Current Nikon DSLR Specifications


A comparison of the specifications of current Nikon DSLR models


Please help improve this table. If you see something missing or incorrect, please let me know via email so that I can make it more accurate. Older Nikon DSLRs are presented similarly here.

  D3000 D5000 D90

D300s

D700 D3s D3x
Introduced 7/30/2009 4/14/2009 8/27/2008 7/30/2009 7/1/2008 11/2009 12/1/2008
Replacement or Update Time Estimate spring 2011 fall 2010 August 2010 August 2011 Spring 2010 D4 August 2011 D3xs late 2010
Current Firmware A1.00 B1.00 A1.00 B1.00 A1.00 B1.00 L1.000 A1.01 B1.01 A1.02 B1.02 A1.00 B1.00 A1.01 B1.01
Sensor Size 23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
36x23.9mm
FX full film frame
36x23.9mm
FX full film frame
36x23.9mm
FX full film frame
Sensor Pixels 10.2mp 12.3mp 12.3mp 12.3mp 12mp full
5.1mp @ DX
12mp full
10mp@ 5:4
8.4mp @ 1.2x
5.1mp @ DX
24.pmp full
20mp@ 5:4
10.4mp @ DX
Sensor Manufacturer Sony ICX493AQA Sony IMX021-derived Sony IMX021-derived Sony IMX021-derived Nikon Nikon Sony derived
Sensor Technology CCD
2 channel read
CMOS CMOS
CMOS CMOS
12 channel read
CMOS
12 channel read
CMOS
Sensor Filtration Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens  Bayer, antialias, cont. microlens  Bayer, antialias, cont. microlens  Bayer, antialias, cont. microlens
Max Image Size 3872x2592 4288x2848 4288x2848 4288x2848 4256x2832 4256x2832 6048x4032
Other Image Sizes 2896x1944, 1936x1296 3216x2136, 2144x1424 3216x2136, 2144x1424 3216x2136, 2144x1424 3184x2120, 2128x1416
DX Crop: 2784x1848, 2080x1384, 1392x920

3184x2120, 2128x1416,
1.2x Crop: 3552x2368
2656x1776
1776x1184
5:4 Crop: 3552x2832, 2656x2120, 1776x1416
DX Crop: 2784x1848, 2080x1384, 1392x920

