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.

  D40 D40x D60 D80 D200 D300 D2xs D3
Introduced 11/16/2006 3/6/2007 1/30/2008 8/9/2006 11/1/2005 8/23/2007 6/1/2006 8/23/2007
Replacement or Update Time Estimate summer 2008 fall 2008 fall 2009 PMA 2008 Photokina 2008 PMA 2010 PMA 2008 ?
Current Firmware A1.10 B1.10 A1.00 B1.00 A1.00 B1.00 A1.10 B1.10 A2.00 B2.00 A1.02 B1.00 A1.00 B1.00 A1.00 B1.00
Sensor Size 23.7x15.6mm
DX ~1.52x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.6x15.8mm
DX ~1.53x
23.7x15.7mm
DX ~1.53x
36x23.9mm
FX full film frame
Sensor Pixels 6.1mp 10.2mp 10.2mp 10.2mp 10.2mp 12.3mp 12.2mp full
6.8mp @2x crop
12mp full
10mp@ 5:4
5.1mp @ DX
Sensor Manufacturer Sony Sony ICX493AQA Sony ICX493AQA Sony ICX493AQA Sony ICX483AQA (Nikon 4-channel) Sony IMX021-derived Sony (Nikon 4-channel) Nikon
Sensor Technology CCD CCD
2 channel read
CCD
2 channel read
CCD
2 channel read
CCD
4 channel read
CMOS CMOS
4 channel read
CMOS
12 channel read!
Sensor Filtration Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens  Bayer, antialias, cont. microlens
Max Image Size 3008x2000 3872x2592 3872x2592 3872x2592 3872x2592 4288x2848 4288 x 2848 4256x2832
Other Image Sizes 2256x1496, 1504x1000 2896x1944, 1936x1296 2896x1944, 1936x1296 2896x1944, 1936x1296 2896x1944, 1936x1296 3216x2136, 2144x1424 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 or 3216 x 2136, 2400 x 1600, 1600 x 1064 3184x2120, 2128x1416, 3552x2832, 2656x2120, 1776x1416
+HS Crop: 2784x1848, 2080x1384, 1392x920
ADC Bit Depth 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 or 14 bit 12 bit 14 bit
Raw File Formats Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only NEF, Compressed NEF 12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
NEF, Compressed NEF 12 or 14 bit NEF Uncompressed,
Lossless compressed,
Compressed NEF
Other File Formats JPEG JPEG JPEG JPEG JPEG JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF
JPEG, TIFF rendering 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output 12-bit rendering, 8-bit output 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output
Auto Rotation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Spaces sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, AdobeRGB, sRGB+ sRGB, AdobeRGB sRGB, Adobe RGB, 3 Modes each, plus sRGB B&W sRGB, Adobe RGB
Storage SD or SDHC SD or SDHC SD or SDHC SD or SDHC CF Type I or II CF Type I or II, UDMA support CF Type I or II dual CF Type I or II, UDMA support
Max Write Speed 9.5MB/sec? 9.5MB/sec 9.5MB/sec 9.5MB/sec 8.7MB/sec 35MB/sec+ 9.6MB/sec 35MB/sec+
Max Buffer Size 100 JPEG, 5 RAW 100 JPEG, 5 RAW 100 JPEG, 9 RAW 23 JPEG Fine Large (100 @ any other JPEG setting), 6 RAW 37 JPEG, 19 RAW 99 JPEG @ 6 fps, 19 12-bit NEF @ 6 or 8 fps 22 JPEG or 16 RAW @ 12.4mp, 38 JPEG or 28 RAW @ 6.8mp 64 JPEG @ 12mp and 9 fps, 17 NEF (14-bit) or 20 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 USB 2.0 HIGH
TV Support NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL, HDMI NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL, HDMI
Lens Support (w/ metering) AF-S only (other AF don't focus) 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 CAM530 (3 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM530 (3 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM530 (3 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM1000 (11 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM1000 (11 sensor, 1 crosshatch) CAM3500DX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch) CAM2000 (11 sensor, 9 crosshatch) CAM3500FX (51 sensor, 15 crosshatch)
Shutter Lag 114ms? 114ms? 114ms? 80ms 50ms 45ms (100ms blackout)
85ms in 14-bit NEF
37ms 37ms (74ms blackout)
Autofocus Modes Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, CSP Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, CSP Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, CSP Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, central area Wide/Narrow Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, CSP, all sensors Wide/Narrow   Single, Dynamic (9, 21, 51 pt, and 3D tracking), Automatic Area Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, CSP  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) 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 420-pixel Color matrix, centerweight, spot 1005-pixel Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix with shape/scene recognition, centerweight (variable), spot
Exposure Modes PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM + 8 Scene PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 stops, 1/3 stop +/- 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 No No Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2-9 frames  Yes, 2-9 frames Yes, 2-9 frames Yes, 2-9 frames
ISO 200-1600, HI1, AUTO 100-1600, HI1, AUTO 100-1600, HI1, AUTO 100-1600, HI1, AUTO 100-1600, HI1, AUTO 200-3200, LO1, HI1, AUTO 100-800, HI1, HI2, AUTO 200-6400, LO1, HI1, HI2, AUTO
White Balance Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning 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  Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning   Auto, bracketed, custom (5), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin, two axis tuning 
Image Settings Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Saturation, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Saturation, Brightness, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Saturation, Brightness, Hue
Color LCD 2.5", 230,000 dots 2.5", 230,000 dots 2.5", 230,000 dots 2.5", 230,000 dots, 170 degree 2.5", 230,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree 2.5", 230,000 dots, 170 degree 3" TFT, 920,000 dots, 170 degree
Image Review Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, 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 2.5 fps 3 fps 3 fps 3 fps 5 fps 6 fps
8 fps w/ vertical grip
2.5 fps w/ 14-bit NEFs
5fps @ 12.4mp
8fps @ 6.8mp
9 fps @ 12mp
11 fps in HSC @ 5mp
Shutter Speeds 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 150k rated 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 300k rated
Mirror Lockup No No No Delay Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP Delay, M-UP
Viewfinder Pentamirror, 95%, 0.8x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.6 to +.5 diopters Pentamirror, 95%, 0.8x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.6 to +.5 diopters Pentamirror, 95%, 0.8x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.7 to +.5 diopters Pentaprism, 95%, 0.94x magnification, 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopters, opt gridlines Pentaprism, 95%, 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, 100%, 0.86x magnification, 19.9mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter Pentaprism, 100%, 0.7x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter , opt gridlines
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, 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 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
Optional Focus Screens Katz Eye, Haoda Katz Eye, Haoda Katz Eye, Haoda Katz Eye, Haoda Katz Eye, Haoda Katz Eye Katz Eye, Type E grid Katz Eye?
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, Recent Settings Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Recent Settings Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu
Flash Sync Speed 1/500 1/200 1/200 1/200 + TTL FP 1/250 + TTL FP 1/250, 1/320 with reduced power internal flash, TTL FP support for external flash 1/250 + TTL FP 1/250, TTL FP
Flash Type I-TTL, M I-TTL, M I-TTL, M I-TTL, M, Double Commander I-TTL, M, Double Commander supports I-TTL, M, Double Commander supports D-TTL, I-TTL supports D-TTL, 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 39ft 12m (ISO 100) Yes GN 42ft 13m (ISO 100) No No
PC Sync No (via optional AS-15) 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 -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 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 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Optional Remote Control ML-L3 IR ML-L3 IR ML-L3 IR ML-L3 IR, or MC-DC1 wired 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin remotes supported
Size 5 x 3.7 x 2.5 " (126x94x64mm) 5 x 3.7 x 2.5 " (126x94x64mm) 5 x 3.7 x 2.5 " (126x94x64mm) 5.2 x 4.1 x 3" (132x103x77mm) 5.8x4.4x2.9" (147x113x74mm) 5.8x4.4x2.9" (147x113x74mm) 6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4" (157.5x149.5x85.5mm) 

