Nikon D3 and Nikon D300 first impressions

On 23 August, Nikon shooters got what they wanted. Nikon introduced two new cameras, the D3 and the D300, which were, according to the press release, at least, the Holy Grail, achieving if not surpassing everything the competition had to offer.

 “The speed, the resolution and the versatility of the new D3 will enable professional photographers to work in conditions that were considered impossible before.”More than a month has passed since then, but no real relevant information is available as to the two cameras' practical capabilities.

When it comes to body construction, AF, metering, shutters etc, Nikon was always the leader. When it comes to the electronic components, however, up to now, they were very much the second fiddle to Canon. Unfortunately, even though I've had the cameras for almost two weeks now, I cannot give you any information regarding image quality of Nikon D3 and Nikon D300. Nikon are very reluctant to show results from preproduction cameras – and they're perfectly right to do so.

Pre-production image samples are the best way to get armchair pros started - and when they get started, shutting them up is impossible. And since it's impossible to make them happy, this is quite simply bad press for products that aren't even available yet.

Nikon D3 and Nikon D300 first impressions

Nikon D3 announcement clippings

Incorporating the large CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon, the D3 features 12.1 effective megapixels and a sensitivity range from ISO 200 to 6,400 at normal setting.The D3 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with a sensor area of 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm. It offers superior picture quality throughout a wide sensitivity range with such advantages as a large pixel size to ensure high S/N ratio and wide dynamic range, adoption of an element structure that improves light-utilization efficiency.

In addition, high-speed 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting for 12.1-megapixel images at approximately 9 frames per second, as well as high-speed performance to ensure shooting in Liveview modes.With the Nikon D3, users can select one of the three image areas — FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16) or 5:4 (30 x 24).When a DX NIKKOR lens is attached, DX format is automatically selected. With DX format or 5:4 format, an area not covered by the sensor is automatically masked in the viewfinder. High-definition, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle Ultrahigh-definition [920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides 170° viewing angle.

Large monitor is quite effective when confirming focus with enlarged playback images. Wide-viewing angle enables easy recomposing of the frame in Handheld mode of Liveview.Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.

Nikon D3

Camera Test: Nikon D3

It was bold to call the Nikon D3 "the Greatest Nikon Ever" on our January 2008 cover -- especially before testing a production model of this $5,000 (street, body only) 12.1MP pro DSLR in the Pop Photo Lab. Now our audacity is justified: The D3 sprinted through our image quality, noise, dynamic range, burst capacity, and AF-speed performance tests. Here are five tested reasons the D3 deserves the title we bestowed.

Incredible image quality

By loading a full-frame 12.1MP sensor into the D3, Nikon bowed out of the megapixel race. For most pro assignments, the detail it captures is more than what's needed -- enough to make high-quality enlargements of up to 14x21 inches (at 200 ppi).

At ISO 200, its 2320 lines of tested resolution for JPEGs (an Excellent rating) are nearly identical to Nikon's 12.3MP D300 ($1,800, street, body only), tested in our February 2008 issue. That's no surprise, since both cameras use the same focusing system and EXPEED image-processing engine (and we tested both with the same Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens). They also capture similar resolution in RAW files.

But when shooting JPEGs at the Low Noise Reduction setting, the D3's image resolution drops only slightly to 2210 lines at ISO 6400 -- about 5 percent sharper than the D300 at ISO 3200 and above. Even at the extended ISO of 25,600, JPEGs from the D3 still earn an Excellent resolution rating with 2020 lines, although artifacts of noise reduction, such as lower contrast in shadow areas, are painfully obvious.

In both JPEG and RAW files, color accuracy maintains an Excellent rating from ISO 200 to 6400 (7.28 to 7.02 average Delta E), and contrast ranges from slightly high to slightly low, depending on ISO.

Using noise control at high ISOs, the D3 earns an Excellent image quality rating from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. Like the D300, which also garnered an Excellent rating up to ISO 3200, images at ISO 6400 fell just short of Excellent due to obvious noise in shadows (though less than with the D300).

