24.3MP FX-Format Sensor and EXPEED 3 Image Processor

The 24.3-megapixel full-frame (FX) CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processor work in tandem to produce overall high image quality with notable detail, dynamic range, colour accuracy, and low-light sensitivity to a native ISO 6400, which is further expandable to ISO 25600. The processor also enables a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including support for full HD 1080p movie recording, a full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 6 fps, and a continuous quiet mode for recording a sequence of images at 3 fps without the raising and lowering of the camera’s reflex mirror. The sensor can also record imagery in DX format and will automatically switch to and support using DX-dedicated lenses when attached.

Multi-CAM 4800 Autofocus Sensor

Benefitting from exceptional image quality is an apt AF system that employs 39 distinct AF points to quickly acquire focus in a range of lighting conditions, from -1 to +19 EV. An intelligent Scene Recognition System, typically reserved for exposure metering, benefits the focusing performance by analyzing and identifying subjects to suit panning and tracking-based shooting styles. Depending on the situation, 9, 21, or 39-point arrays can be selected from, and seven centrally-located AF points are compatible with f/8 or faster lenses, extending the auto-focusing abilities of the longest lenses used in conjunction with teleconverters. When using this phase-detection focusing method, selectable AF-area modes include: Single-point AF mode, Dynamic-area

AF mode, 3D-tracking mode, and Auto-area AF mode.

When working in live view, for either still or movie shooting, a contrast-based AF system is employed to acquire focus precisely and can function in continuous, full-time servo mode to better suit working with moving subjects. Four distinct AF-area modes are available when using the contrast-detection focusing method: face-priority AF, Wide-area AF, Normal-area AF, and Subject-tracking AF.

Scene Recognition System and Exposure Metering

The intelligent Scene Recognition System with 3D Color Matrix Metering II utilizes a 2016-pixel RGB sensor to evaluate and analyze all aspects within a scene, including brightness, contrast, subject distance, and the scene colours, to quickly determine an accurate exposure and white balance setting to render the scene at hand best. The information gathered is also checked against onboard reference images to ensure consistency from image to image regarding exposure, white balance, i-TTL flash settings, and subject-tracking AF performance.

Full HD 1080p Movie Recording

Full HD 1920 x 1080p movie recording is supported in 30, 25, and 24 fps frame rates and HD 720p in multiple frame rates in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format. During recording, manual exposure control is possible through adjustment of the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture setting, and full-time autofocus can be employed, with face detection and subject-tracking capabilities.

An external microphone input is available to enhance the sound of recordings, and a headphone jack is available for real-time monitoring of recorded sound. An HDMI output is also incorporated into the design, and besides enabling HD video playback, it supports uncompressed HD video recording by using an optional external recorder. Regardless of the lens in use, multi-area full HD D-Movie enables you to choose between the sensor’s FX or DX recording areas to modify the composition and gain additional reach from lenses, as well as expand control over the depth of field.

Built-In Pop-Up Flash and i-TTL Support

The built-in pop-up flash extends its functionality beyond acting as a source of additional light by also serving as a wireless Commander, capable of communicating i-TTL exposure information to two groups of remote flashes across three channels for refined control over strobe lighting. A hot shoe also supports Nikon i-TTL and Creative Lighting System with compatible optional Speedlights.