4544x3024, 3024x2016
DX crop: 3968x2640, 2976x1976, 1984x1320
5:4 crop: 5056x4032, 3792x3024, 2528x2016
Video none 720P 24 fps mono sound, also VGA, half VGA 720P 24 fps mono sound, also VGA half VGA 720P 24 fps stereo sound, also VGA, half VGA none 720P 24 fps stereo sound, also VGA, half VGA none
ADC Bit Depth 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 or 14 bit 12 or 14 bit 12 or 14 bit 12 or 14 bit
Raw File Formats Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only 12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
Other File Formats JPEG JPEG JPEG JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF
JPEG, TIFF rendering 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output
Auto Rotation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Spaces sRGB, Adobe RGB sRGB, Adobe RGB sRGB, AdobeRGB sRGB, AdobeRGB sRGB, Adobe RGB sRGB, Adobe RGB sRGB, Adobe RGB
Storage SD or SDHC SD or SDHC SD or SDHC CF Type I only, UDMA support, second SD slot CF Type I only, UDMA support dual CF Type I or II, UDMA support dual CF Type I or II, UDMA support
Max Write Speed 9.5MB/sec 9.5MB/sec 9.5MB/sec 35MB/sec+ 35MB/sec+ 35MB/sec+ 35MB/sec+
Max Buffer Size ?? JPEG, ?? RAW 63 JPEG, 11 RAW 25 JPEG Fine Large (100 @ any other JPEG setting), 9 RAW (7 with JPEG) 99 JPEG @ 7 fps, 19 12-bit NEF @ 7 or 8 fps 100 JPEG @ 5 fps, 20 14-bit NEF 82 JPEG @ 12mp and 9 fps, 36 NEF (14-bit) or 43 NEF (12-bit) 44 JPEG @ 24mp, 21+ NEF (14-bit) or 22+ NEF (12-bit)
Connectivity (see note at bottom) USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH
TV Support NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL, HDMI NTSC and PAL, HDMI NTSC and PAL, HDMI NTSC and PAL, HDMI NTSC and PAL, HDMI
Lens Support (w/ metering) AF-S only (other AF don't focus) AF-S only (other AF don't focus) all AF, AI-P all AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S
Autofocus Module CAM1000 (11 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM1000 (11 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM1000 (11 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM3500DX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch) CAM3500FX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch) CAM3500FX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch) CAM3500FX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch)
Shutter Lag ? ? 65ms (120ms blackout) 45ms (100ms blackout)
85ms in 14-bit NEF
40ms 41ms (74ms blackout) 41ms (74ms blackout)
Autofocus Modes Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, 3D Tracking Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, 3D Tracking Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, central area Wide/Narrow, 3D tracking Single, Dynamic (9, 21, 51 pt, and 3D tracking), Automatic Area Single, Dynamic (9, 21, 51 pt, and 3D tracking), Automatic Area Single, Dynamic (9, 21, 51 pt, and 3D tracking), Automatic Area Single, Dynamic (9, 21, 51 pt, and 3D tracking), Automatic Area
AF Assist Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) (flash only) (flash only)
Metering 420-pixel Color matrix, centerweight, spot 420-pixel Color matrix, centerweight, spot 420-pixel Color matrix, centerweight, spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot
Exposure Modes PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM + 19 Scene PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 stops, 1/3 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3 or 1/2 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop
Exposure Bracketing No Yes, 3 frames (plus 2 frame ADL bracketing) Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2-9 frames (no dedicated bracketing button) Yes, 2-9 frames (no dedicated bracketing button) Yes, 2-9 frames Yes, 2-9 frames
ISO 100-1600, HI1, AUTO 200-3200, LO1, HI1, AUTO 200-3200, LO1, HI1, AUTO 200-3200, LO1, HI1, AUTO 200-6400, LO1, HI1, HI2, AUTO 200-12800, LO1, HI1, HI2, AUTO 100-1600, LO1, HI1, HI2, AUTO
White Balance Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning   Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning  Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning  Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning 
Image Settings Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Brightness, Hue
Color LCD 3", 230,000 dots positionable 2.7", 233,000 dots 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree
Image Review Histogram, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Highlights Histogram (RGB), Highlights Histogram (RGB), Histogram, Focus Pt, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Histogram, Focus Pt, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Histogram, Focus Pt, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Histogram, Focus Pt, Highlights
Continuous Shooting Speed 3 fps 4 fps 4.5 fps 7 fps
8 fps w/ vertical grip
2.5 fps w/ 14-bit NEFs

5fps
8fps w/ MB-D10

9 fps @ 12mp
11 fps in DX crop @ 5mp
5 fps @ 24mp (1.8 fps in 14-bit)
7 fps in DX crop @ 10.4mp
Shutter Speeds 30s to 1/4000, bulb. ?? rated 30s to 1/4000, bulb. 100k rated 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 150k rated 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 150k rated 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 300k rated 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 300k rated
Mirror Lockup No Delay Delay Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP
Viewfinder Pentamirror, 95%, 0.79x magnification, 17.9mm eyepoint, -1.7 to +1 diopters Pentamirror, 95%, 0.79x magnification, 17.9mm eyepoint, -1.7 to +1 diopters Pentaprism, 96%, 0.94x magnification, 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopters, opt gridlines Pentaprism, 100%, 0.94x magnification, 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopers, opt gridlines Pentaprism, 95%, 0.72x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter , opt gridlines Pentaprism, 100%, 0.7x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter Pentaprism, 100%, 0.7x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter
Optional Viewfinder Accessories DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DG-2 magnifier DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DG-2 magnifier DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DK-21M magnifier DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DK-21M magnifier DG-2 magnifier, DK-14/17A antifog, DK-19 rubber cup, DK17m magnifier, DR-5 right angle, DK-18 adapter, DK17c diopter correction DG-2 magnifier, DK-14/17A antifog, DK-19 rubber cup, DK17m magnifier, DR-5 right angle, DK-18 adapter, DK17c diopter correction DG-2 magnifier, DK-14/17A antifog, DK-19 rubber cup, DK17m magnifier, DR-5 right angle, DK-18 adapter, DK17c diopter correction
Optional Focus Screens ? ? Katz Eye Katz Eye , Hoada Katz Eye Nikon E-type Nikon E-type
Menus Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu
Flash Sync Speed 1/200 1/200 1/200 + TTL FP 1/250, 1/320 with reduced power internal flash, TTL FP support for external flash 1/250, 1/320 with reduced power internal flash, TTL FP 1/250, TTL FP 1/250, TTL FP
Flash Type I-TTL, M I-TTL, M I-TTL, M, Double Commander supports I-TTL, M, Double Commander supports I-TTL, M, Double Commander supports I-TTL supports I-TTL
Internal Flash Yes GN 57ft 17m (ISO 200) Yes GN 57ft 17m (ISO 200) Yes GN 57ft 17m (ISO 200) Yes GN 42ft 13m (ISO 100) Yes GN 35ft 11m (ISO 100) No No
PC Sync No (via optional AS-15) No (via optional AS-15) No (via optional AS-15) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Flash Compensation -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV on flash only on flash only
Flash Options Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock, Three Group Commander Mode Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock, Three Group Commander Mode Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock, Three Group Commander Mode Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock
DOF Preview No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Optional Remote Control ML-L3 IR remote ML-L3 IR or MB-D2 wired remote ML-L3 IR or MB-D2 wired remote 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported
Size 5 x 3.8 x 2.5 " (126x97x64mm) 5 x 4.1 x 3.1 " (127x104x80mm) 5.2x4.1x3.0" (132x103x77mm) 5.8x4.4x2.9" (147x113x74mm) 5.8 x 4.8 x 3" (147x123x77mm) 

