Nikon D3X Review

25 Megapixels25 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexLevel: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveManual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts Compact Flash memory.Accepts Compact Flash memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Nikon D3X Introduction

The Nikon D3X is the flagship Digital SLR from Nikon. It boasts a 25 megapixels image sensor, the highest resolution among full-frame models, with 5 FPS output and a sensitivity range extensible to ISO 50-6400. As expected from a professional camera, the D3X has a 100% coverage viewfinder, weather-sealed body and dual-control dials.

This large DSLR includes a built-in vertical grip with its own shutter-release and dual control-dials. The large viewfinder features an internal shutter to prevent light from entering during long exposures. The D3X has dual Compact-Flash slots and a comes with a dual-battery charger for its Lithium-Ion battery.

This review takes a close look at the Nikon D3X in terms of features, ergonomics, usability, performance and image quality.




Nikon D3X Key Features

Sensor

  • 24 Megapixels Full-Frame CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100-1600 Standard sensitivity
  • Expanded ISO 50, 3200-6400
  • Customizable Auto ISO parameters
  • JPEG, RAW or JPEG+RAW Output

Exposure

  • PASM Exposure modes
  • 1/8000s-30s Shutter-speed, plus Bulb
  • EC, ±5 EV, 1/2, 1/3 or 1 EV steps
  • Matrix (Multi-Segment), Center-Weighed, Average & Spot metering
  • AEB, 2-9 Frames, ±1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
  • AE, AE & Flash, Flash, WB bracketing
  • ½, 1/3 or 1 EV Exposure steps
  • Exposure fine-tuning, ±1 EV, 1/6 EV steps

Focus & Drive

  • 51-Point autofocus, 15 cross-type
  • Center, Single-Point or Auto focus-point
  • Single-Shot, Continuous or Manual focus-drive
  • Contrast-Detect autofocus during Live-View
  • 5 FPS Continuous Drive, Max 70 JPEG or 34 RAW
  • Self-Timer, 2, 5, 10 or 20s
  • Mirror-Up and Exposure-Delay
  • Wired remote terminal
  • Multiple-Exposure, 2-10 shots, optional gain
  • Interval-Timer, 1-9 shots, 1-999 times of 1s-24h
  • Optional Autofocus Fine-Tuning

Images Parameters

  • Automatic, Preset, Kelvin and Custom white-balance
  • White-Balance fine-tuning, 2-axis, 13-steps
  • 4 Built-In Picture Control modes
  • Automatic or Manual Sharpness, 10 steps
  • Automatic or Manual Contrast, 7 steps
  • Manually Adjustable Tone-Curve, 3 levels
  • Automatic or Manual Saturation, 7 steps
  • Manually Adjustable Hue, 7 steps
  • Optional High-ISO Noise Reduction, 3 levels
  • Optional Long Shutter Noise Reduction
  • Optional In-camera Vignetting-Correction
  • Optional Active D-Lighting (ADL), 4 levels

Viewfinder & Displays

  • 100% Coverage viewfinder, 0.7X magnification
  • Built-in viewfinder shutter
  • 3" LCD, 920K Pixels
  • Illuminated top and read LCD status displays
  • Single-Axis Digital-Level
  • Optical DOF-Preview

Controls

  • One shutter-release per grip
  • Lockable vertical shutter-release
  • Dual control-dials on each grip
  • Metering mode dial
  • Combined configurable AE-L/AF-L button
  • Independent AF-On button on each grip
  • Independent AEB button
  • Modeless exposure modes
  • Modal drive-mode dial
  • Customizable Function button
  • Customizable DOF-Preview button

Body & Construction

  • Nikon FX lens mount
  • Weather-sealed, resistant to dust and moisture
  • Integrated horizontal and vertical grips
  • Durable magnesium frame
  • Hot-Shoe for external lighting
  • Microphone for voice annotations
  • Metal tripod mount
  • 1080i HDMI output
  • Dual Compact Flash memory card slots
  • Proprietary Lithium-Ion battery
  • Connector for optional GPS unit
  • NTSC/PAL Audio/Video output
  • DC Input connector
  • USB 2.0 connector
Nikon D3X

Nikon D3X Capability - What can it do?

As the top-of-the line professional full-frame DSLR from Nikon, the D3X unsurprisingly is suitable for all types of photography and has a rich feature set with plenty of customization options. Actually, it is easier to say what the D3X does not do rather than what it does:

  • There is no built-in flash. Instead, it supports external lighting via a standard Hot-Shoe and Sync-Port.
  • It does not have a dust-reduction mechanism. There is probably a technical reason for this but someone has to clean the sensor even for small dust particles.
  • At 1.2kg (2.5 lbs), over 15cm (6") tall and wide, the D3X certainly does not afford discretion.

As one expects for this level of DSLR, the Nikon D3X has full manual-controls including program-shift and bulb mode, numerous white-balance settings including custom and Kelvin temperature, white-balance fine-tuning along 2 axis, sophisticated focus control including manual focusing, choice of metering patters, bracketing, a 100% coverage viewfinder, dual-controls dials and a huge number of external controls in a weather-sealed body.

Nikon D3XA 24 megapixels CMOS sensor lets the D3X capture images which can be printed at 18" x 24" with utmost quality. The high-resolution sensor has a standard ISO range for 100 to 1600 and can shoot continuously at 5 FPS for up to 70 JPEG images or 34 RAW files. The ISO range can be expanded to 50-6400. The downside of such high pixel-density is reduced sensitivity and frame-rate compared to cameras like the 12 megapixels Nikon D3S
Nikon D3S
which reaches a whopping ISO 102400 and 9 FPS.

The Nikon D3X includes a number of high-end features not found in all professional DSLRs:

  • Auto Exposure Bracketing up to 9 frames with 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV increments.
  • Multiple-Exposure: Up to 10 frames with optional auto-gain.
  • Interval-Timer: Up to 9 shots at up to 999 intervals of between 1s and 24 hours, starting up to 23:59 minutes later.
  • Built-in Viewfinder Shutter to prevent stray light from entering the camera during long exposures.
  • Built-in Microphone for voice-annotation of images.
  • Dual Compact-Flash slots with overflow, backup and format separation modes.
  • Image Authentication signing. Adds a signature to images so that they can be verified as authentic later.
  • Autofocus Fine-Tuning. Allows individual lenses to be adjusted for front or back focus in ±20 steps.
  • Digital-Level, single axis, called Virtual Horizon. Displayable on rear color LCD or in the viewfinder.

Nikon D3X Usability - How easy is it to use?

This full-frame DSLR is designed for the professional photographer who is not afraid to carry something heavy and bulky for all the convenience that comes along. This is a plus-size DSLR that includes a vertical grip that accounts for its unusual height.

The second grip allows for more comfortable portrait-orientation shooting. It obviously adds a second shutter-release which is easy to accidentally trigger while shooting in landscape orientation due to its very soft halfway point, just like the other one. Thankfully, Nikon make the vertical release lockable. The vertical grip includes dual control-dials and a customizable AF-On button. It can be set to AE-L, AF-L or both instead of triggering AF. There is no EC button on that grip, which is something we wish the AF-On button could be programmed for.

Nikon D3X Grip ControlsThe Nikon D3X can be held firmly thanks to a comfortably sculpted main grip. The shutter, dual control-dials, Mode and EC buttons are all within easy reach while holding the camera in landscape orientation. The vertical grip does not afford the same level of ease since its control-dials are placed further from the release. Still, it is less tiresome than holding such a heavy camera vertically using the main grip.

As mentioned, the D3X uses a Mode button rather than dial. To change modes, the button is held down while rotating the rear control-dial. This cycles through Program, Shutter-Priority (S), Aperture-Priority and Manual exposure modes. Manual is also used to access Bulb (B) and Flash-Sync (X) modes by selecting a special shutter-speed value.

Behind the the grip controls is a large status LCD. A flick of the power-switch illuminates it and the small status LCD at the back of the camera as well. Conveniently, the top status display shows the number of shots remaining and loaded memory card even when the camera is off.

Nikon D3X Grip ControlsThere are direct controls for every commonly used setting distributed all around the camera body. The rear status LCD, located below the 3" color display, is used to change ISO, Image Quality and WB. On either side of it are the microphone and voice-annotation button. Image Quality can select between RAW, TIFF, JPG or RAW+JPEG formats with JPEG available in 3 different sizes independently.

A 3" LCD with 920K pixels is found on the rear of camera. It has reasonable visibility, an excellent viewing angle and appears very sharp. The anti-reflective coating is only mildly effective though, so it can wash out under bright light. Reviewing images is a breeze except that the Pan & Zoom function works in an unusual way. Instead of zooming first and panning at that zoom level, these actions are done by moving and sizing a viewing rectangle. The 8-way controller moves it around and the rear control-dial adjusts its size. When the zoom button is released, the area is zoomed to fit the LCD display. This only takes a little time to get accustomed to but is quite efficient.

