- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Nikon D3X
- 24.4 MP
- Full frame CMOS
- 3" LCD
Released December, 2008
Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Like most recent additions to the Nikon DSLR line-up the D3X features s HDMI digital high definition video output.
Conclusion Check out the Nikon D3X
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Nikon D3X
24.4 MP
Full frame
Rated 80% by by J.-Sheldon-Cooper--Conspicuous-ConsumerBattery life is excellent, and construction like a tank.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 36.2 MP    | 40 MP |
D3X by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)The D3x is largely based on the 12 megapixel D3 camera, retaining the same 51-point AF system, EXPEED engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing, 920,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen, and Live View.
D3X by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)Continuing clockwise around the dial are a means of accessing the now ubiquitous live view mode for framing and focusing images using the 3-inch rear 920k dot resolution LCD, self timer or mirror up modes, the latter useful for minimising camera shake in the absence of sensor or lens shift stabilization built in.
sensor size
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Considering the D3X sports the most pixel-dense full frame sensor currently on the market, its high ISO performance is pretty impressive.
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)The D3/D3X sticks with the same circular eyepiece as the D2X but from there onwards everything has changed, obviously we now have a 'huge' engulfing full frame view which really does fill your entire field of vision, the focusing screen is bright but is still matte enough to enable accurate manual focusing.
viewfinder size
D3X by TrustedReviews (Feb, 2011)A magnesium alloy body and mirror chamber with weather-sealing; a 100% coverage viewfinder; the excellent 3in VGA LCD with Live View; and autofocus handled admirably by the tried and tested 51-point Multi-CAM 3500 system.
D3X by Bruce-D.-Stovall--bruce047 (Feb, 2009)When looking through the view finder I saw a flashing yellow error, (cd) and the camera would not allow me to take any photos.
body size
160 x 157 x 88 mm
94 x 54 x 20 mm
152 x 114 x 75 mm
D3X by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)Despite its size and weight the D3x is actually quite pleasant and easy to handle.
D3X by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)The enormous weight is due mainly to the tank-like build quality of the body.
focus points
| 0 | 9 | 60 |
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Nikon has made it clear that they are not using etching to indicate the AF points but that all information is displayed using liquid crystal, hence when an AF point is not active there is no detrimental effect on the focusing screen.
Performance Real world tests of Nikon D3X
DxOMark image quality
D3X by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)There is a faint blurring of fine detail at 800 ISO, as well as some very fine mid-tone noise, but overall picture quality is still fantastic.
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Adjustment options have been expanded providing a much wider latitude for sharpening, contrast and saturation as well as the new brightness adjustment.
DxOMark low light performance
D3X by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)Without the assistance of a separate dedicated flashgun it does falter in very low light, hunting backwards and forwards for a second or two, but it will find focus in surprisingly dark conditions.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 161 ms | 200 ms |
D3X by J.-Sheldon-Cooper--Conspicuous-ConsumerShutter lag was no longer an annoyance, and 6 meg could make crisp enlargements with rich colors.
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Startup, shutter lag and focus acquisition are impressively fast indeed.
continuous shooting
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)With a fast card and in DX mode the only limit on the number of frames in burst is the D3X's own 130 shot cut-off, though with some cards (the Sandisk Extreme III in this test) you'll find you fill the buffer before this point is reached, at which point the frame rate slows considerably.
D3X by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Having said that the D3X's five frames per second (12-bit RAW and JPEG) in continuous shooting will still suffice for most applications, and if they don't you can always switch to DX mode to speed things up and shoot 10.5 megapixel images at seven frames per second.
battery life
4,400 photos
175 photos
850 photos
D3X by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)Nikon does however silence any criticism when you learn that it offers a CIPA certified 4,400 frames per battery charge.
D3X by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)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.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
4,400 -
Unknown -
Generic -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
93.26% -
Opaque -
51 -
13.7 ev -
161 ms -
300 ms -
1/8000 s
cons
-
Dec, 2008 -
None -
3" -
920 k dots -
1,600 ISO -
Dust may appear in your photos -
5 fps -
No automatic HDR -
None -
The screen is fixed in place -
Taking quality photos in low-light will require external hardware -
No geotagging included -
No automatic stitching -
160 x 157 x 88 mm -
88 mm -
1,260 g
Reviews Word on the street
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 | Rated by 32 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Leping-Zha--Leping Rated 100% by by Sandra-C.-Stambaugh (May, 2009) Rated 100% by by Alister-Benn--Available-Light-Images (Jan, 2010) |
Sensor
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Again, the sharpness advantage to RAW conversion is fairly clear to see, both converters delivering higher resolution than JPEG straight from the camera.
Nikon D3X | Rated 20% by by FCE (Sep, 2010)The curve used to sharpen image in the production of RAW image from this top of the line Nikon camera is highly non linear and results in an impression that everything is extremely sharp hence a whole fanfare of fools who think that is an improvement when it is not.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by G.-Patrick-Byers--Show-and-Tell (Jul, 2009)I found when you view a picture at 100% size from the D3X, I shoot in RAW in both cameras, the results are simply amazing.
Lens
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)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 *1.
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)The D3X features a 51 point auto focus sensor, the center fifteen (3x5 grid) being cross point sensors even with F5.6 aperture lenses.
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Below on the left you can see the D3X's lens mount with the mirror down, on the right with mirror up and shutter open (exposing the sensor).
Image quality
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by Leping-Zha--LepingIt's not about resolution: it's about stunning image quality.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)In all other respects the image quality is as near perfect as it's currently possible to get.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by Leping-Zha--LepingOverall image quality approaching 645 (which I'd say still has the edge).
Iso
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)I shot with the D3X at ISO 6400 in a very dark club, and while the results are not perfect when examined close-up, they are perfectly usable at reasonable enlargement sizes.
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Images up to ISO 1600 are perfectly usable for very large output sizes, and even the maximum sensitivity setting will produce output that's at least good enough for publication on the web.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2009)As well as it's headline-grabbing megapixel count, the D3x also boasts a 51-point auto-focus system, 920,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen, 50-6400 ISO range and 16-bit image processing.
Focus
Nikon D3X | Rated 86% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)Metering is usually spot on and the AF system is fast enough and offers so much flexibility that even photographers like myself, who hardly ever switch their camera into continuous AF, manage a good proportion of in-focus images when shooting at a sports event.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by Leping-Zha--LepingAdd that performance to a superb rugged and ergonomic camera body with class-leading AF and metering, and the result is a remarkable machine.
Nikon D3X | Rated 100% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)The weight provides a very stable shooting platform, helping to reduce camera shake even when not using VR lenses, and the body shape includes a built-in vertical grip with a second shutter button, AF button and pair of adjustment wheels.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 2 | Nikon D800 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark D800 vs D3X |
 | 3 | Canon EOS 5D Mark II 5-way tie: Largest sensor Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Nikon D3X |
 | 4 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III OK delay taking photos Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs Nikon D3X |
 | 5 | Canon EOS-1Ds Many more contrast-detection focus points Canon EOS-1Ds vs Nikon D3X |
 | 6 | Nikon D3S Least noise at high ISO D3S vs D3X |
 | 7 | Canon EOS 1D X Fastest rapid fire mode Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D3X |
 | 8 | Canon PowerShot A2400 IS Image stabilization Canon PowerShot A2400 IS vs Nikon D3X |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Popular Questions
May 9, 2012
I have the D7000, I am considering the D3X
I love taking photos, all kind of photos. I love it when it is sharp and stunning.
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