Introduced in August 2007, the Nikon D3 is dedicated to professionals. This first full frame FX (23.9x36mm) Nikon camera incorporates an ultra-sensitive 12.1 CMOS sensor million pixels, with an extended sensitivity from ISO 200 to 6400, designed by Nikon and produced by a founder who is not not Sony. This sensor allows the use of DX format and even 5:4 (30 x 30 mm).
In addition, its Kevlar/carbon fiber composite shutter and EXPEED image processing engine allow shooting at 9 fps (11 fps in DX Crop mode). Its advanced scene recognition system guarantees perfect exposure, thanks also to Nikon's next-generation 51-point AF system, which offers extended coverage and high sensitivity in low light. Customizable optimization controls streamline integrated image processing, which saves time in post-production. Plus, its high-density LCD monitor 3-inch resolution (7.6 cm and 920,000 pixels) supports 2 live view modes (LiveView) plus output HDMI video. The durable housing is made of magnesium alloy and hermetically sealed and environmentally friendly, has also a double slot for CompactFlash TM UDMA cards and receives the EN-EL4a battery with improved autonomy. Finally The D3 can receive a WiFi module (WT-4) and is compatible with GPS and image authentication. All of these features allow Nikon to offer a single body replacement for the D2Xs and D2Hs.
the D3 was launched in November 2008 at around €5,000.

Nikon announced in November 2008 the Nikon D3x, a new high definition professional DSLR that joins the catalog in addition to the D3 and which comes to compete with the EOS 1Ds Mark III from Canon or the Alpha 900 from Sony which has the same sensor.
This new box has the SONY full-frame sensor of 24.5 million pixels, a definition twice superior to that of its elder D3, with which it shares almost all the characteristics.

By unveiling the Nikon D3, the Japanese manufacturer had surprised the world of photography by integrating into its high-end body a sensor of only 12.1 million pixels, a definition close to that offered on the input boxes of range. This low definition was nevertheless largely compensated by an ability to photograph in sensitivities never reached before, being able to climb up to ISO 6,400 native and even up to ISO 25,600 extended.

With a definition doubled and microsites therefore reduced by half, the Nikon D3x is aimed at other uses (studio, nature) and is more reasonable with a sensitivity ranging from 100 to 1600 ISO natively and from 50 to 6400 in extended mode. The 5fps frame rate is also slightly reduced compared to the D3. The D3x still generates raw files (RAW) of 16 MB allowing to obtain after development uncompressed 16-bit TIFF images of 140MB each.

Otherwise, the Nikon D3, D3s and Nikon D3x share the same specs, including the 51-point autofocus system or the 3-inch VGA screen.

Here is a reminder of its main specifications: