Image Area Options
The D3 offers three image areas to choose from:
FX format (36.0 x 23.9 mm), DX format (23.5 x
15.6 mm), and 5:4 (30.0 x 23.9 mm). DX format
uses the center of the viewfinder and allows up
to 11-frames-per-second shooting speed. When a
DX NIKKOR lens is used, DX mode is automatical-
ly selected or can be manually selected through
Custom Settings with any AF NIKKOR lens.
Multiple Exposure
Like the D2XS before it, the D3’s in-camera mul-
tiple exposure images are fast and simple. Each
image can be adjusted to prevent overexposure,
ensuring optimum exposure for the final image.
Live View
The D3’s fast image-processing capacity
and large, high-definition, wide viewing
angle LCD add up to an entirely new level
of potential for professionals. Introducing
the new Live View function. Using the LCD
as your viewfinder, Live View is extremely
useful for still life photography in a studio,
where exact focus is crucial. Live View is
also useful for outdoor and other difficult
shooting situations when you cannot physi-
cally see your subject through the viewfind-
er. The D3 offers two modes: Tripod Mode
and Handheld Mode.
Tripod Mode with precision
Contrast-detect AF
Tripod Mode is ideal for still life photography
in a studio environment. The D3’s high-preci-
sion, Contrast-detect AF gives you faster and
more accurate focusing than manual focus,
with the actual image being captured on the
imaging sensor simultaneously confirmed on
a large, high-definition LCD for newfound cer-
tainty. And because the imaging sensor itself
works for AF detection, you can use a much
wider area than the 51-point autofocus areas,
for exceptionally sharp results. You can
also control focus and shutter release
from a personal computer via Camera
Control Pro 2.
Handheld Mode
In situations where you are unable to look
through the viewfinder, Handheld Mode can
be a great help. First, select your focus point
from the 51 points available, then use the
wide, 170-degree viewing angle to compose
easily, even if you’re holding your D3 over
the heads in a crowd.
31
• Lens: AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D • Image quality: 12-bit RAW (NEF) • Exposure: [M] mode, 1/160
second, f/25 • White balance: Preset manual • Sensitivity: ISO 200 • Picture Control: Neutral
Compose and shoot without
looking through the viewfinder.
5:4
FX format
DX format
Live View offers two
modes — Tripod Mode
and Handheld Mode —
accessible through the
LCD monitor.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED • Image quality:
JPEG Fine • Exposure: [M] mode, 1/200 second, f/8
• White balance: Cloudy • Sensitivity: ISO 200 • Picture
Control: Standard
©Joe McNally
Active D-Lighting
When shooting in high-contrast
lighting situations, the new
Active D-Lighting feature can
be a tremendous help. Once
the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
detects large highlight areas
within the frame, the D3 first
compensates for underexpo-
sure, then exposes the image
while digitally simulating a
partial dodge effect. This way,
both shadowy and bright areas
are more pleasantly detailed
and exposed. Instead of simply broadening
the dynamic range to show shadow details,
Active D-Lighting maintains desired contrast
for more attractive images. You can apply
this function prior to shooting, with four
strength levels.
In-Camera Image Edit
Subsequent to shooting, try the image
editing effects shown in the menu display
below. Edited images are stored as a new
file, separate from the original.
Active D-lighting Off
Active D-lighting On (Normal)
Extra reach for y our photography
Experience invisible assistance
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED • Image quality: JPEG Fine
• Exposure: [A] mode, 1/50 second, f/8 • White balance: Cloudy • Sensitivity:
ISO 200 • Picture Control: Standard
©Joe McNally
*Taken in Manual focus mode.
© Noriyuki Yuasa
