Nikon unveils D3X digital SLR for professionals

Mumbai: Nikon India, today announced its D3X, an FX-format digital SLR for for professional photographers.

The  D3X features extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities,  with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor.

In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off Nikon's collection of flagship level, rugged, professional calibre digital single lens reflex cameras engineered for use in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The enhanced performance of the D3X lies in its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand.

Nikon says the large 5.94-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise suited for creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints.

With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

"In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible," said  Hidehiko Tanaka, managing director, Nikon India.

Tanaka said, "Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon's world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speed lights.

Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlashT cards for optimum speed.

Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Users have the option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The D3X provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Incorporates advanced technologies
The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model's expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X's speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEEDT Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise colour reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What's more, Nikon's advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyses information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon's exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject's eyes, frame after frame.

Additionally, three AF-area modes - Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF - are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon's Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

The D3X has a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera's body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 per cent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body houses Nikon's 3.0-inch super density LCD that provides high-resolution 920,000-dot screen, viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees allowing photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400 shots per single charge of the camera's Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
To enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon's GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting.

Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price:
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon authorized professional dealers starting January 2009, and will be available for an estimated selling price of MRP Rs524,950.