Camera Test: Nikon D3 - - PopPhotoJanuary 2008

Nikon D3 Digital Camera Reviewed

Every one waited for Nikon to move up to the next level of digital sensor size, the "full-sized" FX or 35mm-like solution. Years went by and seemingly nothing happened.

We admired Nikon's clever ergonomic solutions and at least some of us ogled the high-ISO performance of the competition with a little envy. Then, Nikon struck back with a camera advertised to "defy the limitations" no less.

The D3 is not only a 35mm-frame camera, it is so much more and with high-ISO performance unheard and undreamt of as well. With a blazing firing rate up to 9 fps(FX)/11 fps(DX), this is a sports and action shooter's dream camera come true.

But what can it achieve for other fields of photography? In this review, I shall try to elaborate these aspects of this new Nikon DSLR. Consider this more akin to a personal travelogue written as I made myself familiar with the D3 rather than a compilation of features.

NÆRFOTO Bjørn Rørslett

Nikon D3 review

The Nikon D3 professional reflex camera is pushing the limits of digital photography with improved performances and a higher sensitivity than ever before!The D3 combines a 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor with 6400 ISO sensitivity, guaranteeing you breathtaking images in any situation.

The Multi-Cam 3500 FX autofocus system with 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors) provides excellent coverage as you photograph, while the EXPEED processor produces images of unmatched quality.The D3 has an impressive shutter speed of up to 1/8000 s and captures shots at a rate of 6 fps, making it the ideal camera for sports photographers or reporters.

The dual memory card slots provide you with all the storage space you need to save your photo projects in NEF (RAW) or JPEG format.The 3” TFT screen on the D300 rivals that of its competitors, displaying images in 920,000-pixel resolution and allowing photographers to set up shots on-screen using the LiveView function.Compatible with both FX and DX format lenses, the D3 is raising the bar for sensitivity and speed!

Nikon D3 review cheap prices D3 Nikon best buy discount online uk shop

Nikon D3 Review by James Russell

Over at Luminous Landscape, pro commercial/corporate photographer James Russell writes a guest Nikon D3 review about his pre-release D3 experiences.He makes it sound like he just picked up the camera and got amazing results. Remember that his digital background is pretty deep given the medium format backs and other specialty cameras he references in the article.

That said, it’s a good sign that he was able to just pick the machine up and go off to the races, literally.I’m very encouraged by the fact he made a point to comment about the color qualities straight out of the camera, and that he did not need to do as much post processing as he would have with other systems.

That to me is a strong sign we’re making good strides forward in the digital world. We need our tools to help us spend more time doing photography, not pixel-peeping/pushing. (Then again, there are those who love the Photoshop side of things so to those folks I apologize for ranting on and on about this.)Anyway, Nikon’s D3 is showing a lot of promise. Makes the idea of switching even more interesting…

Nikon D3 Review by James Russell « Buy The Best Camera:

Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III ISO Comparison

Michael Reichmann of Luminous Landscape did a write up about the Nikon D3 and Canon 1Ds Mark III not long ago. He tested both cameras’ high ISO capabilities during Jay Maisel’s seminar. “Both cameras produced ISO 1600 images of astonishing quality”

“Both cameras produced ISO 1600 images of astonishing quality”

“I see comparable resolving power and clarity (not absolute resolution, of course), and at least a one stop noise advantage to the new Nikon. Possibly there's a bit more shadow detail in the Canon frame though (look at the iris). ”

A print of Canon 1Ds Mark III done by Michael Reichmann found out that in a 16X20" print none of the artifacts seen in the 100% crop above is visible, and noise is extremely low. My opinion is that since it is so, the same goes to Nikon D3. In addition, the Nikon D3 at ISO 6400 should be able to deliver decent print out too as its noise performance is 1-stop better than the Canon 1Ds Mark III.

