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

  • Lens Mount
    Nikon F bayonet mount
     
  • Picture Angle
    Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1/5 times when DX format is selected)
     
  • Effective Pixels
    24.5 million
     
  • Sensor Size
    35.9 x 24.0mm
     
  • Image Sensor Format
    FX
     
  • Image Sensor Type
    CMOS
     
  • Total Pixels
    25.72 million
     
  • Dust-Off Reference Photo
    Yes
     
  • Image Area (pixels)
    FX-format
    (L) 6048 x 4032
    (M) 4544 x 3024
    (S) 3024 x 2016
    5:4 format (30 x 24)
    (L) 5056 x 4032
    (M) 3792 x 3024
    (S) 2528 x 2016
    DX-format
    (L) 3968 x 2640
    (M) 2976 x 1976
    (S) 1984 x 1320
     
  • 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
     
  • Storage Media
    CompactFlash© (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA)
    MicroDrive© memory cards
     
  • Card Slot
    2 CompactFlash© cards
     
  • File System
    Compliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
    DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
    EXIF 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras
     
  • Viewfinder
    SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
     
  • Viewfinder Frame Coverage
    100% Approx.
     
  • Viewfinder Magnification
    0.70x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m¯¹) Approx.
     
  • Viewfinder Eyepoint
    18mm (-1.0m¯¹)
     
  • Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

    -3 to +1 m

    -3 to +1m
     
  • Focusing Screen
    BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
     
  • Interchangeable Focusing Screens
    Yes
    BriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
    Clear Matte VI - Type E
     
  • Reflex Mirror
    Quick-return type
     
  • Lens Aperture
    Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview button
     
  • Depth-of-field Control
    Yes
     
  • Compatible Lenses
    Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
    DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size
    AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: 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 user provides lens data
     
  • Shutter type
    Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
     
  • Fastest Shutter Speed
    1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1 EV
     
  • Slowest Shutter Speed
    30 sec. in steps of 1/3
    1/2
    1 EV
     
  • Flash Sync Speed
    Up to 1/250 sec.
     
  • Bulb Shutter Setting
    Yes
     
  • 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
     
  • 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
     
  • Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
    5 frames per second
     
  • Self-timer
    2, 5, 10, 20 sec.Timer duration electronically controlled
     
  • Exposure Metering System
    Spot AF
    Spot meter centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
     
  • Metering Range
    0 to 20 EV (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
    2 to 20 EV (Spot metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens at 20°C/68°F)
     
  • Exposure Meter Coupling
    CPU
    AI
     
  • Exposure Modes
    Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
    Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
    Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
    Manual (M)
     
  • Exposure Compensation
    ±5 EV in increments of 1/3
    1/2
    1
     
  • Exposure Bracketing
    Yes
    From 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1
     
  • Exposure Lock
    Yes
    Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
     
  • Mirror Lock Up
    Yes
     
  • 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
    Hi-1 (ISO-3200 equivalent) in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
    Hi-2, (ISO-6400 equivalent), 1 EV
     
  • Long Exposure Noise Reduction
    Yes
     
  • High ISO Noise Reduction
    Low
    Normal
    High
    Off
     
  • 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
     
  • Autofocus System
    Autofocus TTL phase detection
    Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module
    Detection range: EV -1 to EV +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)
    51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
    AF fine adjustment possible
    Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
     
  • Focus Lock
    AE-L/AF-L button
    Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
     
  • Focus Modes
    Single-servo AF (S)
    Continuous-servo (C)
    Manual
     
  • Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
    51
     
  • Autofocus Fine Tune
    Yes
     
  • Built-in Flash
    No
     
  • Flash Bracketing
    2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
     
  • X-Sync Speed
    1/250
     
  • FP High Speed Sync
    Up to 1/8000
     
  • Flash Control
    SB-R1C1/SB-R200 triggered by SU-800: i-TTL, AA, Manual, RPT, AutoFP High Speed Sync (D200/D80 only), FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi area AF, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-R1, SB-R200 triggered by camera's built in flash: i-TTL, M, Rear Curtain Sync, AutoFP High Speed Sync ( D700, D300 only because of built in flash)
    SB-900: CLS cameras: i-TTL, AA, Non-TTL Auto, GN, M, RPT, AutoFP High Speed Sync (D3-series, D2-series, D700, D300s, D300, D200, D80 only), FV Lock, AF-Assist for mulit-area AF, Flash Color Info. Comm., Rear Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Auto Zoom
    SB-800: i-TTL, AA, Non-TTL Auto, GN, M, RPT, AutoFP High Speed Sync, FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Informaiton Communication, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Auto Zoom
    SB-600: i-TTL, AA, M, AutoFP High Speed Sync, FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Informaiton Communication, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Auto Zoom
    SB-400: i-TTL, AA, M*, AutoFP High Speed Sync, FV Lock, Flash Color Informaiton Communication, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction
    SB-80DX: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-50DX: M, Rear Curtain Syn
    SB-28DX: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-24: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-25: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-26: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-28: Non-TTL Auto, M, RPT, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-30: Non-TTL Auto, M, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-20, SB-16B, SB-15: Non-TTL Auto, M, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-29s: M, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-27: Non-TTL Auto, M, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-23: M, Rear Curtain Sync
    SB-22s: Non-TTL Auto, M, Rear Curtain Sync
     
  • Flash Sync Modes
    Front-curtain sync (normal)
    Slow sync
    Rear-curtain sync
    Red-eye reduction
    Red-eye reduction with slow sync
     
  • Accessory Shoe
    Yes
     
  • Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
    Yes
     
  • Flash Sync Terminal
    Yes
     
  • White Balance
    Auto
    Incandescent
    Fluorescent
    Flash
    Sun
    Shade
    Preset
    Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting
     
  • White Balance Bracketing
    2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2 or 3
     
  • Live View Shooting
    Handheld mode
    Tripod mode
     
  • Monitor Size
    3 in. diagonal
     
  • Monitor Resolution
    921,000 Dots
     
  • Monitor Type
    VGA TFT
    Super Density
     
  • Monitor Angle of View
    170-degree wide-viewing angle
     
  • Monitor Adjustments
    Brightness, 7 levels
     
  • Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator
    Yes
     
  • Playback Functions
    Full frame
    Thumbnail (4, 9 or 16 segments)
    Zoom
    Slideshow
    Histogram display
    Auto image rotation
    Shooting data
    Highlight point display
    Voice Memo
     
  • In-Camera Image Editing
    Trim
    D-Lighting
    Color Balance
    Image Overlay
    Side-by-Side Comparison
    Filter Effects
    Monochrome
    Red-eye Correction
     
  • Image Comment
    Yes
    Up to 36 characters
     
  • Voice Memo Function
    Yes
     
  • 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
    GP-1 GPS unit
    MC-35 with optional compatible GPS Adapter
    Requires user's own GPS unit that conforms to NMEA0183 data protocol
     
  • Save/Load Camera settings
    Yes
     
  • Total custom Settings
    44
     
  • My Menu
    Yes with customization
     
  • Recent Settings
    Yes
     
  • Supported Languages
    Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
    Dutch
    English
    Spanish
    Finnish
    French
    Italian
    German
    Japanese
    Korean
    Polish
    Portuguese
    Russian
    Swedish
     
  • Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
    Yes
     
  • World Time Setting
    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
     
  • Tripod Socket
    ¼ inch 20
     
  • 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)
     
  • Supplied Software
    Software Suite CD-ROM
     
  • Optional Accessories
    EH-6 AC Adapter
    DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece
    Camera Control Pro 2
    Capture NX 2 Software
    Image Authentication Software
     
  • 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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*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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