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The D1 was a monumental camera of its time, heralding the acceptance of digital sensors in SLR bodies. And Nikon is now suggesting that the D3 is of a similar nature, by dropping the "X" and "H" suffixes used for its current range of dSLRs. It would be fair to say that in many ways--it is.
The Japanese firm is taking a breather from the megapixel race and has instead concentrated on amalgamating other important image capturing and quality features. The result is a camera that features enough resolution, speed and image quality to make it perfect for almost all kinds of photographers, and especially, sports photographers and photojournalists.
The D3 sports 12.1-million pixels, the same amount as the former flagship D2Xs (and D2X). However, because of the increased pixel pitch from the larger physical sensor size, the D3 has more dynamic range and much better characteristics with regard to ISO noise.
That's right, Nikon finally has a camera that performs well with sensitivities as high as ISO 6,400. The only downside for existing users is that even with ISO noise reduction switched off in the camera's settings, the D3 still applies a small amount of noise reduction as with the D2X.
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Nikon has always produced good wide-angle lenses and we look forward to seeing what will be possible with the brighter F2.8 aperture and the shallower depth-of-field available with a full-frame sensor. Already, Nikon's 200mm F2, together with the D3, has given us portrait options that used to be possible only on film.
In terms of speed or image-capturing performance, the D3 is probably the fastest camera we've ever had the chance to use. It's able to capture up to nine frames per second (fps) in FX (full frame) mode and 11fps in DX (1.5 crop) mode. This happens to better Canon's sports-oriented 1D Mark III by 1fps, albeit at a different resolution.
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The multi-directional pad has now switched from a one-piece design to one that has a separate center button. This should address the issue that some former users of the D2Xs and D2Hs bodies had with regard to pressing the multi-directional pad down uniformly to reset the focus point selection. Otherwise, the D3's body is as comfortable and as ergonomic as a typical Nikon.
The local availability and pricing details have yet to be revealed by Nikon, but here's one photographer hoping it doesn't go beyond the D2X's retail launch price of S$7,999. The ISO performance improvement alone makes the D3 a hugely tempting proposition. And if speed is what you truly need, look no further.
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