6.3x6.2x3.4"
(160x157x88mm)

6.3x6.2x3.4"
(160x157x88mm)

Weight w/o battery 1.1 pounds (485g) 1 pound 4 ounces (560g) 1 lb 6 ounces (620g) 29 ounces (825g) 35.2 ounces (995g) 44 ounces (1240g) 44 ounces (1240g)
Battery EN-EL9a EN-EL9a EN-EL3e EN-EL3e EN-EL3e EN-EL4a (can use EN-EL4) EN-EL4a (can use EN-EL4)
Optional AC Adapter EP-5 + EH-5a EP-5 + EH-5a EH-5 EH-5a EH-5a EH-6 EH-6
Other significant Self-cleaning sensor, no top LCD (rear color LCD used instead), PictBridge, in camera small picture option, layered images, in-camera editing and trimming, in camera B&W and color filtration, in-camera D-Lighting, in-camera perspective control, color outline, soft filters, FUNC button, can mount non-AI lenses without damage, RAW to JPEG in camera conversion, stop motion movies, eye detection sensor, intelligent guide Self-cleaning sensor, no top LCD (rear color LCD used instead), HD video recording (720p, 24 fps), PictBridge, in camera small picture option, layered images, in-camera editing and trimming, in camera B&W and color filtration, in-camera D-Lighting, in-camera perspective control, color outline, soft filters, FUNC button, , can mount non-AI lenses without damage, RAW to JPEG in camera conversion, stop motion movies, GPS support (GP-1), silent shooting mode Self-cleaning sensor, HD video recording (720p, 24 fps), Active D-Lighting, PictBridge, Optional MB-D80 battery pack, multiple exposure (2-3 images), layered images, in-camera editing and trimming, in camera B&W and color filtration, in-camera D-Lighting,Picmotion slideshow (music) , GPS support (GP-1) Self-cleaning sensor, Active D-Lighting, autofocus calibration, PictBridge, Optional MB-D10 vertical release and battery pack (now magnesium backed, and supports EN-EL3e or EN-EL4), live view with autofocus, FUNC button, wireless transfer option (WT-4), multiple exposure, interval shooting, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks, GPS support, external stereo mic support, quiet shooting mode, edit HD movies Self-cleaning sensor, DX Crop, autofocus calibration, active D-Lighting, chromatic aberration control, PictBridge, optional MB-D10 vertical release (supports EN-EL3e or EN-EL4), live view with autofocus, FUNC button, horizontal indicator, wireless transfer option (WT-4), multiple exposure, interval shooting, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks, GPS support Hi-Speed Crop, autofocus calibration, active D-Lighting, chromatic aberration control, PictBridge, integrated vertical release, live view with autofocus, FUNC button, horizontal indicator, wireless transfer option (WT-4), multiple exposure, interval shooting, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks, GPS support, voice annotation Hi-Speed Crop, autofocus calibration, active D-Lighting, chromatic aberration control, PictBridge, integrated vertical release, live view with autofocus, FUNC button, horizontal indicator, wireless transfer option (WT-4), multiple exposure, interval shooting, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks, GPS support, voice annotation
Software ViewNX ViewNX ViewNX ViewNX, supports Image Authentication View NX, supports Image Authentication View NX, supports Image Authentication View NX, supports Image Authentication
Body Only Street Price 8/9/2006 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Body Only Street Price 10/18/2006 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Body Only Street Price 12/31/2006 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Body Only Street Price 4/17/2007 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Body Only Street Price 8/23/2007 NA NA NA NA NA US$4999
Available Nov 2007
NA
Body Only Street Price 1/30/08 NA NA NA NA NA US$4999 (unchanged) NA
Body Only Street Price 7/1/08 NA NA NA NA US$2999
Available end of July
US$4820 (-US$179) NA
Body Only Street Price 8/2/08 NA NA US$1299 (includes lens) NA US$2999

