Nikon Unveils D3X DSLR

Nikon on Monday introduced the D3X, a new FX-format digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with 24.5 megapixel resolution. It will be available this month for US$7,999.95.

The D3X uses a CMOS sensor and a shooting speed of up to 5 frames per second. The D3X records in TIFF, JPEG or NEF (Nikon raw format) 12 or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and supports UDMA-compatible CompactFlash cards -- the fastest cards available.

The D3X features an ISO range of 100 to 1600, with a startup time of 0.12 seconds and a shutter release lag time of 0.04 seconds. It also features a "Scene Recogition System" which can refine auto-exposure, auto-white balance and autofocus calculations; "3D Color Matrix Metering II;" and "Active D-Lighting," which helps determine proper exposure and creates realistic contrast while simultaneously compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Other features include 51-point auto focus, 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that track and lock onto moving subjects.

The camera features an outer shell that's moisture, shock and dust-resistant; a self-diagnostic shutter system designed to exceed 300,000 cycles; a viewfinder with 0.7x magnification, 3.0-inch LCD display with 170 degree viewable angle, HDMI video output and 4400 shots-per-charge lithium ion battery.