Nikon D3 Hands-on Review Part I
Reviewed on 3 December 2007

Once again at the forefront with its hands already on the official release of the Nikon D3, DigitalRev is proud to become one of the first to bring you a Nikon D3 review that reveals actual hands-on insights. With the engaging Nadya, we showcase the Nikon D3’s myriad of features with exclusive sample images for your viewing pleasure.

As Nikon’s first DSLR delivering full-frame digital photography, the Nikon D3 allows old Nikon lenses to be fully utilised again. Given the higher number of megapixels offered by the other full-frame DSLRs, some may be surprised that Nikon only offers a maximum of 12.1 megapixels resolution from the D3. However, after our initial test runs, it seems that this hardly takes anything away from this camera, but rather it adds to the camera’s prowess in speed and noise reduction at high ISO sensitivities. We suspect this could be part of Nikon’s strategy.

The Nikon D3’s 12.1 megapixels CMOS sensor is actually more capable than you may expect, in fact, it's impressive. The D3 offers three possible shooting formats off its image-sensor – the FX format using its entire 36 x 24 mm full frame sensor; the new 5:4 mode, using 30 x 24 mm of the sensor and the DX format, using only 24 x 16 mm of its sensor. Resolution at DX mode is significantly reduced to 5.14 megapixels but the beauty of this mode is that it allows fast-action photographers to reach a blistering frame rate of 11 fps, an increase from the 9fps limit of the other modes. The DX mode does come with limitations however as both auto exposure and autofocus are disabled. Even without the increased speed, the FX format will offer continuous bursts of 64 Large Normal JPEGs, 17 NEFs (14 bit) and 20 NEFs (12 bit) respectively.

Evolving in the design based off the previous Nikon D2Xs, the D3 features minor style changes and fine-tuning in body shape. This seems to be a customary approach taken by Nikon as we have seen from the Nikon D300. Comparatively speaking, the Nikon D3 features fewer changes in control arrangement than the D300. The most notable of changes would be the marked improvement of the LCD. Expanding from 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches, it’s made even better through an enviable resolution of 922,000 pixels. With the increase in sensor size, larger pentaprism and LCD, loyal users of the D2x should almost immediately feel the significant increase in size and weight of the D3 (1240g) that now weighs 170 grams heavier.

Sharing similar upgrades as the Nikon D300, the D3 is also blessed with the same two outstanding Live View modes that we’ve seen on the D300, the Handheld mode and Tripod mode. Both these modes have been discussed in detail in our Nikon D300 reviews and these features are just as welcomed on the D3.

The D3 makes use of an exceptionally accurate autofocus system called the Multi-CAM 3500, a dynamic 51-point autofocus system which features 15 cross-type AF areas positioned around the center. Further enhancing auto exposure and autofocus accuracy, the D3 employs the newly developed Scene Recognition System. This technology analyses scene information such as subject colour to track moving subjects in the frame and shifts the active AF point accordingly. We believe this is one standout feature that action and sports photographers would simply love and appreciate.

By exceeding the expectations of an upgrade and presenting a range of revolutionary advancements, Nikon has finally delivered the full frame DSLR camera that all Nikon fans have been waiting for. Geared for speedy performance with impressive ISO talents, the versatility of the Nikon D3 is something that will surely attract the interest of professional photographers.