Autofocus system
The D3 covers the frame like never before
with the world's largest number*
1
of AF
detection areas. These 51 points create a
dense net of focusing strength. This means
faster focus acquisition, even with quick
and/or erratic subject movement. The 15
points that occupy the all-important center of
the frame utilize cross-type sensors, for even
more powerful detection. Most important,
all 15 cross-type sensors retain the same
outstanding level of performance with any
AF NIKKOR lens f/5.6 or faster*
2
– in other
words, all of your AF NIKKOR lenses can take
full advantage of cross-type accuracy.
In order to make the most of all 51 AF points,
the D3 offers three AF area modes: Single-
point AF, Dynamic-area AF, and Auto-area AF.
All three options are available using either
51 AF points or the classic 11. Single-point
AF ensures that an important element in the
composition will be sharply focused,
such as the eyes in a character portrait.
Simply select a single AF point out of the 51
available and the D3 will concentrate all its
focusing power on that spot. With Dynamic-
area AF, you can select from several focusing
options, utilizing 9, 21 or all 51 points. Just
select a single AF point as priority, and the
areas surrounding your selected point serve
as backup – a real advantage when shooting
moving subjects. For more compositional
shooting, try either the 9- or 21-point options.
For subjects with extremely fast or erratic
movement, the 51-point option will be your
choice. Plus there is 3D-Tracking mode, which
also uses 51 points. 3D-Tracking makes the
most of the Scene Recognition System's
subject-tracking information, accurately
tracking the subject by selecting a new focus
point to significantly improve your fix on
moving subjects. The Auto-area AF specializes
in focusing on people, automatically detecting
and prioritizing skin tones with all 51 points.
Professional photographers have demanded
more-refined AF accuracy. Therefore, the
D3 lets you apply the same amount of AF
compensation regardless of which AF points
or lenses you use. You can also make lens-
specific individual adjustments for up to 20
registered lens models.
19
51
-point AF performance – consistently sharp
15 cross-type sensors perform
with any AF NIKKOR f/5.6 or
faster lens
Nikon's classic 11 AF points
are still readily available.
Single-point AF mode
Dynamic-area AF mode using 9 points
Dynamic-area AF mode using 21 points
Dynamic-area AF mode using 51 points
Dynamic-area AF mode using
3D-Tracking
Wide area coverage with 51 AF points
Autofocus Fine Tune
is easily accessible
through the D3's menus
51 AF points – a world-first
Versatile AF area modes
Autofocus Fine Tune
©Joe McNally
l
New Multi-CAM 3500FX AF module offers a network of 51 strategically placed AF points,
for outstanding coverage
l
Selected areas work together to capture a variety of moving subjects with incredible
speed and precision
l
Razor-sharp images for fast-moving subjects that were previously difficult to focus
©Joe McNally
©Joe McNally
©Mattias Klum
©Dave Black
Note: In Dynamic-area AF mode, only the active focus point is displayed
in the viewfinder.
*1 Among digital SLRs, as of August 23, 2007.
*2 With some lenses used in combination with Nikon Teleconverters,
three points on the top and three on the bottom may function as
line sensors under certain conditions, even if maximum effective
aperture is f/5.6. For details, see Function Compatibility Chart on
page 37 (note 8).
