Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Features & handling
The Nikon D3 uses a 12.1MP CMOS full-frame sensor, which Nikon has termed as ‘FX’. This is because at 36x23.9mm the chip is slightly smaller than the 36x24mm size of traditional full-frame. The other big news is the ISO range that runs from 200-6400. This might not sound that impressive, but it can be expanded to a staggering ISO 100 (L1.0) – 25,600 (H2.0) equivalent.
The new 51-point AF system, called Multi-CAM3500FX, has 15 cross-type AF points for more precise AF, along with a range of focus tracking options too. There’s also a new EXPEED image-processing engine that allows for a massive 9fps (frames-per-second) continuous shooting.
The D3 features a 3in screen at the rear, which like the screen on the recently launched D300 boasts an impressive resolution of 920K dots (as opposed to the more normal pixels), making it really clear. And like the D300, the D3 features Live View, with both handheld and tripod settings, both with an AF option. There are two CompactFlash card slots. One slot can be used for an overflow card or to simultaneously record JPEGs, while the other will record RAW files or duplicates.
The D3 is a joy to use. The handling is lovely, possibly the best around, with everything falling to hand nicely. The menu system is comprehensive, and allows you to customise a host of settings to suit your shooting requirements. The build-quality is excellent too. With a magnesium alloy construction and environmental sealing this is an extremely solid camera.
Performance
The EXPEED processing engine in the D3 has to work hard with the full-frame 12MP sensor, but can rattle through 9fps and will continuously shoot 65 Fine Large JPEGs or 20 RAW files. Write speeds are also good, at less than 1 second for a JPEG and just a little slower for a RAW.
The D3’s 51-point AF system can be set from the simplest single focus to advanced AF continuous tracking across the 51 points. To help with this, the D3 has a newly developed Scene Recognition System that can distinguish the shape and position of subjects.
The viewfinder is excellent, as it’s large and bright. Live View has two modes, Handheld which can be fiddly and slow to use, and Tripod which is where it really comes into its own. The contrast AF via the AF-ON button works a treat too.
Results from the D3’s 12.1MP full-frame sensor are excellent. At ISO 100 (L1.0) and 200 the quality of images is amazing – lovely and sharp, with plenty of detail. Where the D3 really excels is its high ISO noise performance. Even at ISO 6400, there is minimal noise, while shots at the H2.0 (ISO 25,600) setting are still useable.
Verdict
Die-hard landscape photographers may still demand more pixels, but that’s missing the point of the D3. It’s a phenomenal camera, with a high ISO noise performance that opens up a wealth of shooting opportunities that were simply out of reach before. It’s probably the most complete, all-round D-SLR we’ve seen, and for seasoned pros who need that extra performance then the cost will be worth it. For most of us though, the Nikon D300 will do the job.
Video Verdict
Product Specification
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Street price
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£3399
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Weight/size (WxHxD)
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1.24Kg/160x157x88mm
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Effective resolution
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12.1MP
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Lens mount
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Nikon F
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Focal length conversion
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Full-frame
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Aspect ratio
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3:2
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LCD monitor size
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3in
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File formats
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JPEG, RAW (NEF), TIFF,
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Card type
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CF (two slots)
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Exposure modes
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Program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual
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Metering modes
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3D Colour Matrix II, centre-weighted, spot
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Autofocus
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51-point (Contrast detection in Live View mode)
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ISO range
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200-6400 (expandable to 100-25,600)
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Battery type
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1x EN-EL4a
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Start-up time
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Less than a second
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Write times
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1 second (RAW), 2.8 seconds (TIFF), less than 1 second (JPEG)
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Shutter speed range
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1/8000sec to 30 seconds + bulb
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Flash sync
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1/250sec
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Continuous shooting speed
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9fps for up to 65 JPEGs or 20 RAWs or (11fps with DX crop mode)
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