Joseph
Have you determined that you require more than twenty million pixels? Canon believes the case, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which has 21 million effective pixels and retails for just over 2,200 dollars, can be purchased on the high street.
The Alpha 900, which has 24 megapixels and is Sony’s top model, can be purchased for nearly 1,700 dollars. Sony shares this opinion.
Nikon D3X 24.5MP FX CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)...
- Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
- Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies; 138 MB processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14-bit image files
- 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor; 100 percent viewfinder coverage
- Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
- Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies; 138 MB processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14-bit image files
- 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor; 100 percent viewfinder coverage
- Two Live View shooting modes; continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
- Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
Nikon is the most recent digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) maker on the super high-resolution bandwagon. The company’s brand-new 24-megapixel D3x can now be purchased for $5,500 at a photographic store near you.
Wait, that can’t be correct, can it?
Professional quality
I guess you could say that. First, however, you must understand that the D3x is a professional single-lens reflex camera, whereas the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Sony Alpha 900 are not.
This indicates that the D3x has full weatherproofing, including a magnesium alloy shell that is virtually bulletproof (although we wouldn’t risk testing that), and all of the little extras that professionals count on, such as viewfinder coverage that is 100%, the best autofocus, white balance, and metering systems available.
Therefore, in theory, you should be able to drop the D3x down the side of a mountain, wipe the dust off, and still shoot better pictures than you could with a camera that costs less money.
In actual use, the idea is validated to a large extent. The body of the D3x is identical to that of the D3, which was first introduced in 2007 and has since won the hearts of thousands of professional photographers worldwide.
It possesses the same high-quality autofocus, white balance, and metering capabilities, as well as the same LCD screen and Live View system, and, well, you get the point. Pixels are something the D3x possesses that the D3 does not.
There are an additional 12 million of them, and they are located on a very similar sensor used in the Sony Alpha 900.
Build Quality
The D3X and the D3 are virtually indistinguishable; the only change that can be observed on the body’s exterior is the addition of an ‘X’ label. Because the design is an extension of the D2 series, photographers familiar with previous Nikon pro series cameras will quickly feel at home with the D3/D3X.
The button layout is essentially y the same, and the alterations made to the controls are incremental enhancements rather than original ideas. This is excellent news for working professionals who frequently switch bodies, as is the fact that the control layout consistency extends down the line to the D700 and D300, making these models ideal for use as backup bodies.
The proportions of the D3X make it virtually square, and thanks to a magnesium shell, it is almost literally as solid as a brick in terms of its construction. A purposeful camera has been created with the requirements of the professional photographer in mind. It features robust surfaces, soft rubber on the grips, oversized buttons, locked controls, and environmental seals. This type of camera may be used in any environment.
Features
The image parameters on the D3X are identical to those found on the D3, D700, and D300. You can custom set configurations in addition to the four standards ‘Picture Control’ presets (l, Vivid, and Monochrome).
In addition to the newly added brightness adjustment, the existing sharpness, contrast, and saturation controls now have a significantly greater range of motion to accommodate the enlarged scope of user preferences. Take note of the ‘Quick adjust’ function, which also enables related adjustments to the image’s sharpness, contrast, and saturation.
Last but not least, a grid view displays all of the active picture adjustment modes in the form of a saturation vs. contrast (plus sharpness) grid. This view is available.
ISO Sensitivity / Noise levels
The ability to raise the sensitivity of the sensor of a digital camera is referred to as the ISO equivalent setting. The “volume” (gain) of the sensor’s signal amplifiers is increased for this to work correctly (remember, the sensor is an analog device).
When you amplify the signal, you also boost the noise, and the noise becomes more apparent as the ISO value increases. At greater sensitivities, many of today’s cameras also use noise reduction and sometimes even sharpness decrease.
We take pictures of a GretagMacBeth ColorChecker chart to determine the amount of background noise (controlled artificial daylight lighting). The exposure is balanced with the ISO (for example, ISO 200 and 1/200 of a second to maintain exposure uniformity between cameras).
Our in-house developed and patented noise measurement software is then applied to the image sequence (version 1.4 in this review). To obtain further details, please go here. (It is essential to remember that the noise levels displayed on the graphs above cannot be compared to those found in other reviews.) The temperature in the room is around 22 degrees Celsius (or 72 degrees Fahrenheit), and sunshine-mimicking lighting is used.
Noise reduction at high ISOs performed in-camera
Off, Low, Normal, and High are the four settings for the D3X’s high ISO noise reduction, which kicks in at ISO 500 or higher. This feature is only active when the camera is set to that sensitivity (with Normal as the default).
