Nikon has announced the D3x, its latest high-resultion professional DSLR. Sporting an imaging sensor with double the number of photosites of the popular D3, the 24.5 megapixel D3x includes similar features such as a 3.0", 920,000 dot LCD monitor with Live View, 51-point autofocus, EXPEED image processing and HDMI output. To keep up with the demands of stock photography the camera produces 50MB 14-bit RAW files that can be processed to produce 140MB TIFFs. It also supports Nikon’s wireless system and is compatible with Nikon’s new GP-1 GPS unit.

Nikon Sets New Standard For Professional D-SLRs

Introducing the 24.5MP D3X.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 December 2008 - Nikon Europe today introduced its new top-of-the-range D-SLR, the D3X. Building on the reliability, handling and durability of the award-winning D3, the D3X offers an imaging sensor with far higher resolution than its counterpart, breaking new ground in imaging quality. The all-new 24.5MP CMOS sensor makes the new camera eminently suitable for the broadest range of shooting situations, both in the studio and on location, and will be especially appreciated by uncompromising photographers in nature photography, studio work and fashion.

“This is the camera that many professional photographers have been waiting for,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. “Just as the D3 has become the professionals’ camera of choice in sports photography, the D3X’s extremely high imaging resolution will raise the bar for commercial, fashion and stock photography. The results speak for themselves: this is without doubt our highest-quality camera to date.”

The World is Your Studio
The D3X boasts a specially-developed FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12-channel readout, gapless micro lens array and on-chip noise reduction. It delivers class-leading levels of continuous shooting speed and noise management at higher sensitivities without sacrificing detail.

The D3X supports a broad ISO range from ISO 100-1600, extendable down to ISO 50 and up to 6400 equivalent with up to 5 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, or 7 fps in the 10MP DX-crop mode. The acclaimed Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point autofocus system enables extremely accurate single-point accuracy with outstanding dynamic tracking for fast moving subjects in low light.

The camera’s LiveView function offers a smooth workflow option, perfect for studio work or other situations where the use of the viewfinder is impractical. The camera also delivers a superb response rate, with a start-up of just 12 milliseconds and 40ms shutter lag. The Kevlar/carbon fibre composite shutter has been designed for intensive professional needs and tested to 300,000 cycles.

Images with the X factor
The D3X reaps the benefits of the very latest developments in sensor design and image processing technology. Designed to produce files suitable to meet the demands of tomorrow’s commercial and stock requirements, the camera produces 50MB 14-bit NEF (Raw) files. Using Capture NX2 software, NEF files can be processed into medium format terrain; 140MB (16-bit TIFF-RGB). Fine details are reproduced with incredible clarity, whilst shadows and highlights contain tonal gradation with minimal clipping for pictures with a unique look and feel.

Intuitive control
The D3X shares the same ergonomics and handling as the D3, which have been designed to enable anyone to get to work quickly and efficiently. The bright, uncluttered viewfinder features 100% coverage and comprehensive illuminated displays, while the high-definition, 3-inch, 920,000-dot VGA TFT monitor enables outstanding playback quality for on-the-spot image assessment. The D3X’s magnesium body, which is sealed for moisture and dust resistance, also supports Nikon’s wireless system (the WT-4), HDMI output, offers a dual slot for CF cards and is compatible with the new GP-1 GPS unit

Features:

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels
The D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing resolution. What’s more, we’ve optimized the pixel characteristics to provide a higher S/N ratio and wider dynamic range by securing a greater amount of light received by each pixel, thereby reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise.

Wide sensitivity range starting at ISO 100
At normal setting, the D3X offers a wide range of sensitivity — from ISO 100, suitable for stroboscopic setting in studio shoots, to ISO 1600. It realizes superior image quality with less noise at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings. What’s more, the sensitivity range can be increased by two stops (up to ISO 6400 equivalent) and decreased by one stop (down to ISO 50 equivalent), offering an even greater diversity of shooting possibilities. Auto sensitivity control is also available.

