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Nikon D3 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Welcome to the FAQ section for the Nikon D3. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions about this camera, covering a wide range of topics such as its technical specifications, unique features, and how it compares to other models. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your Nikon D3. Browse through the questions below to find the information you're looking for.

Is the Nikon D3 also known by other names?

No, Nikon D3 is the only known name for this camera.

Who is the manufacturer of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 is manufactured by Nikon.

What are the SKU numbers for the Nikon D3?

No SKU numbers are available for the Nikon D3 on Cameraby.

What is the release year of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 was released in 2007.

What is the exact release date of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 was officially released on 2007-08-23.

What is the MSRP of the Nikon D3?

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Nikon D3 was 4,999.00 USD. The MSRP is the price that the manufacturer recommends the product be sold for in retail stores. It's important to note that the MSRP was set at the time of the camera's release, and actual market prices may vary based on factors such as demand, availability, and retailer pricing strategies over time.

What type of camera is the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 is a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera. DSLRs are known for their optical viewfinders, which provide a real-time view through the lens, and their robust build quality. They typically offer excellent battery life and a wide range of lens options. However, DSLRs are generally bulkier and heavier than other types of cameras, and their mirror mechanism can lead to slower continuous shooting speeds compared to mirrorless models.

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has a Full Frame sensor, approximately 36 x 23.9 mm, also known as 'FX'.

What is the sensor type of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 uses a CMOS sensor.

What is the resolution of the Nikon D3?

The resolution of the Nikon D3 is 4256 x 2832 pixels.

How many megapixels does the Nikon D3 have?

The Nikon D3 has a resolution of 12,1 MP, which equals 12,052,992 total pixels.

What image processor does the Nikon D3 use?

The Nikon D3 is equipped with the EXPEED image processor.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D3?

The ISO range of the Nikon D3 is 200-25600.

What are the white balance presets available in the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 comes with the following white balance presets: 12.

Does the Nikon D3 support custom white balance?

Yes, the Nikon D3 supports custom white balance. Custom white balance allows you to manually adjust the color balance of your images to match the lighting conditions of your environment. This is particularly useful in challenging lighting situations where the camera's automatic white balance might struggle, such as under mixed lighting or when the scene has a dominant color cast. By setting a custom white balance, you can ensure that your photos have accurate and consistent colors, reducing the need for extensive color correction during post-processing.

Does the Nikon D3 have image stabilization?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have image stabilization. Without this feature, you may need to take additional precautions to avoid camera shake, such as using a tripod or increasing the shutter speed. While many lenses and camera bodies without built-in stabilization can still produce sharp images, photographers might find it more challenging to capture clear shots in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths.

What is the CIPA rating for image stabilization on the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 does not have image stabilization, so a CIPA rating is not applicable.

What uncompressed formats are supported by the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 supports the following uncompressed formats: RAW.

Does the Nikon D3 have an autofocus motor?

Yes, the Nikon D3 is equipped with an autofocus motor. An autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects quickly and accurately, which is especially useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or achieving sharp focus in challenging conditions. With an in-camera autofocus motor, you can use lenses that do not have their own built-in motor, providing greater flexibility in lens choice. This is particularly beneficial for photographers who want to use older or third-party lenses that rely on the camera's motor for focusing.

What autofocus modes are available on the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 supports the following autofocus modes: Contrast Detect (sensor), Phase Detect, Multi Area, Selective Single Point, Single, Continuous, LiveView.

How many autofocus points does the Nikon D3 have?

The Nikon D3 has 51 autofocus points.

What lens mounts are compatible with the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 is compatible with the following lens mounts: Nikon F.

What is the focal length multiplier of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has a Full Frame sensor with no focal length multiplier. For example, a 24 mm lens remains 24 mm, and a 50 mm lens remains 50 mm.

Does the Nikon D3 have an articulated LCD?

The Nikon D3 has an articulated LCD with Fixed. An articulated LCD provides greater flexibility in composing shots, allowing you to tilt or rotate the screen to achieve the best viewing angle, whether you're shooting from above, below, or even around corners. This feature is particularly useful for vlogging, selfies, or capturing creative angles. There are different types of articulated screens, such as tilting, fully articulating (flip-out), or vari-angle screens. This flexibility can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in challenging or dynamic environments.

What is the screen size of the Nikon D3?

The screen size of the Nikon D3 is 3” inches.

How many screen dots does the Nikon D3 have?

The Nikon D3 has a screen with 922,000 dots.

Does the Nikon D3 have a touchscreen?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have a touchscreen. Without a touchscreen, you'll need to rely on physical buttons and dials to navigate menus and control the camera's settings. While this may be less intuitive for some users, it can offer a more tactile experience, which some photographers prefer. Additionally, physical controls can be more reliable in challenging conditions, such as in wet or cold environments where a touchscreen might not be as responsive.

What type of screen does the Nikon D3 have?

The screen type for the Nikon D3 is not available.

Does the Nikon D3 support Live View?