The Normal setting offers a good balance between the desire to keep visible noise to a minimum and not sacrificing fine detail. The four locations provide a good range of options from very low to high enough to keep noise at bay up to the highest reaches of the ISO range. The Normal setting can be found by pressing the “Normal” button on your camera’s dial.
Because the loss of fine detail at high sensitivities (ISO 3200 and above) is rather noticeable when the noise reduction is set to the “High” option, you should probably avoid using this setting. However, shooting in RAW format is recommended if you want to have proper control over how much noise reduction is applied to the image. Note that even when the NR switch is set to “Off,” some noise reduction is still used for JPEGs captured at “Hi” ISO levels.
Active D-lighting
D-Lighting is a shadow and highlight enhancement that, on earlier models, was an after-the-fact filter that you could only apply to images when you were viewing them in playback mode. However, starting with the D3 and D300, ‘Active’ D-Lighting is a menu setting applied to all images if enabled.
Off, Low, Normal, High, High, and Extra High, exclusive to the D3X, are the five levels that can now be selected.
Nikon D3x Specifications
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
|---|---|
| Sensor | • 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor • FX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 25.72 million total pixels • 24.5 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image processor | Nikon EXPEED |
| Image sizes (FX format) | • 6048 x 4032 [L] • 4544 x 3024 [M] • 3024 x 2016 [S] |
| Image sizes (DX format) | • 3968 x 2640 [L] • 2976 x 1976 [M] • 1984 x 1320 [S] |
| Image sizes (5:4 format) | • 5056 x 4032 [L] • 3792 x 3024 [M] • 2528 x 2016 [S] |
| File formats | • NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF + JPEG • TIFF • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) |
| Lens mount | • Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • No field of view crop (full-frame) • When using DX lenses / DX mode, 1.5x FOV crop |
| Usable lenses | • Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported • DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36×24)/5:4 (30×24) image size • AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II • 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 the user provides lens data * IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used * Excluding lenses for F3AF |
| Auto Focus | • 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) • Multi-CAM 3500FX • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode • TLL phase-difference AF in Handheld Live View mode |
| Lens Servo | • Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] • Manual focus [M] • Focus Tracking is automatically activated by the subject’s status in [S] or [C] AF |
| Focus Point | • Single point from 51 or 11 focus points • Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within the frame |
| AF Area Mode | • Single-point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF |
| Focus Lock | Focus can be locked by pressing the shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button |
| AF assist | External Speedlite only |
| Exposure modes | • Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M] |
| Metering | TTL full-aperture exposure metering using a 1005-pixel RGB sensor • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if the user provides lens data) • Center-Weighted: Weight of 75% given to a 12-mm circle in the center of the frame; the diameter of the process can be changed to 8, 15, or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on the average of the entire structure (non-CPU lenses use a 12-mm circle or an average of complete frame) • Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when the non-CPU lens is used) |
| Metering range | • 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens |
| Meter coupling | Combined CPU and AI |
| Exposure lock | At the detected value with the AE-L/AF-L button |
| Exposure bracketing | • 2 to 9 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
| Exposure compen. | • +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV step |
| Sensitivity | • Default: ISO 100 – 1600 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • Boost: 50 – 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, HI2 = ISO 6400 |
| Shutter | • Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb |
| DOF Preview | • Stop-down lens aperture by pressing the button • Activates modeling flash |
| White balance | • Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine-tuning • Manual presets (four) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 – 10000 K, 31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2, or 3) |
| Picture Control | • Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome |
| Image parameters | • Sharpening: Auto, seven levels • Contrast: Auto, five levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, five levels • Hue: 5 levels |
| Color space | • sRGB • Adobe RGB |
| Viewfinder | • Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen • Frame coverage 100% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.7x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens |
| Focusing screen | • B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II • Superimposed focus brackets • On-demand grid lines |
| LCD monitor | • 3.0″ low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD • 920,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • Brightness adjustment • 100% frame coverage |
| LCD Liveview | • Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) • Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area |
| Shooting modes | • Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]: 1 – 5 fps • Continuous High [CH]: 5 fps (6 – 7 fps with DX format) • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode |
| Continuous buffer | • JPEG Large/Normal: 130 shots • RAW: no data yet |
| Self-timer | • 2, 5, 10, and 20-sec custom |
| Flash control | •TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, 600 or 400 • AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens • Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S • Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800 |
| Flash Sync Mode | • Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-curtain Sync |
| Flash Accessory Shoe | ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided |
| Flash Sync Terminal | ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided |
| Creative Lighting System | With Speedlights such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, and SU-800 (commander only), System (CLS) supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock |
| Orientation sensor | Tags images with camera orientation |
| Playback mode | • Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • RGB histogram • Shooting data • Highlight point • Auto image rotation • Image Comment (up to 36 characters) • Voice Memo Input and Playback |
| Languages | • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Dutch • English • Finnish • French • German • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish • Swedish |
| Custom functions | 50 custom functions |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) • HDMI video out • Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal |
| 10-pin terminal | • GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) • Remote control: via 10-pin terminal |
| Communications | FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g) |
| Storage | • Dual Compact Flash Type I or II • UDMA, Microdrive, and FAT32 supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in the EXIF header |
| Power | • Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a/EL4 • Quick Charger MH-22/MH-21 • Optional AC adapter EH-6 |
| Battery monitoring | The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL4a battery: • Remaining charge (%) • No. Of shots taken since the last charge • Battery life (5 stages) |
| Dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in) |
| Weight (no batt) | 1220 g (2.11 lb) |
| Operating environment | Temperature: 0 – 40 °C / 32 – 104 °F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation) |
| Box contents | 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 |
| Optional accessories | Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-6, Capture NX2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software |
Conclusion
When we reviewed the Nikon D3 in April of the previous year, we stated that it was “possibly the most compelling, capable, and well-rounded professional digital SLR ever made” and that a (then non-existent) D3X “would have quite a job to do to better the D3.” Again, this belief that the D3 was “possibly the most compelling, capable, and well-rounded professional digital SLR ever made.”
In the end, the D3X materialized in December. We’ve had it for a little over a month now. After taking hundreds of test photos in the studio and out in the field, you may expect us to be able to firmly answer whether the ‘X’ variant can outperform the original D3.
On the other hand, it should be evident to anyone with even a passing familiarity with camera technology that it is impossible to provide a conclusive response to this issue.
Because a significant amount of the design of the D3X and the D3 is the same, it should not be surprising that the two cameras have comparable capabilities in many respects. However, even though the new model is unquestionably superior to the D3 in certain respects, in other respects, it is inferior.
Both the excellent 51-point autofocus system and the 1005-pixel metering sensor have been immediately carried over from the D3 to the D3X, and they function just as well on the D3X as they do on the D3. The image resolution at low sensitivities is where the D3X shines and outperforms the D3 by a mile or two. The build quality and ergonomics are both excellent, but this is where the D3X thrives.
The output of the images at the lowest possible ISO (and with high-quality glass in front of the sensor) can only be described as breathtaking. The high-resolution sensor of the D3X, when combined with a relatively weak anti-aliasing filter and an outstanding JPEG engine, delivers a level of sharp detail that surpasses that of even the most formidable competitors, including the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, which was formerly ranked number one in this category.
It is incredible how you can uncover an increasing amount of granular detail as you continue to zoom into the enormous image files. So if capturing fine image detail is at the top of your list of priorities, as it would be for many high-end studio photographers, there is little question that the D3X should be your top choice among the available options.
However, the unrivaled image detail in its class comes at a cost. This will undoubtedly affect in-camera processing, buffering, and continuous shooting because a 14-bit RAW+JPEG image will use almost 30 megabytes of space on your memory card.
The D3X’s continuous shooting rate of five frames per second (12-bit RAW and JPEG) will still be sufficient for most applications. If not, you can always switch to DX mode to speed up the process and take 10.5-megapixel images at seven frames per second. So although it may not quite reach D3 speed, it is still a rapid pace.
Nikon D3x Price
Nikon D3X 24.5MP FX CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)...
- Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
- Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies; 138 MB processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14-bit image files
- 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor; 100 percent viewfinder coverage
- Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
- Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies; 138 MB processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14-bit image files
- 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor; 100 percent viewfinder coverage
- Two Live View shooting modes; continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
- Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
Nikon D3x FAQs
Is the Nikon D3x a good camera?
The Nikon D3x is a versatile camera that can accommodate various photographic techniques thanks to its high resolution and professional-grade features.
Is D3x a full frame?
To answer your question, the Nikon D3x is a full-frame camera.
What resolution is Nikon D3x?
A resolution of 24.5 megapixels can be found in the Nikon D3x.
Is the D3x still a good camera?
Even though it is getting on in years, the D3x can still be considered a decent camera for certain types of photography.
Is Nikon D3x still worth buying?
Those who value the D3x’s high resolution and professional features may find purchasing it worthwhile, even though fresher versions offer improved performance.
Is Nikon D3x weather sealed?
Yes, the Nikon D3x is protected from the elements to be used in harsh environments.
More about Nikon D3x