New EXPEED-based image processing
A new image processing system, based on Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED digital image processing and specially optimized for the D3X, provides superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system achieves precise color reproduction for the broadest spectrum of hues, plus vivid saturation and smooth gradation, conveying colors as you see them, even with the slight changes in color tones you perceive. Furthermore, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function, which was

High-speed performance meets the most rigorous professional demands
Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of 0.12 second and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 second*1*2. It delivers a continuous shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16)*2*3. Also, the D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed card that enables 35-Mbyte recording equivalent to the D3. The D3X is capable of recording approx. 7.1 MB (JPEG, image size L, NORMAL) of data captured in FX format at speeds of approx. 5 frames per second.

Realizing reliable auto control: Scene Recognition System
As with the D3, the D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well. The results are applied to control Autofocus, Auto Exposure, i-TTL Balanced Fill-flash and Auto White Balance, thereby achieving control of the highest.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, originally incorporated in the D3, offers proven outstanding performance. All 51 focus points, including the 15 cross-type sensors located at the center, are effective in all AF NIKKOR lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. Three AF-area modes — Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF — are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. Moreover, in Scene Recognition System, subject identification and tracking information is applied to improve subject acquisition performance in Dynamic-area AF mode and focusing accuracy for human subjects in Auto-area AF mode.

Superior durability
Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure light weight and rugged reliability. Strict O-ring sealing at critical connected parts effectively restricts dust and moisture.
The shutter unit, developed and manufactured by Nikon, employs a new material (carbon fiber/Kevlar® hybrid) for the shutter blades, guaranteeing excellent durability through 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with a shutter monitor.

High-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 920k­-dots (VGA), 170° wide-viewing angle and reinforced glass
The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high resolution of approx. 920k-dots (VGA). Enlarged playback images also appear in extremely high resolution for easy focus confirmation. The wide viewing angle of 170° makes it easy to check composition in Live View shooting for both high and low angles.

Two Live View modes available
In Handheld mode, which allows the frame to be recomposed prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still subjects and tripod stabilization; It allows focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area. Optional software Camera Control Pro 2 enables monitor focus and control shutter release from a computer. And optical Wireless Transmitter WT-4 enables wireless remote camera control and image transfer.

Picture Control System
Picture Control System offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. Choose one and use as is, or adjust image creation factors (Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue). Optional Picture Controls (Portrait, Landscape, D2XMODE I, D2XMODE II and D2XMODE III) are available at the Nikon website for downloading and installation to your camera.

Active D-Lighting — reproducing brightness as you see it
In settings with strong contrast, Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, determines an exposure by utilizing a gradation of highlights, detects lost shadows, then reproduces them after digital processing. Rather than simply expanding the dynamic range, Active D-Lighting prevents images from looking flat through localized tone control technology, and creates realistic contrast while compensating lost shadows and highlights. Choose from Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off setting prior to shooting.

Electronic virtual horizon
An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. In Live View shooting, virtual horizon is displayed in the LCD above the monitor image. It can also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator of the viewfinder.

UDMA-compatible memory card double slot
The CompactFlash (CF) card slots are UDMA-compatible for high-speed data transfer. With the double slot, you can choose from Continuous recording, Backup recording, and RAW + JPEG Separation recording (records the same image in RAW and JPEG on different cards). You can also copy the data from one card to another.

GPS Unit GP-1 (optional)GPS records shooting information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Coordinated with map information, you can create an original map using images.

