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D3

EXTRAORDINARY SPEED

Flagship pro D-SLR with a 12.1-MP FX-format CMOS sensor, blazing 9 fps shooting at full FX resolution and low-noise performance up to 6400 ISO.

Price: $4,999.95^*ESP

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Product Number 25434

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Key Features
Tech Specs
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Key Features

Nikon's original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Couple Nikon's exclusive digital image processing system with the 12.1-megapixel FX-format and you'll get breathtakingly rich images while also reducing noise to unprecedented levels with even higher ISOs.
Continuous shooting at up to 9 frames per second: At full FX resolution and up to 11fps in the DX crop mode, the D3 offers uncompromised shooting speeds for fast-action and sports photography.
Extreme low-noise ISO range with advanced noise reduction: This enables photographers to confidently select from 200-6400 ISO with an expanded range that includes: Lo-1 (100 ISO), Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).
Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Technology: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED incorporates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing experience, providing superior image quality with state-of-the-art technologies at blazing processing speeds.
Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations at slower operating speeds.
3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: With 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered glass protection, you'll get even better critical image review capabilities.
Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking: Add onto that, three dynamic AF modes to deliver exacting autofocus precision at blazing speeds.
Two LiveView shooting modes: Use either hand-held or with a tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.
Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): Improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.
New Picture Control settings: This gives photographers dramatically advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.
Nikon's exclusive Active D-Lighting: Image enhancement provided on the fly while shooting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.
The World's First Virtual Horizon Graphics Indicator: The D3's super-density color LCD monitor, teamed with Nikon's innovative Electronic Virtual Horizon delivers instant and accurate confirmation of the D3's position relative to "horizon level." You can also level the D3 while looking through the viewfinder or on the top-deck LCD.
Nikon's self-diagnostic shutter system: Tested to 300,000 cycles, this system is a clear indication of advanced engineering and durable construction.
Comprehensive state-of-the-art dust and moisture countermeasures and electromagnetic interference: With a rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy chassis and body, the D3 goes beyond other D-SLRs to protect against invasive moisture, dust and even electromagnetic interference. A comprehensive series of O-rings and other specialized seals, combined with additional engineering, keeps you shooting when lesser cameras would fail.

Tech Specs

FX
Image Sensor Format
CMOS
Image Sensor Type
36.0 x 23.9mm
Sensor Size
12.87 million
Total Pixels
12.1 million
Effective Pixels
FX-format
(L) 4,256 x 2,832
(M)3,184 x 2,120
(S)2,128 x 1,416

5:4 format (30 x 24)
(L) 3,552 x 2,832
(M)2,656 x 2,120
(S)1,776 x 1,416

DX-format
(L) 2,784 x 1,848
(M)2,080 x 1,384
(S)1,392 x 920
Image Area (pixels)
9 frames per second
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
FX-format
CH: Up to 9 frames per second
CL: Up to 8 frames per second
5:4 format
CH: Up to 9 frames per second
CL: Up to 8 frames per second
DX-format
CH: Up to 11 frames per second
CL: Up to 10 frames per second
Continuous Shooting Options
3 in. diagonal
LCD Monitor Size
VGA TFT
Super Density
LCD Monitor Type
920,000 Dots
LCD Monitor Resolution
170-degree wide-viewing angle
LCD Monitor Angle of View
Brightness,7 levels
LCD Monitor Adjustments
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Shutter type
30 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Slowest Shutter Speed
1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Fastest Shutter Speed
Yes
Bulb Shutter Setting
Yes
Mirror Lock Up
200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity
6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity
Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent, in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV)
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity
Hi-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitvity
Hi-1, (ISO-12,800 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Hi-2, (ISO-25,600 equivalent), 1 EV step
Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options
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
Storage System
Compliant with DCF 2.0
DPOF
EXIF 2.21
File System
Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Exposure Modes
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)
Exposure Metering System
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)
Metering Range
CPU
AI
Exposure Meter Coupling
±5EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1
Exposure Compensation
Yes
Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Lock
Yes
From 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Exposure Bracketing
Single-frame [S] mode
Continuous low-speed [CL] mode; 1-9 frames-per-second
Continuous high-speed [CH] mode; 9 frames-per-second (9-11 frames-per-second with DX format)
Live View [LV] mode
Self-timer mode
Mirror-up [Mup] mode
Shutter Release Modes
Sun
Shade
Fluorescent
Incandescent
Flash
Preset
Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting
White Balance
Yes, 2 to 9 exposures, in increments of 1, 2 or 3
White Balance Bracketing
Yes
White Balance Fine Tuning
Handheld mode
Tripod mode
Live View Shooting
Full frame
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 16 segments)
Zoom
Slideshow
Histogram
Shooting data
Highlight point display
Auto image rotation
Voice Memo
Playback Functions
Hi-speed USB
NTSC
PAL
HDMI
10-pin Terminal
Interface
Nikon F bayonet mount
Lens Mount
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
Compatible Lenses
Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)
Picture Angle
SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder
Approx. 100%
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
18 mm (-1.0 m^-1)
Viewfinder Eyepoint
Quick-return type
Reflex Mirror
BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
Focusing Screen
Yes
BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B Clear Matte VI - Type E
Interchangeable Focusing Screens
Approx. 0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m^-1)
Viewfinder Magnification
Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview button
Lens Aperture
Yes
Depth-of-field Control
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]
Autofocus System
51
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
Yes
Autofocus Fine Tune
Single-servo AF (S)
Continuous-servo (C)
Manual
Focus Modes
Yes
Single-point AF Mode
Yes
Number of AF points: 9, 21, 51 and 51 (3D-tracking)
Dynamic AF Mode
Yes
Auto-area AF Mode
AE-L/AF-L button
Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
Focus Lock
Standard
Neutral
Vivid
Monochrome
Nine User-customizable settings
Picture Control
Trim
D-Lighting
Color Balance
Image Overlay
Side-by-Side Comparison
Filter Effects
Monochrome
Red-eye correction
In-Camera Image Editing
No
Built-in Flash
Yes
External Flash Shoe
Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
External Flash Shoe Type
Yes
Dust-Off Reference Photo
Yes
Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator
Yes
Save/Load Camera settings
Yes
Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility
up to 1/250
Flash Sync Speed
up to 1/250
X-Sync Speed
up to 1/8000
FP High Speed Sync
Front-curtain sync (normal)
Slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash Sync Modes
1) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400
2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-800 and CPU lens
3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-800, 28, 27 or 22s
4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-800
Flash Control
Yes
Flash Sync Terminal
Yes
Accessory Shoe
Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec.
Self-timer
Yes
World Time Setting
Yes
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
Rechargeable
Battery Type
EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
Battery / Batteries
EH-6 AC Adapter
AC Adaptor
MH-21 Quick Charger
MH-22 Quick Charger
Battery Charger
Yes
Up to 36 characters
Image Comment
Yes
Voice Memo Function
4,300 shots (CIPA)
4,700 shots (Nikon Standard)
Battery Life (shots per charge)
¼-20
Tripod Socket
Width 6.3 in. (159.5mm)
Height 6.2 in. (157mm)
Depth 3.4 in. (87.5mm)
Approx. Dimensions
43.7 oz. (1,240g)
Approx. Weight
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Supported Languages
Software Suite CD-ROM
Supplied Software
WT-4a Wireless Transmitter, DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-6 AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software
Optional Accessories
EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-22 Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D2 Audio Video Cable, AN-D3 Camera Strap, BF-1A Body Cap, BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cap, DK-17 Eyepiece, BL-4 Battery Chamber Cover, USB Cable Clip, Software Suite CD-ROM *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area
Supplied Accessories