The Quality Nikon D3X Camera Review

Anytime Nikon released the 24 megapixel, full-frame D3x, some photographers griped how the new model was the actual exact same as the actual D3 using twice the actual megapixels and twice the actual price. In a sense, they’re right although the D3x was not necessarily unexpected since Nikon has a history associated with extending its professional series cameras using an “x” model to be able to indicate high resolution. Hence, the D3x is really a high resolution version of the D3.

However it’s not necessarily fairly as easy as that.

You will find, needless to say, advantages as well as drawbacks to be able to working together with a 24 megapixel camera. The main attraction is actually, of course, a large amount involving image data. This permits for billboard-sized enlargements also as tight cropping. On the downside, working using big image files can tax the processing speed involving all although the highest powered computers and fill hard drives in a blink of an eye. Still, there’s certainly a market for the D3x, even with its premium price.

Construct and Design

There are few physical differences between the D3 and also the D3x. Both cameras measure 6.3×6.2×3.4 inches and weighs about 2 pounds 11 ounces without battery as well as memory card. In the event you look at the two side-by-sides, the only difference you will notice will be the “x” after the actual D3 logo.

Built to be able to withstand heavy use, the D3x is actually constructed from magnesium alloy as well as will be sealed against dust and moisture. Its shutter will be tested regarding a minimum associated with 300,000 cycles.

The actual Nikon D3x body can come having a vertical grip and is bundled with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (having up to 4400 shots per charge), a fast charger, USB as well as AV cables, camera strap, body cap, accessory shoe cover, eyepiece, battery charger cover, USB cable clip, printed user’s manual as well as Nikon’s Software Suite. I was disappointed to be able to find that Nikon couldn’t find a few additional dollars in its spending budget to be able to consist of a copy of Nikon NX2 software, though.

The alternative even much more surprising omission is actually an on-board sensor cleaning system, which nowadays will be about as typical in DSLRs as Live View. Even though the actual camera does offer Live View, there’s no video choice.

Nevertheless, the D3x provides dual CF card slots, a virtual horizon, an interval meter mode, also as GPS and also Wi-Fi options. Many other features of note include multiple custom choices, on-board lateral chromatic aberration correction as well as a built-in assist strategy. Suffice it to say that this D3x is actually fully loaded with features.

Ergonomics and also Controls of the Nikon D3X

Transitioning from the actual D3 to the actual D3x is seamless since the two cameras are generally fairly much identical in design and control layout.

Despite its size and weight, the actual D3x will be comfortable to be able to use. The actual rubberized grip will be contoured perfectly for a solid handhold, allowing the actual forefinger to be able to fall easily on the shutter release and the thumb resting on the back associated with the camera. The exposure mode and also EV buttons are generally also within reach, simply behind the actual shutter button. Even together with smaller hands, I was able to shoot using the somewhat massive D3x for extended periods associated with time without becoming fatigued.

A depth-of-field preview button along with a FN button (which allows users to choose the imaging region, such as DX crop) are usually found on the actual front of the actual camera, just to be able to the actual correct associated with the lens.

Most associated with the controls are found on the actual rear surface associated with the actual camera, including the actual command dial, AF-On (the actual same as half-pressing the actual shutter button; also could be used in Live View Tripod Mode), AE/AF lock, multi-selector, AF area mode switch, and the Live View Button. A one-touch microphone button sits to the left of the LV button.

The actual only problems I had reaching any of the multiple controls were related to be able to the actual size of my hands. It was just a little bit associated with a stretch to be able to reach the actual AF Region Mode switch and the Live View button using my correct hand. Otherwise, nearly all controls are generally found on the left as well as below the LCD as well as had been easily accessible.

Menus as well as Modes

As expected, the actual menu system reflects the D3x’s highly sophisticated feature set. Like the camera, its menus are usually complex together with many layers, which could be overwhelming for the uninitiated. Nevertheless, the interface will probably be familiar to Nikon shooters, who will probably be able to navigate the actual system with relative ease. Still, there are thus numerous options that this takes practice regarding menu navigation to be able to become intuitive.

You will also require accessing the menus regarding changing the parameters associated with the camera’s four Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and also Monochrome. Within every, there’s a quick adjust, as well as much more fine-tuning choices such as sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and also hue. These types of could be customized and saved as well.

Active D-Lighting, which now ranges from off, low, normal, high, as well as extra high can be controlled via the actual menu system as can vignette handle as well as high ISO noise reduction (off, low, regular, high), among others.

Display/Viewfinder

The actual D3x has a lovely, three.0 inch 921k dot LCD that’s clear, bright and also accurate. It has 7 levels associated with brightness adjustment as well as 170 degree viewing angle as well as is a pleasure to use.

But maybe the greatest “wow” can come whenever looking via the optical viewfinder associated with this full-frame camera. The viewfinder provides 100% viewing and also, like the LCD, is actually bright and clear.

-An avid photographer that loves to sit and analyze the different photos from different cameras and present them to as many people as possible to help other understand their many differences from their quality all the way to their pricing and everything in between. This particular Nikon D3X Camera is top of the line model, and the price reflects that, but don’t let it put you off, it is a superb camera.

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