Nikon D3 and D700 can switch between DX (24×16mm) and FX (36×24mm) modes to accommodate different lens formats. If “Auto DX Crop” is enabled, the camera will automatically adjust the picture angle (field of view) to DX format when a DX lens is attached, and to FX format if a 35mm format lens is attached.
Obviously, the DX format can use only the pixels in the center of the FX frame on the FX DSLRs. For Nikon D3 and D700, it is 5MP. This is indeed a lot fewer pixels compared to a DX format DSLR such as Nikon D300, but you enjoy the superior picture quality throughout a wider ISO sensitivity range attributed to larger pixel size that yields a higher signal-to-noise ratio and wider dynamic range. Therefore users can actually take advantage of the DX mode when you only need or have the center area of the frame even with a FX format lens. Example of such situation is when your subject is too far away to fill the FX frame. Not only you have smaller file size to handle, but also you don’t need to crop every photo to remove unnecessary pixels. Read More…
Nikon’s flagship Digital SLR camera is reviewed by Bjørn Rørslett. Read it here. This is a great review that is totally different compared to the typical DPReview reviews. It has a comparison of DX vs. FX sensor format using Nikon D300 and D3 I found very interesting.
Posted in
Digital SLR Cameras on January 1st, 2008.
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Perhaps you have heard about the well known photographers who have been using the professional Nikon D3. Evidently that is part of the Nikon’s grassroots marketing strategy. Rob Galbraith has a collection of full resolution D3 photos at various ISO settings from 200 to 25600 (insane!) taken by professional photographers and shows you how capable the Nikon D3 is. His overall impression on the high ISO performance comparison between the D3 and Canon 1D Mark III:
… while there are differences in the appearance of image graininess – Canon’s grain pattern is tighter – there’s no doubt that the D3 produces a less noisy, higher quality file at ISO 3200 and beyond. This is an incredible achievement on Nikon’s part.
However, it appears the Canon EOS 1D Mark III still shines, perhaps due to its resolution advantage:
On the other hand, EOS-1D Mark III files at any ISO – especially CR2s processed through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional – are generally slightly crisper and more detailed …
I am happy to see a Canon vs. Nikon duel like this. This is market force at its best. Consumers will benefit.
Posted in
Digital SLR Cameras on November 17th, 2007.
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There are many articles and opinions about the soon-to-be-released Nikon D3 you can find on the internet but only a few lucky (and good) photographers have had the opportunity to actually use the D3 on a daily basis. Photographer Dave Black spent past three months using the D3 in a variety of shooting situations. Check out this pair of articles: Workshop at the Ranch – New Nikon D3, and On the road – Traveling with Nikon D3. The first article is about sports photography using Nikon D3 at high ISO settings. The second one is about landscape photography and lightpaintings.
While doing research on the D3, I found another photography, Cliff Mautner, also had the chance to shoot the D3 as the only wedding/portrait photographer in the country to have been given the opportunity. Check out the experience and the photos.
Posted in
Digital SLR Cameras on November 1st, 2007.
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According to Nikon Japan press release (English translation), the following sales date are set for Nikon D3, D300, some high end lenses, softwares, and accessories.
- November 23rd, 2007: Nikon D300, Camera Control Pro 2, Capture NX 1.3.
- November 30th, 2007: Nikon D3, Wireless transmitter WT-4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED, AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F2.8G ED VR.
- January, 2008: AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F4G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F4G ED VR.
As a sale commemoration and a show of being gratuitous, Nikon will conduct a promotion campaign that offers the first 300,000 buyers of D3 and D300 worldwide a free copy of Capture NX 1.3.
Posted in
Digital SLR Cameras on October 31st, 2007.
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