Other features

• Lateral chromatic aberration reduction creates images with a clear periphery using original image processing technology to significantly reduce color aberrations
• Vignette Control effectively prevents reduction of light at the periphery
• Optical viewfinder achieves approx. 100%*4 frame coverage and 0.7x*5 magnification in FX format
• Three sensing areas: FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16), and 5:4 (30 x 24)
• Customizable function button
• Choice of black or white letters for shooting information display
• AF fine adjustment with professional standard of accuracy
• Compliant with HDMITM for high-definition image playback
• Lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge*6

*1: Based on CIPA Guidelines
*2: In 12-bit A/D conversion mode
*3: The maximum frame rate can be chosen using Custom setting d2 [Shooting speed]. The rate is tested under the following conditions: focus mode set to C, exposure mode set to S or M, shutter speed set to 1/250 sec. or faster, with other settings set to default. If VR is on when a VR lens is used, the indicated speed may not be attained. The maximum number of shots at the maximum frame rate is determined by the selected image size and quality. The frame rate slows when the memory buffer fills.
*4 Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal) in FX format, approx. 97% (vertical/horizontal) in DX format, approx. 100% (vertical) and approx. 97% (horizontal) in 5:4
*5 With 50mm f/1.4 lens set at infinity, -1.0m-1
*6 Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode; based on CIPA Standards

Additional images

Price: Rp.24,600,000.00




Take control of sound and vision with the DCR-VX2100 Digital Handycam® Camcorder. With the Advanced HAD™ progressive scan CCD technology, illumination is improved dramatically, delivering superior low-light performance without the use of infrared technology. With its CCD's increased sensitivity to light, the DCR-VX2100 can capture clearer, brighter video with more lifelike color, even when recording in dimly lit environments.
Its 58mm aspherical lens and dual-position neutral density filter minimize distortion of standard spherical lenses and compensate for varying lighting situations such as studio lights or direct sunlight. The VX2100 protects its enhanced optics package with a built-in lens cap. The camera also features manual audio control and PCM Digital Stereo Audio in 12 and 16-bit modes, a manual focus and manual zoom ring, built-in color bar generator, 16:9 wide screen recording capability, intelligent accessory shoe, both 12x optical and 48x digital zoom, advanced optical SteadyShot® picture stabilization and up to seven hours of operation with the optional NP-F960 InfoLithium® battery.

MiniDV Recording

Offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio, to provide stunning video performance.

3 CCD Imaging System

Each 1/3" CCD has 380,000 pixels for brilliant digital picture-quality.

530 Lines of Horizontal Video Resolution

Advanced HAD™ Megapixel CCD technology, combined with high-quality optics provide outstanding video performance with up to 530 horizontal lines of resolution.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick® Media

Capture digital still images at 640x480 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick® media for easy transfer to PC’s for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices.

Advanced HAD™ CCD Technology

Enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6db (2x better than a standard CCD). Particularly effective when shooting in dark situations.

12X Optical/48X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Aspherical Ground Glass 58mm Lens

Larger diameter allows more light to strike the Advanced HAD™ CCD imagers for greater detail and clarity, while the aspherical lens reduces optical distortion, and provide better corner-to-corner focus.

2.5" Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen™ LCD Display (211K Pixels)

Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "wash-out" common with traditional LCD Screens.

Manual Zoom Ring

Allows user operated manual zoom speed for more flexibility and control.

Precision Color Viewfinder (180K Pixels)

Increased pixel count provides more detail and clarity of video subjects.

Manual Shutter Speed

Gives you optimum control over the shutter speed based upon shooting environment or desired effect.

Manual Exposure Dial

Create your own special look by controlling the camera’s exposure amount manually, allowing in less or more light for creative control.

Stamina Power Management System 9 Hours (Using Optional NP-F960)

The Sony DCR-VX2100 can record for up to 9 hours or playback for up to 13 hours (with LCD screen off) on a single charge with the optional NP-F960

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System

Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony’s exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

Super SteadyShot Optical Stabilization System

An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot® System that minimizes even high frequency shake and vibration using motion sensors and an optical active prism stabilization system, for better performance even in difficult shooting situations.

i.LINK® DV Interface (IEEE1394)

A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.

