Nikon Announces 24.5 Megapixel D3x
by Wesley Fink on December 1, 2008 12:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
NIKON UNVEILS A DIGITAL MASTERPIECE: THE D3X DIGITAL SLR
With Extreme 24.5-Megapixel Resolution, Processed Image Files Exceeding 138 MB, Five Frame-per-Second Burst Speed and Nikon Core Technologies, the D3X Ushers in a New Level of Image Quality
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.
The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.
“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”
Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.
The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.
Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.
The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED™ Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.
The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.
Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.
To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.
Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.
A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.
System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.
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Koing - Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - link
Pro camera-ultra fast focusing : the A900, 5DmkII simply do not have the focusing speed/ accuracy of the Pro cameras
-dual memory cards that work as you expect. I hear the A900 implementation is a bit crappy
-full weather sealing : priceless
-extreme durability and tank like build
-hugely better shutter (admittedly, you can get 2-3x pro sumers for an 8k camera!)
Thats what the extra 5k buys you. If the above doesn't matter to you, then it doesn't make sense to spend that much extra for one. Much like most pro type things in life (racing parts for a car, pro mechanic tools, pro studio equipment). They are a lot more expensive then normal prosumer stuff. If it doesn't matter to you then it's not worth it.
Sure in most settings the 3k prosumers will perform practically identical to the pro cameras, but when you get in to challenging situations thats where your pro camera does the business.
Most pros would not buy a camera if it didn't have 2 memory card slots for real work. The risk is too much for them.
D3/D700 speed demon and low noise, not the greatest res
5DmkII : resolution, low iso, not a fast camera and action shorts will be harder to get, limited focusing
A900 : resolution, 5fps, not the best high iso as the rest
So depending what you shoot pic one :D
I want a canon with D700 build (flash included :) and video. Not fussed about MP as 12MP is fine for me. Or a Red Scarlet depending how it actually turns out
Servant of Shodan - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
As a response to the audiophile article we had yesterday, I said there are getting to be too many articles on cameras and other non-pc-related topics.You guys can do what you want, it's your show... But if this continues, I'm just going to stop coming here every day.
Nice review by the way. But I don't think the vast majority of people come here for camera reviews.
Kahlil - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
Those familiar with Nikon will know that Nikon frequently produces different versions of a camera for specific work. The D3x is clearly focused for studio work, clearly seen with Base ISO of 100 and available ISO of 50 in Lo settings. This is mean to compete with Canon's 1Ds camera.I agree, those professional photographers with enormous amounts of cash vested in Nikon glass will most likely willingly/want to purchase this camera for studio work. This is the market this camera is intended for.
Nikon makes no claims of High ISO Low noise performance, in my mind that is what the Nikon D3 is for. If you want High ISO low noise performance, get the D3. If you have full control of lighting, as you would in studio work, you want to get as low ISO as you can, and this is what the D3x is aimed for.
As far as Sony dilemma, there has been no claim made from both Nikon or Sony if the same sensor from the A900 is being used. Although Nikon has used Sony sensors in the past, Nikon does design/spec their own sensors. Regardless, for the most part, Nikon cameras using Sony made sensors, ISO and Noise performance has always been better than what Sony can do in their own cameras. I'm sure Nikon's processing has a lot to do with the end result of the image. So even if the sensor is the same, the processing done makes a difference. For example, if the sensor in the D3(which I think is NOT speced/designed by Sony), D300, and D700 is sony made, from what I read when I was in the market for a DSLR body, no Sony camera had comparable ISO/Noise performance, processing makes the difference.
FYI, its not far from normal for manufacturers to outsource manufacturing to another company. Nikon is not as big as Sony or even Canon for that matter, and they most likely outsource the manufacturing, but the design and spec are most likely all Nikon
Just my .02 cents
melgross - Wednesday, December 3, 2008 - link
This may very well be intended to compete with Canon's 1Ds mkIII. But that will be a short competition indeed. Canon is expected to replace that camera with a newer one in March or so.Considering that the 5D mkII uses an improved version of the 1Ds mkIII sensor (actually, the same base sensor, but with new gapless micro lenses, and newly computer optimized color filters and anti-aliasing filter), and the new Digix 4 processing chip, the 1Ds mkIII has already been bettered.
What will Nikon therefore be competing with come spring?
The sensor is suspected to be the Sony sensor, but just like Canon re-did the lens and filters module for the new 5DmkII, it's believed that Nikon supplied a new module for the base sensor as well, and that's what they meant when they said that it was "unique", without actually saying that it was their own "sensor" design.
mcnabney - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Anyone considering purchasing a new professional DSLR of this quality is not shopping between brands. Real SLR photographers are going to have tens of thousands of dollars of lenses of their chosen brand (generally, Canon or Nikon) and will purchase new camera bodies to go with their lenses. Nikon is charging this much because they can. When you are already invested in the expensive lenses you aren't going to bat an eyes at a couple thousand dollars in price difference between a Sony (Minolta) and Nikon digital body.Wesley Fink - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Several Professionals have commented on Forums that they can buy a Sony A900 and several Carl Zeiss Pro lenses for the Sony for less than the price of the D3x. It will matter to some Pros. I do agree a couple of thousand will not sway a Pro invested in a particular system, but 3 times the price for the same sensor is certainly reason to at least pause and consider.It took Sony to v4 firmware to get the A700 image quality in the same league with the Nikon D300. The larger question will be how image quality of the A900 and D2x will compare.
spazmedia - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
How do you know its the same sensor?strikeback03 - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
It is known that Nikon has typically purchased sensors from Sony in the past, though they did have one of their own design back in the D1 days IIRC. As sensors of this size are expensive to design and manufacture, and as Nikon would no doubt be heavily marketing the origin of the sensor if it were their design, then it is a good bet that the sensor is at least somewhat related to the Sony.spazmedia - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
How do you know its the same sensor?Its not just a question of the same megapixels.
Heidfirst - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
the physical size, Mp & dotpitch all match.if you've seen a picture of it it looks like a Sony package & I believe that in 1 of the press conferences that Nikon admitted that it's sourced from Sony.
Note that we aren't saying that the A900 & D3X sensors are identical just very, very closely related.