Yes, the Nikon D3 supports Live View. Live View allows you to compose your shots using the camera's LCD screen instead of the traditional optical viewfinder. This feature is particularly useful in situations where it might be difficult to use the viewfinder, such as when shooting at awkward angles or in video mode. Live View typically provides a real-time preview of your exposure, white balance, and depth of field, which can help you make precise adjustments before capturing the shot. Additionally, it often enables features like focus peaking and face detection, which can enhance your shooting experience. However, using Live View may consume more battery power and, in some cases, may slow down autofocus performance compared to using the viewfinder.

What type of viewfinder does the Nikon D3 have?

The Nikon D3 is equipped with a Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

What is the viewfinder coverage of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has a viewfinder with 100% coverage.

What is the viewfinder magnification of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has a viewfinder with 0.7× magnification.

What is the viewfinder resolution of the Nikon D3?

The viewfinder resolution information for the Nikon D3 is not available.

What is the frames per second (fps) rate of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 can shoot at 9 frames per second.

What is the minimum shutter speed of the Nikon D3?

The minimum shutter speed of the Nikon D3 is 30 seconds.

What is the maximum shutter speed of the Nikon D3?

The maximum shutter speed of the Nikon D3 is 1/8000 seconds.

Does the Nikon D3 have a built-in flash?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have a built-in flash. Without a built-in flash, you may need to rely on natural light, ambient lighting, or external flash units to illuminate your subject. While this requires additional equipment, it also offers greater control over lighting, allowing you to create more professional and dynamic lighting setups. External flashes typically offer more power, adjustable angles, and can be used off-camera for more creative lighting effects. Photographers who work in controlled environments or who prioritize image quality often prefer this approach to lighting.

What is the range of the built-in flash on the Nikon D3?

The built-in flash range for the Nikon D3 is not available.

Does the Nikon D3 support an external flash?

Yes, the Nikon D3 supports an external flash. Supporting an external flash allows you to achieve greater flexibility and control over your lighting, which is crucial for professional and creative photography. External flashes, often mounted on the camera's hot shoe or used off-camera, offer more power than built-in flashes and can be adjusted to modify the direction and intensity of light. This capability enables techniques like bounce flash, where light is reflected off surfaces to create softer and more natural lighting, reducing harsh shadows and producing more flattering results. Additionally, many external flashes support advanced features like high-speed sync, which allows for faster shutter speeds, and wireless triggering, which is ideal for complex lighting setups.

Does the Nikon D3 have a self-timer?

Yes, the Nikon D3 is equipped with a self-timer. A self-timer is a convenient feature that allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is taken, typically ranging from 2 to 10 seconds. This feature is particularly useful for group photos, where the photographer wants to be included in the shot, or for reducing camera shake in long-exposure shots by allowing the camera to stabilize before the shutter is released. Additionally, a self-timer can be used creatively in various scenarios, such as setting up shots that require the photographer to move into position after triggering the camera. It is a simple but valuable tool that enhances flexibility and creativity in photography.

Does the Nikon D3 support time-lapse photography?

Yes, the Nikon D3 supports time-lapse photography. Time-lapse photography is a creative technique that involves capturing a series of photos at set intervals over a period of time, which are then compiled into a video that shows the scene unfolding at a much faster rate. This feature is particularly useful for capturing events that occur slowly, such as a sunset, the movement of clouds, or the bustling activity of a city. Cameras that support time-lapse photography typically offer settings that allow you to control the interval between shots, the total duration of the shooting period, and the final playback speed of the video. This can greatly simplify the process of creating time-lapse videos without the need for external software or additional equipment. It’s a powerful tool for photographers and videographers looking to add dynamic visual content to their work.

What metering modes are available on the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 supports the following metering modes: Multi, Center Weighted, Spot.

What is the exposure compensation range of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has an exposure compensation range of +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps).

Does the Nikon D3 support video recording?

No, the Nikon D3 does not support video recording. Without video recording capabilities, the camera is limited to capturing still images only. While this might be sufficient for photographers who focus exclusively on photography, it does limit the camera's versatility. Photographers or content creators who require video functionality for vlogging, filmmaking, or recording events would need to rely on a separate device, such as a camcorder or a smartphone, to capture video. The lack of video support might be a drawback for users looking for a multi-functional camera that can handle both photography and videography.

What video formats are supported by the Nikon D3?

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What video resolutions are supported by the Nikon D3?

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Does the Nikon D3 have a built-in microphone?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have a built-in microphone. Without a built-in microphone, the camera is unable to capture audio when recording video, which can be a limitation for users who need to record both video and audio simultaneously. This means that if you need to capture sound, you will have to use an external audio recorder or a separate microphone. While this adds complexity to the setup, it also allows for greater flexibility in choosing audio equipment that matches your specific needs and ensures higher-quality sound. For those focused primarily on still photography or who use separate audio devices, the lack of a built-in microphone might not be a significant drawback.

Does the Nikon D3 have built-in speakers?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have built-in speakers. Without built-in speakers, you will need to use external headphones or transfer the video files to another device to check the audio playback. While this adds a step to the process, it also encourages the use of higher-quality audio monitoring tools, which can be more reliable than built-in speakers. This might not be a significant issue for photographers focused solely on still images, but for videographers, the lack of built-in speakers could be a minor inconvenience when trying to quickly assess audio on the go.