US$4539 (-US$281) NA
Body Only Street Price 10/28/08 NA NA US$1234 (includes lens) (-US$65) NA US$2519 (includes temp US$300 rebate)(-US$480)

US$4399 (-US$120) NA
Body Only Street Price 10/28/08 NA NA US$1234 (includes lens) (-US$65) NA US$2519 (includes temp US$300 rebate)(-US$480)

US$4399 (-US$120) NA
Body Only Street Price 4/15/2009 NA US$729 (body only)
US$849 (includes lens)
US$899 (body only)
US$1149 (includes lens) (-US$85)
NA US$2699 (includes temp US$300 rebate)(+US$180)

US$4349 (-US$50) US$7999 (dealers tend to be willing to negotiate modest discounts)
Body Only Street Price 7/30/2009 NA US$729 (body only)
US$849 (includes lens)
US$939 (body only)
NA US$2699 (includes temp US$300 rebate)

US$4599 (+US$250) US$7499 (-US$500)
Body Only Street Price 2/7/2010 US$499 (includes lens) US$599 (body only)
US$699 (includes lens)
US$779 (body only)
US$1149 (includes lens)
US$1499 (body only) US$2399 US$5199 US$7499
Major Positives

* Low price
* Simple

* Low noise
* Feature set
* Tilt LCD

*Low noise
*Feature set
* State of the art DX camera *Superb high ISO quality
* FX frame size
*Highlight retention
* Dynamic range

*Overwhelmingly high ISO quality
* FX frame size
*Highlight retention
* Dynamic range
* State of the art camera body

* Superb image quality
* FX frame size
* State of the art camera body

Major Negatives * Guide mode is confusing!

* Tilt LCD!
*Movies not fully fleshed out

*Movies not fully fleshed out * Still not best possible movies
* 3200 and above less usable than FX bodies
  * 720P/24 movies

*Expensive
* Will expose weak lenses

  D3000 D5000 D90

D300s

D700 D3s D3x


Version History:
7/28/2006
: Initial version
8/9/2006: lots of small corrections and additions
8/10/2006: D50/D70s corrections and additions, added firmware version, added Roadmap replacement estimates (use at your own risk!)

8/12/2006: firmware updates
8/29/2006: minor fixes
10/4/2006: firmware updates
10/18/2006: added some new categories (viewfinder accessories, AC adapter, focus screen) and fixed a few minor problems
11/16/2006: D40 added
12/31/2006: Added Major Positives/Negatives, updated prices
1/28/2007: Added optional gridlines to viewfinder specs
2/7/2007: Firmware updates, D40 review link
3/6/2007: Added D40x
4/17/2007: Fixed D40x entries, removed D50 and D70s (see here for old DSLRs)
8/23/2007: Added D300 and D3
8/24/2007: Added more D300 and D3 detail, removed D2hs (see here for old DSLRs)
8/29/2007: Fixed flash, NEF, and video for D300 and D3 based upon answers from Japan
8/30/2007: Added software listings for new cameras
1/30/2008: D60 added, prices updated, D2hs removed to old DSLR list
3/14/2008: Linked D300 review, updated D60, D80, D300 entries
4/2/2008: Lots of minor updates for D60, D300, D3, plus some naming consistency changes
6/28/2008: removed D40x, D200, D2xs (see here for old DSLRs), added D700, new price info, firmware updates, other minor D3 corrections
8/2/2008: removed D80, added D90, new price info, D3 buffer addition
10/28/2008: new price info, updated specs for firmware

12/1/2008: added D3x, updated review links, few minor items
4/9/2009: updated D3x specs, added D5000, fixed focus screens
4/15/2009: D40 firmware update
7/30/2009: Added D3000, D300s, removed D300, fixed some D5000 entries
2/10/2010: Removed D40, updated firmware, updated D3s, fixed some additional small entries


bythom.com | Nikon | Gadgets | Writing | imho | Travel | Privacy statement | contact Thom at thom_hogan@msn.com


All material on www.bythom.com is Copyright 2010 Thom Hogan. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use of writing or photos published on this site is illegal, not to mention a bit of an ethical lapse. Please respect my rights.