Cameras: Nikon D3X Camera- Review – 29

October 13th, 2009 by D-Photo « Epson TX700 Printer – Review... | Casio Exlim EX-FC100 –... »

Nikon D3X 01

Nikon’s D3x is an exciting proposition for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons, writes professional photographer Gary Baildon

At around $18,000, interest in a D3x will be academic for most, perhaps something to buy when that elusive Lotto win finally happens. Yet there is a small but passionate group of professional and well-heeled amateur photographers to whom it represents good value.

But really, why fork out that sort of money for a camera that is going to fit half as many RAW files on your CompactFlash cards and double the strain on your computing power and storage systems?

The number one reason is glaringly obvious: the D3x produces absolutely stunning big files. Recent pro dSLRs have had plenty of file size for editorial and basic magazine advertising purposes, as had 35mm transparency film before it.

So if recent pro dSLRs were the new 35mm film, then the D3x is the new medium format, with the handling and convenience of 35mm.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

The benefits of having a new camera that fits seamlessly into your system are immeasurable. When the battery on D-Photo’s demo unit unexpectedly ran low (my fault), I discovered I was able to use the battery from my aging (in digital camera terms) D2xs and carry right on shooting.

Likewise, all of my lenses, speedlights and other accessories just hooked right up. Handling and functionality, while not identical, was so similar to my other Nikons that I never once reached for the manual. There will be a need for more (and bigger) CF cards in the very near future though.

HORSES FOR COURSES

There are many situations in my work where the 12 megapixel Nikons are more than up to the job, and there is nothing to be gained by doubling the data size of a job if you don’t need to.

Where the D3x would fit is in situations where the images will be produced as posters, billboards and so on. It is quicker and easier to use on location than a bulky, power-hungry digital back system, too.

A not so obvious benefit is in situations where the subject does not fill the frame well or you have a scissor-happy art director, and after a zealous cropping session far too many of your 12 megapixels end up in the desktop trash basket. This is where the D3x comes into its own; you are starting out with double the data so there is still plenty of resolution, even after significant cropping.

CONCLUSION

Do you or I really need a D3x? I can put my hand on my heart and say yes on totally defensible business grounds. However, if my primary income weren’t generated from photography I would be spending every waking hour thinking up a reason.

The camera is an exciting proposition for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons. In my view, the D3x can be likened to a desirable performance car, and many people are still buying those as they allow their hearts to rule their heads.

NIKON D3X – SPECS

Price: $18,229 (body only)
Manufacturer: Nikon
Model: D3x
Effective Pixels: 24.5 million
Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Storage Media: CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
Monitor: 3-inch LCD, approx 920,000 dots (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100 per cent frame coverage
Interface: USB
Dimensions: 159.5 x 157 x 87.5mm (H/W/D)
Weight: 1220g