Nikon has announced the D3x, its newest full frame professional DSLR. With 24.5 megapixel sensor the D3x has double the resolution of the sports / news oriented D3 model.

The Nikon D3x aimed at commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers, features an all-new 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100 – 1600 extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent), 5 fps shooting, 920,000 dot 3 inch VGA LCD monitor with Live View, 51-point autofocus, EXPEED image processing and HDMI output.

Key Features

• 24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
• ISO 100 – 1600: extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent).
• 5fps consecutive shooting (7fps in DX Crop mode)
• EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
• Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
• 920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
• Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
• Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
• Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
• Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
• Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
• Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
• HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
• Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
• Durable magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.
• Optional GPS and wireless transmitter

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%*6 frame coverage and 0.7x*7 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*8

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.