Evolution

From dpreview.com

Model line history Model Announced Effective pixels Auto focus Continuous highest (JPEG) LCD monitor D1 Jun 1999 2.6 mp 5 point 4.5 fps, 21 frames 2.0", 120K pixels D1X Feb 2001 5.3 mp 5 point 3.0 fps, 9 frames 2.0", 130K pixels D1H Feb 2001 2.7 mp 5 point 5.0 fps, 40 frames 2.0", 130K pixels D2H Jul 2003 4.1 mp 11 point 8.0 fps, 40 frames 2.5", 211K pixels D2X Sep 2004 12.2 mp 11 point 5.0 fps, 22 frames *1 2.5" 235K pixels D2Hs Feb 2005 4.1 mp 11 point 8.0 fps, 50 frames 2.5" 235K pixels D2Xs Jun 2006 12.2 mp 11 point 5.0 fps, 22 frames *1 2.5" 230K pixels D3 Aug 2007 12.1 mp (FF) 51 point 9.0 fps, 64 frames *2 3.0" 922K pixels + Live View *1 Also 8 fps in cropped mode (6.7 MP) *2 Up to 11 fps with DX format (5.1 MP) Nikon D3 Key Features First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (coined FX format) 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch) ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25,600) Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens) 5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked) 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power) Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms) New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage) Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor) Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings) Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor) Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III) Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF) Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy) Compact Flash UDMA support 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display) HDMI HD video output 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve) Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible Buttons sealed against moisture Dual battery charger as standard Available November 2007