Nikon D3x 24.5MP EXPEED Live View DSLR Unveiled [51 Point Autofocus, Nikon GP-1 GPS Compatible]

Nikon have taken the wraps off their new Nikon D3x DSLR which comes with
a 24.5 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, EXPEED image processor, 51 point
autofocus, an ISO range of 100-1600 (extendable to ISO 600-6400), a
shutter lag time of a mere 40ms and a high-definition, 3'�920,000-dot
VGA TFT monitor with Live View.

Billed by Nikon Europe's Robert Cristina as '�the camera that many
professional photographers have been waiting for' the Nikon D3x's list
of features (as detailed below directly from Nikon's press release) is,
as one might expect, particularly extensive but the highlights as far as
we are concerned are the D3x DSLR's ability to capture imagery at full
24.5MP resolution at a staggeringly impressive 5fps - or 7fps at 10MP -
as well as the D3x's start-up time of and equally impressive 12
milliseconds.

Nikon D3x DSLR Key Features (as officially detailed by Nikon):

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels

The D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective
megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing
resolution. What's more, we've optimized the pixel characteristics to
provide a higher S/N ratio and wider dynamic range by securing a greater
amount of light received by each pixel, thereby reducing lost highlights
and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise.

Wide sensitivity range starting at ISO 100

At normal setting, the D3X offers a wide range of sensitivity '" from
ISO 100, suitable for stroboscopic setting in studio shoots, to ISO
1600. It realizes superior image quality with less noise at ISO 1600 as
well as at low sensitivity settings. What's more, the sensitivity range
can be increased by two stops (up to ISO 6400ย ย equivalent) and
decreased by one stop (down to ISO 50 equivalent), offering an even
greater diversity of shooting possibilities. Auto sensitivity control is
also available.

New EXPEED-based image processing

A new image processing system, based on Nikon's comprehensive EXPEED
digital image processing and specially optimized for the D3X, provides
superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power
consumption. This advanced system achieves precise color reproduction
for the broadest spectrum of hues, plus vivid saturation and smooth
gradation, conveying colors as you see them, even with the slight
changes in color tones you perceive. Furthermore, Nikon's advanced noise
processing function, which was

High-speed performance meets the most rigorous professional demands

Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of 0.12 second and a
shutter release time lag of 0.04 second*1*2. It delivers a continuous
shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or
5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16)*2*3. Also,
the D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed
card that enables 35-Mbyte recording equivalent to the D3. The D3X is
capable of recording approx. 7.1 MB (JPEG, image size L, NORMAL) of data
captured in FX format at speeds of approx. 5 frames per second.

Realizing reliable auto control: Scene Recognition System

As with the D3, the D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a
1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not
only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well. The results
are applied to control Autofocus, Auto Exposure, i-TTL Balanced
Fill-flash and Auto White Balance, thereby achieving control of the highest.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF

The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, originally incorporated in
the D3, offers proven outstanding performance. All 51 focus points,
including the 15 cross-type sensors located at the center, are effective
in all AF NIKKOR lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger.
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. Moreover, in Scene
Recognition System, subject identification and tracking information is
applied to improve subject acquisition performance in Dynamic-area AF
mode and focusing accuracy for human subjects in Auto-area AF mode.

Superior durability

Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box
to ensure light weight and rugged reliability. Strict O-ring sealing at
critical connected parts effectively restricts dust and moisture.
The shutter unit, developed and manufactured by Nikon, employs a new
material (carbon fiber/Kevlarยฎ hybrid) for the shutter blades,
guaranteeing excellent durability through 300,000-cycle release tests
with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with a
shutter monitor.

High-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 920kยญ-dots (VGA), 170
wide-viewing angle and reinforced glass

The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high
resolution of approx. 920k-dots (VGA). Enlarged playback images also
appear in extremely high resolution for easy focus confirmation. The
wide viewing angle of 170 makes it easy to check composition in Live
View shooting for both high and low angles.

Two Live View modes available

In Handheld mode, which allows the frame to be recomposed prior to
actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points
is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still
subjects and tripod stabilization; It allows focal-plane contrast AF on
a desired point within a specific area. Optional software Camera Control
Pro 2 enables monitor focus and control shutter release from a computer.
And optical Wireless Transmitter WT-4 enables wireless remote camera
control and image transfer.

Picture Control System

Picture Control System offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard,
Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. Choose one and use as is, or adjust
image creation factors (Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation,
and Hue). Optional Picture Controls (Portrait, Landscape, D2XMODE I,
D2XMODE II and D2XMODE III) are available at the Nikon website for
downloading and installation to your camera.

Active D-Lighting '" reproducing brightness as you see it

In settings with strong contrast, Active D-Lighting, used in combination
with 3D Matrix Metering II, determines an exposure by utilizing a
gradation of highlights, detects lost shadows, then reproduces them
after digital processing. Rather than simply expanding the dynamic
range, Active D-Lighting prevents images from looking flat through
localized tone control technology, and creates realistic contrast while
compensating lost shadows and highlights. Choose from Auto, Extra High,
High, Normal, Low or Off setting prior to shooting.

Electronic virtual horizon

An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects
inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. In Live View shooting,
virtual horizon is displayed in the LCD above the monitor image. It can
also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator
of the viewfinder.

UDMA-compatible memory card double slot

The CompactFlash (CF) card slots are UDMA-compatible for high-speed data
transfer. With the double slot, you can choose from Continuous
recording, Backup recording, and RAW + JPEG Separation recording
(records the same image in RAW and JPEG on different cards). You can
also copy the data from one card to another.

GPS Unit GP-1 Compatibility (optional)

GPS records shooting information such as latitude, longitude, altitude
and date of shooting. Coordinated with map information, you can create
an original map using images.

No word at the time of writing concerning the D3x's availability,
however Nikon have confirmed that the D3x will retail for $7999/pound
sterling5499/7728 at the point of release.

Nikon