The Nikon D3 is a 12-megapixel dSLR with a full-frame sensor (the same size as a 35mm frame of film) delivering excellent imaging with extremely low noise at outstanding ISO sensitivities. The D3 still retains the pro-level control and body design Nikon is known for.

The D3 is an all-around cameras with the burst speed to handle the demands of sports shooters and the ruggedness and image quality to satisfy news photographers and other professionals

The D3's grip is comfortably sculpted, the recessed groove on the inside lets your fingers wrap around and grip solidly.

The Nikon D3 has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body which includes a built-in vertical grip. The body is heavy--2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover.

All major controls can be set through buttons or dials on the D3 body, meaning you don't have to scroll through menus while shooting.

The key feature of the Nikon D3 is the full-frame sensor. Nikon has named this the FX format, as against the 1.5x field-of-view of the DX-format cameras.

The D3 with its' Full-frame sensor, weather-sealed body, very low noise, and extremely high ISOs, and fast frame rate is a well designed professional-level camera.

Summarized Specifications:
The Nikon D3 is a Single-lens reflex digital camera, with Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts.

The Image Sensor is a full frame 35mm CMOS sensor (36.0 x 23.9 mm), Nikon FX format with 12.1 effective Megapixels (12.87 total).

The monitor is a 3-in. LCD, with approximately 920,000 dots (VGA), has a 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, and provides 100% frame coverage.

The shutter is an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with speeds of 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; Bulb.

The release modes are:

• Single-frame mode
• Continuous Low-speed mode: 1-9 frames per second
• Continuous High-speed mode: 9 fps (9-11 fps with DX format)( With Continuous-servo Auto Focus, Single Frame or Mirror Up exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster; other settings are set at "Default" )
• Live View mode
• Self-timer mode (Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 3, 10 or 20 s)
• Mirror-up mode

The live view modes of the Nikon D3 are Handheld Mode and Tripod Mode. In Handheld mode there is TTL phase-detection Auto Focus with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors). In Tripod mode there is Contrast-detect Auto Focus on a desired point within a specific area.

The D3's playback functions include full-frame and thumbnail (4 or 9 images) playback with playback zoom, slide show, histogram display, highlight display, auto image rotation, image comment (up to 36 characters), and voice memo input and playback

Lenses and available functions:

• Using Type G or D AF Nikkor lenses on the D3 all functions are supported.
• Using a DX AF Nikkor lens all functions are supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size. The D3 can automatically adjust for the smaller circle of light on the sensor and limit the image to 5 megapixels.
• Using an AF Nikkor lens other than type G or D (excluding lenses for F3AF), all functions are supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II .
• With an AI-P Nikkor lens all functions are supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• Non-CPU AI Nikkor lenses can be used in exposure modes A and M.

The accessories supplied are:

• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
• Quick Charger MH-22
• USB Cable UC-E4
• Audio Video Cable EG-D2
• Camera Strap AN-D3
• Body Cap BF-1A
• Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
• Eyepiece DK-17
• Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
• USB Cable Clip
• Software Suite CD-ROM

(Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area)

Optional Accessories include:

• Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A
• Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M
• AC Adapter EH-6
• Capture NX Software
• Camera Control Pro 2 Software
• Image Authentication Software

The Nikon D3 FX Digital SLR Camera is an exceptional camera for the professional photographer.

Henry Hugo has always been interested in photography and is the webmaster/owner of http://www.CamerasPhotoDigital.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_C_Hugo

1. HD video capability. The other model does not have video. DSLR camera manufacturers have just begun to include the video capability in their DSLR cameras. And while the D3000 is a newer release, it does not have video.
2. Another reason to select the D5000 is the LCD panel, which is an articulating screen. It tilts and swivels to allow you to take photos from awkward positions and still be able to see the image before you snap the shutter.
3. Yet another advantage of the D5000 is "Live View". This is a feature that is common to point and shoot cameras, but it is not available on all DSLRs... yet. Live View is simply being able to see the image on the LCD panel without having to look through the Viewfinder. You can also select creative scene modes while using Live View - another advantage not available on the D3000.
4. Finally, the image sensor is larger on the Nikon D5000. It sports a 12.3 megapixel sensor as opposed to a 10 megapixel sensor on its younger brother.