Nikon D3X Left Rear ControlsTo the left of the main display, a number of buttons, including the Zoom button, are found. Most of them serve a single function and are intuitively labeled. One oddity to see there is an OK button which is separate from the directional controller as it is on almost every other digital camera.

Speaking of all theses buttons, they are all well-sized, easy to press and quite responsive. The button labeled with a key is Protect which prevents an image from being deleted unless the memory card is formatter. Play works just as expected and the camera is Shooting-Priority, meaning that a half-press of any shutter brings it instantly back to shooting mode.

The other side of the main display is busy too but leaves plenty of room to hold the camera well. Part of the rear plate is occupied by the memory card compartment door. Opening it is fiddly. A hard plastic flap must first be lifted and then a round button behind it most be pressed. Care must be taken not to block the door while doing so which is all too easy. Needless to say, this memory compartment is not about to open accidentally.

Nikon D3X Right Rear ControlsBoth rear control-dials and both AF-On button are located close to the camera edges. The dials have click points to prevent accidental changes and good ridges move them without slipping. The lower one is slightly recessed with makes it a little more difficult to use with gloves on.

Close to the main display is the 8-way controller which moves around the focus in shooting mode. Due to the number of focus-points in the D3X, the active one can be moved individually or as a group representing an area. Since the 8-way controller is relatively soft, there is a lock around it which is used to lock focus in place. Just below is a 3-way rotating switch to select the AF Point-Selection mode between Center, Manual and Automatic.

Above the directional controller is the customizable AE-L/AF-L button. By itself, it can be assigned one of 16 functions:

  1. Depth-Of-Field Preview
  2. Flash Value Lock
  3. AE/AF Lock
  4. AE Lock Only
  5. AE Lock with Reset On Release
  6. AE Lock Hold
  7. AF Lock Only
  8. AF-On
  9. Flash Off
  10. Bracketing Burst
  11. Matrix Metering
  12. Center-Weighed Metering
  13. Spot Metering
  14. Virtual Horizon
  15. Playback
  16. Top My Menu item

These same functions can be assigned to the DOF Preview and Function buttons. AF-On can be assigned functions one from functions 3 to 8. Additionally a separate function can be assigned when the button is used in conjunction with a control-dial. Note that to access the Virtual Horizon (Digital Level) one of these buttons much be assigned to it. When the button assigned to Digital Level is pressed, the viewfinder shows a tilt indicator in place of the exposure meter. This is somewhat awkward since the button must be held while adjusting camera tilt.

Nikon D3X Lens ControlsNikon D3X Prism ControlsThe focus mode is controlled by a 3-way switch next to the mount. Three options are available: Single-Shot (AF-S), Continuous (AF-C) and Manual (MF). There is another 3-way switch on the side of the viewfinder prism that selects a metering mode. The three options are Matrix, Center-Weighed and Spot. Center-Weighed is configurable with different sizes of centers or as average metering, meaning equal weight is given to the center and surrounding area.

Nikon D3X Prism ControlsThe final controls of the Nikon D3X are on top of the camera to the left of the prism .A locked rotating dial controls the drive mode, offering a choice of single-shot, high-speed and low-speed continuous, live-view, self-timer and mirror up. Above the drive-mode dial are three buttons to use with control-dials: Bracketing, Flash and Lock.

To set bracketing the front control-dial selects the increment size while the rear control-dial selects the number of shots. Both Flash and Lock use the rear control dial to cycle between options. Lock is used to lock exposure parameters from changes.

Overall, ergonomics of the Nikon D3X are great once you get past the size and weight of this DSLR. The main grip is perfectly ergonomic and most buttons are easy to reach and perform their function with surprises. There are plenty of buttons - many of them customizable - to provide access to all important photographic controls. There are so many buttons that accessing the menu system is rarely required. Assuming the Virtual Horizon function was assigned to a button, the only function from the menu that may be accessed more than rarely is the self-timer duration.

Nikon D3X
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com
By Neocamera on 2011-09-28

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Photography Store Banner
  • BH Photo Banner
  • Essential Photo Banner
  • Amazon Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Nikon D3X Highlights

Nikon D3X
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 36 x 24mm

Full-Frame Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

25 Megapixels DSLRISO 50-6400
Nikon F Mount
1X FLM
Shutter 1/8000-30s
100% Coverage
Extra Large Viewfinder
Full manual controls, including Manual Focus
1 Axis Digital LevelCustom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
WeatherproofSpot-Metering
5 FPS Drive, 70 ImagesHot-Shoe & Sync-Port
3" LCD 920K PixelsLithium-Ion Battery
Compact Flash x 2
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.