LCD Size:
3 inches
Resolution:
12.1 MP
No
Video Recording
Ease of use
0
Show what experts say (6 reviews)
"Naturally, the Nikon D3 is only for the serious photographer, as its construction and size should indicate. It's not for the casual snapshooter, so don't even consider the D3 just because it's "the best one." You'll be frustrated. Better to look at the Nikon D700..."
"Keenly aimed at pro sports and reportage photographers who will get most out of the choice of either 9fps or 11 fps capture speeds...Nikon's D3 – its very first full-frame DSLR – upgrades the D2x to challenge the might of what is arguably Canon's closest competitor in the 10fps, 10.1 megapixel 1D Mark III, which targets (and, like its MkII predecessor will doubtless largely monopolise) the same market."
"First, it’s Nikon’s most highly specified camera to date, aimed at the pro market mainly, but is sure to be picked up by the more comfortably-off enthusiast."
"There are plenty of options to customize the controls to your needs…"
"The default of the D3 is still the old 24x36mm size. What makes the D3 smarter is that it adds a mode that allows images in the standard 5:4 shape. I set my D3 so I can change aspect ratios with one button. This way I can shoot verticals that aren't so foolishly tall and skinny."
"I think it's the best choice as a first pro camera, because it offers the best of all worlds. High speed, high resolution, and high customizability."
Picture Quality
0
Show what experts say (7 reviews)
"Color accuracy is among the best we've seen...and overall image quality is wonderful.... I have to give Nikon a slight edge over the 1D Mark III for its remarkable noise profile, which enables shooting photos that couldn't be captured as they can now."
"The Nikon D3's images have a smooth, film-like quality to them, with colours realistically and accurately rendered – primary colours in particular delivering plenty of punch."
"The JPEG performance is excellent, especially in regards to the noise reduction which eliminates noise without sacrificing detail and sharpness. Mid-tones, highlights and shadows are all correct and exposures for average scenes are accurate."
"Exceptional color and image quality…"
"Image quality (especially at higher ISOs) is stunning, the camera a joy to use and the speed and responsiveness breathtaking."
"Though it has been supplanted at the top of the heap by Nikon's 24.5-megapixel D3x, the 12.1-megapixel Nikon D3 still stands strong in the area of overall full-frame image quality, especially as light levels drop."
"To my eye it easily beats anything else for image quality and noise but there's the thorny question of the D300 - Nikon may have made that a bit too good."
Low light
0
Show what experts say (6 reviews)
"My D3 works in more crazy lighting conditions than any previous camera. I can shoot at ISO 6,400 without any excuses. I can get good color rendition in any crappy lighting, even under orange high-pressure sodium street lights, due to the astoundingly large range of accommodation of the manual PREset (gray card) white balance."
"Simply put, the D3's low-light performance is wonderful."
"It's more expensive than the 1D, but even in the murky depths of the dank, dark rock clubs of New York's lower east side, the D3 can shoot at speeds fast enough to stop the swaying motion of annoying hipster Axel Rose wannabees…"
"I took two kinds of low-light shots.... There is some noise, but there's more than adequate color (given the original scene, which is less vibrant than the images) and detail is very sharp.... I had the feeling I could see in the dark with some of the street light scenes."
"The speed of shooting is matched by the speed of the AF – the 51 points provide accuracy and quickly latch on to the subject…. It also coped admirably in low light shooting moving subjects."
"The Pop Photo Lab results are in, and they prove why Nikon's $5,000 pro-level DSLR is the low-light world champ…. We expect to see the D3 being used without flash by photojournalists in a variety of shooting conditions -- even dimly lit sports events."
Video Quality
0
Build Quality
0
Show what experts say (7 reviews)
"This is truly one amazing piece of technology encased in a solid-feel magnesium alloy body built like the proverbial outhouse at a weight of 1240g (2.7lb)."
"The magnesium-alloy body is weather sealed and the exterior has tacky material in all the right places to promote a firm grip. I had the D3 out in a light but persistent rain for over an hour today.... Back in the car, dry it off with a towel and on we go without incident. The camera exudes quality with its construction, fit and finish."
"The D3's proportions make it almost square, and thanks to a magnesium shell it is literally as solid as a brick. Robust surfaces, soft rubber on the grips, oversized buttons, locked controls and environmental seals add up to a purposeful camera which has been designed with the requirements of the professional photographer in any situation."
"The rear monitor is a solid slab of tempered glass.... Having made over 12,000 shots and worn my D3 everywhere for the past seven weeks I can't see a single scratch.... Tempered glass, unlike the regular stuff they mold, is so tough that you just can't break it, much less scratch it. Bravo, Nikon!"
"A DSLR that costs five grand had better withstand abuse. While we didn't test the D3 under gunfire or in a hurricane, we're impressed with its magnesium-alloy chassis and extensive water- and dust-resistant seals."
"The exterior shell of the Nikon D3 is made of magnesium alloy, and sealed against dust and water."
"It’s a big camera and robustly built. The tough chassis should survive most knocks and conditions, while the rubber coating on the outside feels secure and provides a good grip."
Battery Life
0
Show what experts say (4 reviews)
"My D3's EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery has taken over 1800 shots and still shows 1/3 strength on the "fuel gauge." A lower capacity battery on the D2X was always good for well over 2000 shots with that camera, and the D3 reportedly has lower power consumption. Battery performance is not a concern for the D3."
"My D3 gets about 3,000 shots per charge. My D300 gets about 1,000, and my D200 gets about 450. I've made over 10,000 shots with my D3 in the past six weeks, and can't remember when I last charged it. I'm not buying a spare battery."
"Probably the best battery information display in the business (% charge, shots, aging)"
"Detailed battery information [and] excellent battery life."
Travel Capabilities show formula
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Size show formula
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