I brought up this article is not to determine either Canon or Nikon is a better camera but to show that any prints that is below 16X20” with ISO3200 and below by either cameras shall produce extremely low noise. So whenever you need to shoot in low light, simply bump your ISO to 3200 with nothing to worry.

masterchong.com - Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III ISO Comparison

Nikon D3 Hands-On Review

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.

Nikon D3 Hands-On Review (Part I) - A DigitalRev Exclusive - DigitalRev.com

Nikon D3 Review

High ISO Samples of the Nikon D3 Still not official Now that the D300 and D3 have been announced all eyes are on the samples leaked by various sites, especially Japanese and Chinese. Both cameras are significant upgrades to the previous D2X and D200, respectively.

It’s worth mentioning that the D3 is the first full-frame camera emerging from the famous manufacturer and an important step in Nikon’s strategy for the professional segment, predominantly ruled by Canon.

One of the most important components in the new professional D3 is the sensor unit, which is somewhat similar to the EOS 5D preferred by fashion photographers for its excellent image quality. Both units have a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with around 12 megapixels, a recipe with excellent results. However, despite being similar in the sensor department the two cameras are radically different in terms of ergonomics and features.

The D3 is in the same feature league as the EOS 1Ds Mark III, but with a much lower pixel count, which makes the Nikon more versatile; after all, few people actually need the 21 megapixels featured by the new Canon flagship.

Free Download » Nikon D3 Review

Hands-On With the Nikon D3 DSLR

I had a meeting with Nikon yesterday and had my first chance to see and handle the D300 and D3. I didn’t really get enough time with the cameras to form a real impression. But I did get to play with the D3 a bit and they showed me the camera’s Liveview LCD display and two of the new Nikkor lenses, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom and the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Zoom. My first impression of the D3 is BIG.

It’s not too big or heavy, but it did surprise me. For a pro body, mass is usually a good thing, adding stability. However, at 2.73 pounds the D3 is about two-tenths of a pound heavier than the newest Canon EOS-1D bodies. Add a pro telephoto Nikkor lens and you’re going to need some muscles to carry this thing around.One thing I’ve always liked about Nikon DSLRs is the big, bright, sharp LCD display. The new D3 is no different, and it now has Liveview. The D3 has two Liveview modes, Handheld and Tripod. The display is big and beautiful and had a useful composition grid overlay when they showed it to me.

Hands-On With the Nikon D3 DSLR

Nikon D3 First Hands-on Review

First ever full frame DSLR from Nikon - the Nikon D3. Full review available at digitalrev.com

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Nikon D3 Review

This is the first Nikon full frame (FF) digital SLR. The camera is designed more to have low ISO noise than ultimate resolution (actually 12MP is more than many need unless they print really big).

The resolution is virtually identical to the Nikon D2x and D300. * 12MP FF CMOS * Fast frame rate (9 fps at full size) * New auto focus module * Live view (not sure yet we will use it much)We use the D3 with the Nikon top zooms: 24-70mm f/2.8 and14-24mm f/2.8.

We own ourselves the AFS 28-70mm f/2.8, AFS 17-35mm f/2.8 and AFS 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.This review will first concentrate on the high ISO qualities of the D3. This is where this camera can make a difference if it is up the praise it gets on the net. We liked the D2x quite a bit but limited ourselves to about ISO 400.

Nikon D3 Review Diary

Nikon D3 Opens the Doors to a High-Quality Virtual Reality tour of Grays of Westminster

Grays of Westminster, the acclaimed Nikon-only shop, is pleased to announce the availability of its first online virtual tour of its premises.

London (PRWEB) January 22, 2008 -- Grays of Westminster, the acclaimed Nikon-only shop, is pleased to announce the availability of its first online virtual tour of its premises.

Open Sesame - Journey to the Centre of Nikon – Nikon D3 Opens the Doors to a High-Quality Virtual Reality tour of Grays of Westminster - Yahoo! News