Nikon D3x : the D3 with 24 megapixels

The new Nikon D3x introduced this morning is nothing but a Nikon D3, with the qualities that we all know, but this time with a 24-megapixel sensor (instead of 12). It can therefore be used pretty differently: landscape, studio, etc. All the apps for which the D3 sensor was insufficient will now benefit from the 24 megapixels offered by the newly-developed CMOS sensor of Nikon D3x.

This sensor can read signals on 12 channels, and has a new type of microlens which, according to Nikon, allows to better cover photodiodes. The pictures taken with the D3x will therefore be extremely detailed: RAW (NEF for Nikon) files of no less than 16 Mb which, once developed with Nikon Capture NX2, will make RGB TIFF files of 16 bits of 140 Mb. This gives you an idea of the quantity of information saved by this sensor.  

 

We know that the Nikon D3 with its Full Frame 12-megapixel sensor allows a great sensitivity up to 25 600 ISO in extended mode. Here the D3x, with 24 megapixels spread on its 24 x 36 mm surface (Nikon FX mount) is limited to 1600 ISO in standard mode, and the extended ISO mode allows to reach 6400 ISO.
These are two philosophies that will have to coexist in Nikon range of professional SLRs. It should also be noted that, as for continuous shooting, the D3x reaches a pretty fair 5 fps with 24 megapixels, but can be pushed up to 7 fps with a 10-megapixel resolution.

The D3x autofocus is the famous AF Multicam 3500 FX module with 51 collimators; everyone knows its high-quality features. The D3x offers a LiveView which can become handy especially in studios. Twin brother of the D3, the D3x still offers a 100% coverage, a beautiful 3" TFT VGA screen of 922 000 pixels, an HDMI port and is compatible with WT-4 wireless modules and the GPS GP-1 module.