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

Weight 16 ounces (471g) 16 ounces (471g) 16 ounces (471g) 20 ounces (585g) 29 ounces (830g) 29 ounces (825g) 38 ounces (1070g) (1240g)
Battery EN-EL9 EN-EL9 EN-EL9 EN-EL3e EN-EL3e EN-EL3e EN-EL4a (can use EN-EL4) EN-EL4a (can use EN-EL4)
Optional AC Adapter EP-5 + EH-5 EP-5 + EH-5 EP-5 + EH-5 EH-5 EH-6 EH-5a EH-6 EH-6
Other significant 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, FUNC button, Picmotion slideshow (music), can mount non-AI lenses without damage 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, FUNC button, Picmotion slideshow (music), can mount non-AI lenses without damage 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, FUNC button, Picmotion slideshow (music), can mount non-AI lenses without damage, RAW to JPEG in camera conversion, stop motion movies, eye detection sensor 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, FUNC button, Picmotion slideshow (music) PictBridge, Optional MB-D200 vertical release and battery pack, GPS support, multiple exposure (2-10 images), interval timer, layered images, Wireless transfer option (WT-3), FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks 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 High-Speed Crop, PictBridge, integrated vertical release, Wireless transfer option (WT-1 or WT-2), voice annotation, GPS support, multiple exposure (2-10 images), layered images, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks 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
Software PictureProject PictureProject ViewNX PictureProject PictureProject, supports Image Authentication ViewNX, supports Image Authentication PictureProject, supports Image Authentication View NX, supports Image Authentication
Body Only Street Price 8/9/2006 NA NA NA US$999 US$1699   US$4699  
Body Only Street Price 10/18/2006 NA NA NA US$999 (unchanged) US$1699 (unchanged)   US$4699
(unchanged)
 
Body Only Street Price 12/31/2006 US$589
(includes lens)
NA NA US$929
(-US$70)
US$1339
(-US$360)
  US$4245
(-US$454)
 
Body Only Street Price 4/17/2007 US$549
(includes lens) (-US$40)
US$729 NA US$924
(-US$5)
US$1339
(unchanged)
  US$4245
(unchanged)
 
Body Only Street Price 8/23/2007           US$1799
Available Nov 2007
  US$4999
Available Nov 2007
Body Only Street Price 1/30/08 US$479 (includes lens) (-US$70) US$534
(-US$195)
US$699 US$781
(-US$143)
US$1364 (+US$25) US$1799 (unchanged) US$4299 (+US$4) US$4999 (unchanged)
Major Positives

*Low noise
*Small, light
*Flash sync

*Low noise
*Small, light
*Good 10mp quality

 

*Viewfinder
*Good 10mp quality
*"Right" size/weight
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*"Right" size/weight
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*Better than D2x
*Superb ISO 100 quality
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*AF system
*Battery life

*Superb high ISO quality
* FX frame size
*Highlight retention
* Dynamic range
* All the D2xs positives

Major Negatives *Lens limitations
*Feature set
*AF (& options)
*Lens limitations
*Feature set
*AF (& options)
  *Amp noise
*Matrix metering
*Banding
*Amp noise
*Battery life
*Focus issues?
*Noise at higher ISOs *Dirty sensor problems
  D40 D40x D60 D80 D200 D300 D2xs D3


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


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


All material on www.bythom.com is Copyright 2008 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.