_d3-vs-nikon_d1/ | title=Nikon D3 vs. Nikon D1 - Sensor Comparison }}</ref> This allows the camera to reach higher equivalent [[Physics:Film speed|film speed]]s and produce images with less noise in low light situations. Low light situations include times when the camera is operated at high [[Physics:Shutter speed|shutter speed]] or high f number, where the lens' aperture is reduced to improve [[Depth of field|depth of field]] and sharpness. The sensor captures image data at 14 bits per color channel through 12-channel parallel readout, which ensures 9 frame/s continuous shooting with higher [[Engineering:Color depth|bit depth]] than that on previous 12-bit sensors.

Processed with the new Nikon EXPEED engine, the [[Engineering:Live preview|Live View]] mode in D3, along with D300, was Nikon's first implementation in its DSLR line-up. D3 also uses a [[Engineering:Stepper motor|stepper motor]] in aperture coupling mechanism for the first time,<ref name="aperture_coupling">[http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/d-technology/hardware/04_aperture/index.htm Nikon D-Technology], D3 Series Aperture Coupling.</ref> allowing real time depth of field control in Live View with exposure preview and live [[Image histogram|histogram]] functions. Additionally, D3 provides a lossless algorithm applied to RAW file along with uncompressed and [[Lossy compression|lossy-compressed]] format.

The camera grip and body style were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nikon.com.au/announcementarticle.php?announcementid=53-ef03f2d44b| title=New Nikon D-SLR D3| publisher=Nikon Australia| date=August 23, 2007| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.italdesign.it/project/d3/|title=D3|publisher=Italdesign Giugiaro|access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> The camera body uses the Nikon F mount, making it compatible with older Nikon lenses. Other features include 9 frames per second in FX and 11 frames in DX and a large and bright LCD screen.

Three firmware updates have been released for the D3. The latest firmware version is 2.02.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/16661| title=D3 firmware: A/B 2.02| publisher=Nikon Corporation| access-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref> In this firmware version, the maximum ISO sensitivity allowed under Automatic ISO can be modified in increments the same as the manual ISO settings can, and automatic White balance and focus tracking are improved. In the 2.01 firmware update, automatic correction of lateral [[Physics:Chromatic aberration|chromatic aberration]] is standardized, and [[Vignetting]] ("Vignette control"), [[Physics:Distortion (optics)|lens distortion]] ("Distortion") correction, as well as image rotation ("Straighten") via playback ("Retouch") menu, are made possible.

The Nikon D3 has a hardware interface for direct geotagging with Nikon GP-1 [[Engineering:GPS|GPS]].

==Audience==
The D3 is Nikon's first full frame DSLR. Full frame can either offer greater resolution or larger pixels for improved sensitivity; in the D3 Nikon opted for a lower resolution, higher sensitivity solution. For additional resolution, the D3x was introduced. Full frame sensors also maintain the traditional focal lengths and depth of field associated with 35mm camera systems. Because it is Nikon's first such camera, it does not succeed or replace another camera model. Other professional-grade Nikon models included the D2Xs and D2Hs.

The camera has a vertical grip in addition to the standard horizontal grip.

When Nikon announced the D3, it was priced at US$4999, but present prices are much lower.<ref>[http://www.google.com/products?q=%22nikon+d3%22+-d700+-aquatica+-housing&hl=en&scoring=p&lnk=pruser&price1=2900&price2= Google product search: Nikon D3]</ref> In July 2008 the D3x's larger buffer memory was offered as an upgrade to D3 owners, doubling its continuous shooting capacity. This modification represents approximately 10% of the original cost of the camera. New D3 bodies still ship with the original buffer memory; upgraded models can be identified with a "2x" label in the storage card door.

