A year and a half ago, Nikon said "In making a full frame sensor camera, nothing can be considered as an obstacle. In the first place, the current situation is that the picture quality of the DX camera can already sufficiently produce a satisfying photograph. So, what's the meaning of such a big sensor? Of course, there is also a price problem. We cannot put out an outrageously priced camera simply because we want to have better function on the camera."
Of course, that's just what they've done. Nikon has just announced their 12.1 megapixel D3 fullframe camera. Capable of shooting from ISO 200 to 6400 at 9 frames per second with autofocus tracking (and 11 without). It has an amazing 51-point AF sensor, along with Live View on a massive 3 inch screen. At $5,000, it's a bit pricy, but probably worth every cent if you need the frames. The Nikon D3 is 3 times as fast as the Canon EOS 5D for twice the price, and as fast as the recently released Canon EOS 1D Mark III with the advantage of full frame and 2 more megapixels of resolution for about the same price. Nikon seems to have done a fabulous job positioning the D3 in the perfect niche.
I find it interesting that after all these years of scaling back their efforts on full-frame lenses focusing on DX-format lenses, they've decided to re-enter full-frame with a professional level SLR (I guess they got tired of losing all their pros to Canon) that is priced in between Canon's pro-level EOS-1-series and their amateur EOS 5D. Make no mistake, this is a pro camera that's built for speed, and should find its way into the hands of paparazzi and photographers who feel the need the speed this November.
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