There are other differences between these two cameras, but the ones listed will probably be more of interest to current point and shoot owners who are making the move up to their first DSLR.

The one advantage of the D3000 is price. There is about a $130 price difference between the two cameras. They both take the same quality image, and both are capable of interchangeable lenses, so if the factors mentioned are not enough to convince you that the Nikon D5000 is worth the extra $$$, then by all means get the Nikon D3000.

There is a side by side comparison of these two fantastic entry level DSLR cameras at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Happy Shooting!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku

If you are looking for a high tech super-camera, then you should check out a full frame DSLR. These cameras are among the highest quality offered by Canon, Nikon and Sony - and the competition is stiff! That means manufacturers are offering a lot of cutting-edge features at very competitive prices.

Full frame DSLR's are viewed as the flagships of each company's camera line. So this is where many of the latest tech developments get showcased. In addition, these companies have recognized the demand for this high quality to trickle down into more affordable cameras. Now the latest technology is available for mid-range prices that serious amateurs can afford.

What makes a full frame DSLR a super-camera?

One high tech feature is the "Live View" function (except the Sony A900). This technology is constantly improving and the full frame DSLR's are first to benefit. Live View is very popular among landscape and macro photographers. It allows you to compose and focus your shot using the LCD screen--a relatively new feature for DSLR's.

Another super-feature is powerful processors. A full frame sensor captures a lot of information and requires quick, powerful processing to get the job done. Some of these cameras are even equipped with dual processors!

Expect a full frame DSLR to capture images with extremely low distortion--called digital noise. These cameras can maintain a high image quality even when used in low light, or without a flash. You can also freeze fast action sports and keep excellent color depth and clarity.

Video capability is included with some full frame DSLR's. This opens up a whole new world to the traditional photographer. There is a huge quality advantage over camcorders because of the excellent selection of lenses. The Canon 5D Mark II can actually record full HD quality at 1080p resolution!

When you choose a full frame DSLR camera you will get a significant upgrade in image quality. It's no mistake that the sensors in these six cameras are also the six highest performance rated image sensors by DxO Labs. They simply have the best imaging technology available today.

And even though full frame DSLR's are the high-tech cream of the crop, they are becoming increasingly affordable for budding pros and serious amateurs alike. For further help in choosing a full frame DSLR, click the link.

Choose a full frame DSLR and combine it with a high quality lens and you're all set to take your best photos ever! For more information on all six full frame DSLR's, see http://www.Full-Frame-Digital-Camera.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Sherman

Canon U.S.A. has announced the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon's most rugged and durable professional camera body.New 45-point Area AF sensor including 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo II AF with improved algorithm.

Specifications include:

ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light with low noise levels.

EOS HD movie with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).

16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.

10.0 fps continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGS or 28 RAW using a UDMA CF card.

3.0-inch ClearView II LCD monitor, 160 viewing angle, 920,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.

Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 300,000 cycles and exclusive dust- and weather-resistance.

Fully compatible with over 50 EF lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.

Advanced Movie Recording for Myriad Applications.EOS HD movie with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).

The EOS-1D Mark IV captures video with all the benefits of shooting with an EOS digital SLR. The HD recording area on the EOS-1D Mark IV is approx. 27.9mm x 15.7mm, similar when compared to the 24.89 x 18.65mm recording area of Super 35 motion picture film. By shooting video with a large sensor camera, photographers as well as videographers can take advantage of the creative features native to SLR photography. Along with its manual controls, the EOS-1D Mark IV allows for full use of Canon EF lenses ...

source: http://www.networkworld.com/news
By Rick Young