Intelligent Accessory Shoe

Provides power, on/off and special operational commands to a variety of Sony Intelligent Accessories via an 8-pin interface. This enables easy synchronized operation between the Handycam® camcorder and such accessories as video lights, infrared lights and microphones without additional batteries or cables.

Progressive Shutter System

Mechanical shutter system that provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Product Specifications

Video

• Analog-to-Digital Converter : Yes (with Pass Through)
• Video Recording System : 2 Rotary Heads, Helical Scanning System
• Video Signal System : NTSC color, EIA standards

Weights and Measurements

• Dimensions (Approx.) : 4 8/11" x 6 4/15 "x 15 7/15" (120 x 159 x 393mm)
• Weight (Approx.) : 3 lbs 5 oz (1500g) including the hood and lens cap, 3 lbs 9 oz (1.6Kg) inc. NP-F330 rechageable battery pack and DVM60 cassette.

Hardware

• Docking Station : N/A
• Microphone : Yes (Built-in)
• Viewfinder : Color (180K Pixels, Precision)

General

• Imaging Device : 1/3" Advanced HAD™ CCD
• Pixel Gross : 380k
• Recording Media : MiniDV Cassette, Memory Stick® Media, Memory Stick Duo™ Media (sold separately)
• Recording and Playback Times : SP: up to 60 min., LP: up to 90 min.
• Still Actual : 340K Pixels
• Video Actual : 340K Pixels (per Imager)

Power

• Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-F330)
• Power Consumption : 4.0W/ 4.7W/ 5.0W (VF/LCD/VF LCD)
• Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Audio

• Dolby® Digital Output : PCM
• Recording Format : Stereo

Service and Warranty Information

• Limited Warranty : 1 Year

Convenience

• Accessory Shoe : Yes (Intelligent)
• Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : N/A
• Minimum Illumination : 1 Lux
• SteadyShot® Image Stabilization : Yes (Optical)
• Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG
• USB Streaming : N/A
• White Balance : Auto, Hold, Indoor, Outdoor

Convenience Features

• Digital Picture Effect(s) : Flash, Luminance Key, Old Movie, Still, Trail
• Easy Operation : End Search
• Fader Effect(s) : Dot Fader, Fader, Monotone, Overlap, Wipe
• Light/Flash : N/A
• Low Light Capability : N/A
• Movie Mode(s) : N/A
• Multiple Language Display : Yes
• PictBridge Compatible : N/A
• Picture Effect(s) : Black & White, Negative Art, Sepia, Slim, Solarize and Stretch
• Remote Control : Yes
• Scene Mode(s) : Aperture Priority, Low Lux Mode, Shutter Speed Priority, Sports Lesson, Sunset & Moon
• Slide Show Mode : Yes
• Titling : Yes

Optics/Lens

• 35mm Equivalent : 43.2-518.4mm (Camera Mode), 43.2-518.4mm (Memory Mode)
• Aperture : f1.6-f2.4
• Digital Zoom : 48X
• Exposure : Manual Dial (19 Steps)
• Filter Diameter : 58mm
• Focal Distance : 6.0-72mm
• Focus : Full Range Auto, Manual Ring
• Lens Type : Aspherical Ground Glass
• Optical Zoom : 12X
• Progressive Shutter Mode : Yes
• Resolution : VGA
• Shutter Speed : 1/4-1/10,000 (Manually Adjustable)

Display

• LCD Screen : 2.5" (211K Pixels Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen™ LCD Display)⁴

Inputs and Outputs

• Analog Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (Mini Plug)
• Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (Mini Plug)
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : N/A
• Digital Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)
• Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via i.LINK®)
• HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : N/A
• Headphone Jack : Yes (Stereo Mini)
• LANC Terminal : Yes (Stereo Mini)
• Microphone Input : Yes (Stereo Mini)
• Remote Jack : N/A
• S-Video Input(s) : Yes
• S-Video Output(s) : Yes
• USB Port(s) : N/A
• i.LINK® Interface : Yes