As many other Nikon film [[Engineering:Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] (various modified Nikon F,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/d-archives/history-f2/index.htm| title=Debut of Nikon F2| publisher=Nikon Corporation| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref> F3,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/variations/Nikon_F3_NASA_250/index.htm| title=Nikon F3 NASA 250| work=Photography in Malaysia| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref> F4,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/history/rhnc12ti-e/index.htm| title=Vol. 12. Special titanium Nikon cameras and NASA cameras| publisher=Nikon Corporation| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref> F5<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2000/f5eva_e_00.htm| title=The Nikon F5 Auto-Focus SLR : Photographing Space Walks| publisher=Nikon Corporation| date=May 9, 2000| access-date=December 16, 2009}}</ref>) and digital DSLR cameras like the [[Engineering:Nikon NASA F4|Nikon NASA F4]], Nikon based Kodak DCS 460, DCS 660 and DCS 760, Nikon D1, D2X and D2Xs, the D3 is used by [[Organization:NASA|NASA]], for example in [[Engineering:Space Shuttle|Space Shuttle]] missions to the [[Astronomy:International Space Station|International Space Station]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=39286| title=Millennium Island, Kiribati| work=NASA Earth Observatory| publisher=NASA| date=July 13, 2009| access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=39412| title=Mount Tambora Volcano, Sumbawa Island, Indonesia| work=NASA Earth Observatory| publisher=NASA| date=July 19, 2009| access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=39171| title=Big Thomson Mesa, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah| work=NASA Earth Observatory| publisher=NASA| date=July 6, 2009| access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>

==Reception==
Popular Photography magazine determined that the Nikon D3 camera has excellent control of noise and can shoot in very low light at high ISO speeds with very usable results.<ref name="D3PopPhoto">{{cite web| url=http://www.popphoto.com/Reviews/Cameras/Camera-Test-Nikon-D3| title=Camera Test: Nikon D3| first=Michael J.| last= McNamara| publisher=Popular Photography| date=January 23, 2008| access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>

The DxOMark Sensor rankings issued by DxO Labs placed the Nikon D3 at fourth place behind two medium-format cameras from Phase One and the subsequent [[Engineering:Nikon D3X|Nikon D3X]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor/Camera-rankings |title=Camera Rankings |publisher=DxO Labs |access-date=2009-12-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208074011/http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor/Camera-rankings |archive-date=2009-12-08 }}</ref>

The Nikon D3 was also tested by many independent reviewers.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalcameratracker.com/nikon-d3-reviews-sample-photos/| title=Nikon D3 – Digital Camera Reviews| publisher=Digital Camera Tracker| date=February 16, 2009| access-date=2009-12-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dcviews.com/_nikon/d3.htm| title=Nikon D3| publisher=Dcviews|access-date=2009-12-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://alatest.com/nikon_d3/digital_slr_cameras/overview/po-34039852,248/|title=Nikon D3 Reviews| publisher=alaTest|access-date=2009-12-16 }}</ref>

==Nikon D3X==
{{main|Engineering:Nikon D3X}}
The D3X is a higher resolution version of the D3 which was announced in December 2008. It features a 24.5 megapixel sensor, an ISO range of 50–6400, and a new image processing system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2008/1201_d3x_01.htm|title=Digital SLR Camera Nikon D3X|publisher=Nikon Corporation| date=December 1, 2008| access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>

==Nikon D3s==
{{main|Engineering:Nikon D3S}}
The D3S was announced in October 2009. It features a redesigned 12.1 megapixel sensor, raises the maximum ISO up to 102,400 (equivalent), image sensor cleaning and adds a 720p video mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2009/1014_d3s_01.htm|title=Digital SLR Camera Nikon D3S|publisher=Nikon Corporation|date=October 14, 2009|access-date=2010-10-10|archive-date=2010-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114055037/http://nikon.com/about/news/2009/1014_d3s_01.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Engineering:Nikon D700|Nikon D700]]
*[[Engineering:Nikon D3X|Nikon D3X]]
*[[Engineering:Nikon D3S|Nikon D3S]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d3/index.htm Nikon D3 – Nikon global website]
*[http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25434/D3.html Nikon D3 – Nikon USA website]
*[http://chsvimg.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/d3/en/index.html Nikon D3 Microsite]
*[http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3/ Nikon D3 Review], review at Digital Photography Review

*[https://bergholt.net/nikon Nikon D3 Review], review at bergholt.net blog.


[[Category:Live-preview digital cameras]]

{{Sourceattribution|Nikon D3}}