Nikon D3

Nikon D3 is Nikon's Pro DSLR digital camera originally released on April of 2008. The camera houses a 12MP, CMOS Full frame sized sensor and has a max resolution of 4256 x 2832.

Nikon brought out the fresher Nikon D3S (Read Full Comparison) to update this model.

The D3 ranks at #16 out of 35 in Pro DSLR cameras and over all #340 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should check out our Advanced camera search to see camera results based on your personal requirements.

The following is a chart of specific factors used in the rating system.

The Nikon D3 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can view the detailed range below.

You can see the D3 from different angles in the gallery here.

Below is a list of positives and negatives of the Nikon D3 based on factors that are normally considered important in a digital camera.

The Nikon D3 houses the Expeed chip. The spec of the sensor on the Nikon D3 is 36mm x 23.9mm (Full frame). The 860 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4256 x 2832 pixels at aspect ratios of 5:4 and 3:2.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 12 megapixels and delivers a standard ISO range of 200 to 6400. This ISO can also be expanded digitally to 100 to 25600. RAW format is supported so the user has wider room to maneuver in post.

The picture below shows the D3's sensor dimensions when compared to other popular sizes. The D3 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1 and is highlighted in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Nikon D3 has a weight of 2.87 lb (1,300 gr or 45.86 ounces) and the sizing of the camera is 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5"). The weight of typical Pro DSLR camera is 1,280 gr and the Nikon D3 is very much the same compared with other rivals.

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The following is a visual of the Nikon D3 with a soda so you're able to have a sense of its scale.

The top view here will highlight the button layout on the D3.

The D3 fits the Nikon F mount and has 315 lenses to pick from. Below is a small number of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the D3.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8 ED-IF28-70mmf/2.8 935g

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM30mmf/1.4 430g

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Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical IF17-50mmf/2.8 570g

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR16-80mmf/2.8-4.0 480g

Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC18-200mmf/3.5-5.6 400g

Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F85mmf/1.4480g

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Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G270-200mmf/2.8-22 1500g

The D3 has the following connectivity:

• USB Yes
• HDMI Yes
• GPS Yes

Digital cameras that contain NFC or Bluetooth support are able to be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to copy images and at times alter camera settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.

Several applications even allow a Liveview and hit the shutter if you are not near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external display. Almost all cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB port.

Nikon D3 does not record video. If you are shopping for a digital camera to take only photos, this might not be an issue.

Nikon D3 provides weather proofing making it a fantastic selection to use for challenging environments. This can be especially beneficial whenever you are not sure about the conditions you may encounter for outdoor photography.

The Nikon D3 is equipped with a 3" fixed display screen boasting a resolution of 922k dots.

Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen. The D3 also includes a Top screen so its possible to instantly see camera settings.

Photography Glossary

The ViewFinder specs regarding Nikon D3 are as follows:

• ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
• ViewFinder Coverage 100 percent
• ViewFinder Magnification 0.7x

In those bright outdoor conditions which make the camera displays washed out and tough to view, viewfinders are quite valuable.

Nikon D3 has the capability to shoot continuously at 11.0 fps. The max shutter speed is 1/8000 seconds.

Nikon D3 includes external flash support but is lacking integrated flash. The maximum flash sync speed is 1/250 seconds.

Nikon D3 includes both Phase Detect AF and Contrast Based AF. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier and precise when compared with Contrast Based focusing.

The AF system supports 51 focus points to choose from. It also comes with Tracking AF for objects that move. Nikon D3 has got manual focusing in case it is needed for low light scenarios or you want more accurate control on focusing.

The battery pack in the Nikon D3 is made to last for 4300 shutters based on the CIPA benchmarks making it above the usual for its category. The usual Pro DSLR camera battery life is 2438. Nikon D3X has got the maximum (4400) battery life for this category of cameras.

Underneath is a number of Pro DSLR cameras that come with the strongest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth

Nikon D3X
D3 vs D3X4400 yesnono

Nikon D34300 yesnono

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Nikon D3S
D3 vs D3S4200 yesnono

Nikon D5
D3 vs D53780 yesnono

Nikon D6
D3 vs D63580 yesnoyes

The following diagram shows a rundown of the Nikon D3 for varying kinds of photography. To check out more, go to the specific paragraph below.

The Nikon D3 gets a points total of 63 which is very good, meaning that it is a fine fit for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor specs, support for RAW photos together with the option to work with external lighting.

Getting a decent score of 54, the Nikon D3 is relatively acceptable to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of image quality and portability.

A above average sports photography rating of 65 means the Nikon D3 is a respectable fit for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs good tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

Size is very important in choosing a camera for travel. All things considered, the Nikon D3 gets a reasonable 51 for a travel camera which makes it reasonably adequate for your holidays.

For anyone looking to choose a digital camera for landscape photography, the most vital factor will no doubt be image quality. The Nikon D3 at it's above average grade of 67 for a landscape camera is a respectable choice within the current marketplace.

A vlogging camera preferably should offer a moving display screen, microphone input and if possible image stabilization. Considering all things, the Nikon D3 is not acceptable as a vlog camera as it gets a dreadful rating of 9.

If you are looking for replacements to the D3, below is a collection of the highest ranked cameras that fall in to the family of Pro DSLR.

The graph just below offers you a bird's eye view of the D3 versus it's top scored rivals shown above.

These are various other cameras you may see as alternatives. To look at a thorough comparison, click the "compare" link.