Nikon D3x

The Nikon D3x updates the 12-megapixel D3 providing double the resolution on a full frame “FX” format sensor. But is it as good as the D3? Doug Harman finds out in this the D3x full Best4Reviews test.

The Nikon D3, the D3X’s predecessor optimised excellence in almost all areas; the D3x builds on the superlatives meted out to the D3 but is pretty much identical. The new full frame sensor and double the resolution have forced a couple of performance changes on the new model, which I’ll delve into shortly.

This camera replaces the D3 at the pinnacle of Nikon’s digital camera range and where the D3 provided high-speed, 9fps performance with high ISO, low noise images, the D3x’s specially developed (and class leading) 24.5-megapixel CMOS sensor provides a more studied foil for the D3.

However, a 5fps drive – at full resolution – is still impressive and a class-leading figure with an even more impressive 7fps in DX (APS-C) format, it is still fast enough for most tasks. The EXPEED image-processing engine has been updated to accommodate the doubling of pixels and it sports on-chip noise processing, greatly improving noise handling at higher ISOs.

The D3x’s sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 1600 with boosted options of ISO 50 to 6400; the D3x’s smaller pixels (than the D3’s) mean it is not able to support the remarkable sensitivity range of the D3. Nevertheless,

 thanks to that on-chip noise processing and the tweaked EXPEED processing, it is able to achieve impressive low noise images across its normal and higher ISO range.

In terms of storage you get dual CF Type I/II (UDMA compatible) memory card slots, which sit under a sprung, locked and hinged cover, the second slot can be used for overflow or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF RAWs, say, to one card and JPEGs to the other.

Battery performance is excellent, Nikon claiming around 4400 shots per full charge (using CIPA measurements) and it is indeed impressive as after one charge and over 300 images, I had 63% charge remaining, even shooting in freezing conditions and with plenty of reviewing. However, 4400 shots may be optimistic.

The high resolution and combined JPEG and NEF RAW capture, particularly the 14-bit RAWs allow you to “develop” up to 140MB TIFFs and means you can shoot images able to compete with medium format digital backs. Crucially, this allows the creation of images easily up to the requirements of high-end image libraries.

This makes the camera ideal for studio, social and pictorial style images, and it’s nice to know, this camera would be as at home in the studio as on a muddy, rain soaked hillside, thanks to full environmental seals and a durable, magnesium alloy body. Make no mistake; the D3x is no wilting violet.

The excellent, 51-zone AF system is fully configurable in single, groups of nine and 21-points, powered by Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX processor and a 1005-pixel RGB colour sensor. It is superb, fast and accurate with the 3D tracking (in continuous shooting) a standout. The bright, heads-up display, allowing easy assessment of what AF points are active and where.

Built-in picture controls allow a good level of customisability for how the camera deals with image data prior to shooting and as with the D3, you get a comprehensive array of 44 custom controls within menus. There are four custom setting banks (labelled A, B, C and D by default) allowing four completely different camera set-ups or a total of 176 custom settings and all the permutations you can think of.

This is vital for the pro snapper, since you can configure the camera for say, sports, portraits, landscapes and studio work, labelling each bank accordingly, so you can have (virtually) four cameras in one.

HDMI output provides high quality HD image output direct from the camera and, since the D3x is compatible with wireless LAN, USB2.0 and Ethernet gives impressive connectability while Nikon’s (optional accessory) GPS unit, the GP-1, provides the ability to tag images with their GPS coordinates too.

A Bigger, Better Image.
The D3x’s screen is a stunning 3-inch, 920k-dot affair with 170-degree wide viewing angle, which is good because the D3x has Live View in two “flavours”, the first is tripod mode, the second hand held. In the latter, the camera uses its TTL phase detection AF (including 15 cross type sensors) for more fleet of foot performance, exactly what’s required when shooting, well, hand held.

For those owning Nikon’s DX lenses (for Nikon’s APS-C (24x16mm crop) DSLRs, such as the D60) or older lenses, the D3x’s F-mount will be able to mount them, though older optics may have limitations to some functions depending on the lens’ age and type.

It’s worth noting, as with the D3, there’s a penalty to pay using the smaller crops, the DX format crop DROPs the image resolution to 10.4-megapixels, and the 5x4 crop provides 20.3-megapixels but that flexibility simply and to the camera’s appeal and versatility.

In other words, Nikon has crafted a camera that can use all its current and previous lenses, include the four banks of custom modes and (despite the cost), you’re getting a lot of camera for your money. Or, looked at another way, you’re getting four cameras in one!

The camera’s 1.22kg weight, body only, is just lighter than the D3, but it retains the D3’s superb handling thanks to deeply sculpted, rubberised grips on both normal and vertical grips. Dials and the layout of the other controls, again similar to the D3, are all well placed; you can tailor the front and back control wheels to your preferred options (reverse their direction and/or change the front and rear wheel control preferences for aperture or shutter control or vis versa) to make handling even better.

The top plate sports a large backlit data LCD, provides detailed information on camera settings, a virtual horizon (a la the D3), custom functions; all the info needed to keep you abreast of the camera’s current set up. A smaller back plate data LCD also illuminates along with the top plate LCD and provides info and buttons for white balance, ISO and image quality

Across the accessory shoe, clinging to its side are the metering adjustment and dioptre controls. The mode and exposure compensation buttons perch just behind the shutter release/on/off controls, making them ideal for fast easy reach when snapping. The camera has a 17-shot buffer in FX crop at 5fps (JPEG (high) and RAW mode), in DX crop; it’ll shoot the same number at 7fps.

Needless to say, image quality is superb with bucketfuls of detail being the standout; white balance control is excellent with white balance bracketing to nine frames another neat addition and the metering, which is simply sublime.

I had nary a poor exposure and there’s a safety net from Nikon’s Active D-Lighting system, which helps smooth high contrast shots restoring detail to shadows and highlight without compromising either.

The D3 is without doubt one of the best DSLR’s I’ve used, in fact it was as near perfect as a camera could get. Or so I thought, the D3x may not have the high ISPO performance of the D3 but it is equally as good even if it is a tad on the pricey side.