What memory card types are supported by the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 supports the following memory card types: Compact Flash.

Does the Nikon D3 have an HDMI output?

Yes, the Nikon D3 has an HDMI output. An HDMI output allows you to connect the camera directly to external displays, such as a monitor, TV, or projector, for viewing your photos and videos on a larger screen. This feature is especially useful for photographers and videographers who want to review their work in greater detail or present it to others without transferring files to another device. Additionally, HDMI outputs are often used in professional setups for live streaming, external video recording, or monitoring during shoots. With an HDMI connection, you can achieve high-quality, real-time video output, which is essential for precise framing, focus, and exposure control in critical situations.

Does the Nikon D3 have a microphone port?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have a microphone port. Without a microphone port, you'll need to rely on the camera's built-in microphone for audio recording, which may not deliver the best sound quality, especially in noisy environments or when capturing distant subjects. While the built-in microphone is convenient for basic recordings, it often picks up a lot of ambient noise and may not capture audio with the clarity and focus needed for professional video work. For those who require high-quality audio, the lack of a microphone port could be a significant drawback, necessitating the use of separate audio recording devices or post-production syncing.

Does the Nikon D3 have a headphone port?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have a headphone port. Without a headphone port, you won't be able to monitor audio in real-time during recording, which can make it more challenging to ensure that the sound quality is adequate. This could lead to audio issues going unnoticed until after the recording is complete, potentially requiring more extensive editing or reshoots. For casual users, this might not be a significant concern, but for professionals and serious content creators, the lack of a headphone port could be a limitation, as it reduces the ability to ensure precise audio capture during filming.

Does the Nikon D3 have wireless connectivity?

No, the Nikon D3 does not have wireless connectivity. Without wireless capabilities, you will need to rely on traditional methods such as USB cables or memory card readers to transfer your photos and videos to other devices. While this may not significantly impact your workflow, especially if you are accustomed to using cables, it does limit the convenience of quickly sharing and backing up your work while on the go. For photographers who value speed and efficiency in their workflow, especially when shooting on location or needing to transfer files immediately, the absence of wireless connectivity could be a notable drawback.

What is the wireless SKU for the Nikon D3?

Since the Nikon D3 does not have wireless connectivity, there is no wireless SKU available.

Does the Nikon D3 support remote control?

Yes, the Nikon D3 supports remote control. Remote control functionality allows you to operate the camera from a distance, which is particularly useful for situations like self-portraits, group photos, long-exposure shots, or wildlife photography where you need to avoid disturbing the scene. Depending on the camera, remote control can be achieved through various methods, such as dedicated remote triggers, smartphone apps, or even via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature enhances convenience and flexibility, enabling you to adjust settings, trigger the shutter, and review images without physically touching the camera, which helps to reduce camera shake and ensures sharper images.

What is the remote control SKU for the Nikon D3?

The remote control SKU for the Nikon D3 is not available.

Does the Nikon D3 have GPS?

Yes, the Nikon D3 has GPS. GPS functionality allows your camera to automatically tag the location of each photo you take with geographic coordinates, which is especially useful for travel photographers, journalists, and anyone who wants to keep a detailed record of where their photos were captured. This feature makes it easy to organize and search your photos by location in software like Lightroom or other photo management tools. GPS can also be beneficial for documenting trips, creating geo-tagged photo albums, and sharing location-specific content on social media. Additionally, GPS data can be used in post-processing to map your photos or integrate them with other geo-referenced media.

What is the GPS SKU for the Nikon D3?

The GPS SKU for the Nikon D3 is GP-1.

Is the Nikon D3 environmentally sealed?

Yes, the Nikon D3 is environmentally sealed. Environmental sealing is a critical feature for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions, such as in rain, snow, dust, or high humidity. This sealing helps protect the camera's internal components from moisture, dust, and other environmental hazards, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable performance even in harsh conditions. Environmentally sealed cameras are ideal for outdoor photography, including landscape, wildlife, and adventure photography, where the camera may be exposed to the elements. While no camera is completely waterproof without additional housing, environmental sealing provides peace of mind and durability, allowing you to focus on capturing great images without worrying about the weather.

What type of battery does the Nikon D3 use?

The Nikon D3 uses a Battery Pack battery.

What are the battery details for the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 battery details: EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

What is the battery SKU for the Nikon D3?

The battery SKU for the Nikon D3 is EN-EL4a.

What is the battery life of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 can take approximately 4300 shots according to CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) is an industry standard that provides a consistent way to measure and compare battery life across different camera models. These tests simulate real-world usage by including a mix of shooting, reviewing images, and using the camera's built-in flash. This is considered excellent battery life, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions without needing to recharge frequently.

What are the dimensions of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 has the following dimensions: width 160 mm, height 157 mm, depth 88 mm.

What is the weight of the Nikon D3?

The Nikon D3 weighs 1300 grams including the battery.

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby