Nikon D3X Quick start guide
Technical Guide
Digital SLR camera
Portrait — photo expression supported by high picture quality ......................................................... 2/3
Product shooting — effective use of a PC-E NIKKOR lens ................................................................ 4/5
Food shooting — supported by Capture NX 2 software .................................................................... 6/7
Utilizing Picture Controls ................................................................................................................... 8/9
Studio shooting workflow............................................................................................................... 10/11
Image expression comparison [D3X vs 30-megapixel model] —
superiority of D3X + Capture NX 2 ........................................ 12/13
Actual lens comparison — advantage of Nano Crystal Coat ....................................................... 14/15
Optimal white balance setting........................................................................................................ 16/17
Live View (Tripod mode) shooting ....................................................................................................... 18
RAW mode selection .......................................................................................................................... 19
Recommended camera settings.................................................................................................... 20/21
Lens selection in portrait shooting ................................................................................................. 22/23
PC-E lens selection........................................................................................................................ 24/25
Effective use of Capture NX 2
Apply “Unsharp Mask” only to eyes ....................................................................................... 26
“Noise Reduction” makes skin smoother ................................................................................ 27
Reflector effect after shot -1-: reducing shadows on the face ................................................. 28
Reflector effect after shot -2-: brighten only a specific area .................................................... 29
“Auto Retouch Brush” removes unwanted details .............................................................. 30/31
Version 1.0 English edition
Contents
2 3
D3X + AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
Manual exposure, 1/250 s, f/8
The image on the left page was taken with the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens,
utilizing the large image sensor of the Nikon FX format. Beautiful image blur effectively
emphasizes the subject. Clean pupils, smooth skin texture, and even eyebrows and eyelashes
can be naturally reproduced with superior resolution.
Shown below is a part of the image enlarged up to A2-equivalent size (420 x 594 mm). The
image captured with 24.5 effective megapixels provides high resolution even when enlarged
this much.
D3X Technical Guide
Portrait — photo expression supported by high picture quality
4 5
Product shooting — effective use of a PC-E NIKKOR lens
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D using the tilt function
Manual exposure, 1/100 s, f/4.2
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D without the tilt function
The image on the left was taken by tilting the lens using the tilt mechanism so that the entire
subject is in focus, although the subject plane is not parallel to the camera’s image plane (f/4.2).
With the minimum focus distance of 0.39 m (1.3 ft.), the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D
Perspective Control lens achieves close-up shooting like this.
This picture was taken without
using the tilt fun ction. Only a
specific part of the subject on
the image plane is in focus with a
shallow depth of field produced
by f/4.2 aperture.
Image plane
Image plane
Subject
Subject
Plane of focus
Plane of focus
■ Normal shooting
■ Tilt shooting
Image plane
Image plane
Subject
Subject
Plane of focus
Plane of focus
■ Normal shooting
■ Tilt shooting
D3X Technical Guide
D3X Technical Guide
6 7
Food shooting — supported by Capture NX 2 software
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR
85mm f/2.8D
Manual exposure, 1/160 s, f/16
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR
85mm f/2.8D
Manual exposure, 1/160 s, f/11
In food shooting, it is extremely difficult to reproduce desired color and brightness because
of lighting factors, and it also takes time. Capture NX 2 post-processing software enables
adjustment of an image taken with roughly set illumination, remarkably improving shooting
efficiency. Because operation is not complicated and the finished image can be accurately
presented at the shooting site, it is easy to get the approval of the client or art director.
The above image was processed using Color Control Points to produce the intended color
and brightness in a short time.
Capture NX 2 realizes illumination impossible with actual settings simply and quickly on a
processed image.
Using Color Control Points, the above image achieves a fantastic finish as if illumination was
incorporated inside an apple, which would be almost impossible in reality.
D3X Technical Guide
8 9
Utilizing Picture Controls
Standard
Portrait
Standard
Landscape
Neutral NeutralVivid Vivid
W i t h t h e D 3 X , f o u r P i c t u r e
Controls — “Standard”, “Neutral”,
“ V i v i d ” a n d “ M o n o c h r o m e ”
— are preinstalled. You'll also
have access to Optional Picture
C o n t r o l s s u c h a s “ P o r t r a i t ”
and “Landscape” that ca n be
dow n loa d ed fro m the N i ko n
website and stored in the camera.
T h i s r e a l i z e s s i m p l e i m a g e
adjustment for efficient workflow.
Portrait: Using “Neutral” as its
base, “Portrait” imparts m ore
natur al- app ear ing sk i n. Ski n
tones are more lifelike, projecting
a real sense of depth — as if shot
with professional-quality film —
for a clear, authentic finish.
Landscape: P r o d u c e s a
mo re profo und intens it y than
“ S t a n d a r d ”. C o m p a r e d w i t h
“Vivid”, “Landscape” creates more
soothing, relaxed colors, effective
f o r a n y n a t u r e s c e n e . R i c h
gradations with an eye-catching
appeal enhance the vibrancy and
liveliness of landscapes, nature
and even city street scenes.
“Neutral”, that reproduces the
sub j ect ’s uni q ue co l or s a nd
g r a d a t i o n s w i t h m a x i m u m
authenticity, is ideal for materials
that you plan to ad ju st usin g
Capture NX 2 after shooting to
express a specific idea.
O p t i o n a l P i c t u r e C o n t r o l s
“Portrait” and “Landscape” can
be d ow nl oa de d fr om N iko n’s
website (free) and installed in the
camera.
http://nikonimglib.com/opc/
D3X Technical Guide
10 11
Prepare equipment that ensures identical color reproduction
on the monitor and secure data storage
From shooting to delivery
Home/office/in-company studio
• Strictlycalibrated24-in.monitor
• Desktopcomputer
• Externalharddiskx2
Mirroring to computer’s HD and external HD with
Nikon Transfer: via e-SATA or CF card
• WirelessTransmitterWT-4(wireless)
• CFcardreader[Firewire800](wired)
On an assignment
Reproduce the same environment as home/office/in-company studio
• Bring20-in.monitorofthesamemaker,panelandsettings
• Laptopnotebookcomputer
• Externalharddiskx2:mirroringtocomputer’sHDandexternalHDwithNikonTransfer:via
e-SATA or CF card
• WirelessTransmitterWT-4(wireless)
• CFcardreader[Firewire800](wired)
Simulated procedure
• Settingsofcameraandlightingonthe
premise of using Capture NX 2 after the shot
• Simulatededitingoftestshotsusing
Capture NX 2
• Expectedfinalimageconfirmedonthe
monitor (by client/art director)
• Settingsadjustedonrequest
Shooting
•Imagequality
NEF (RAW) + JPEG
◆ ◆ Stored in in-camera CF card
•RAWandJPEGfiles
◆ ◆ Transmitted to PC
•JPEG:Size(speed)priority
•NEF:TobeeditedwithCaptureNX2
•WT-4(wireless):Ad-hocmode
=> For secure image transmission
Editing
•Onlyselectedimagesedited
•Basedonthesimulatedprocedure
•Fileconversion(onrequestofclientorart
director)
NFF => TIFF, NEF => JPEG
Selection (at the site)
•UtilizingratingfunctionofCaptureNX2
Delivery
Studio shooting workflow
D3X Technical Guide
12 13
Image expression comparison [D3X vs 30-megapixel model] — superiority of D3X + Capture NX 2
D3X + AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Enlarged by 200% Enlarged by 200%
30-megapixel model + 120mm micro lens
24.5 effective megapixels deliver substantial
resolution even compared to a 30-megapixel
model. Extremely faithful color reproduction
does not require minute post processing.
High resolution expected from 30 effective
megapixels is achieved, however, significant
superiority over the D3X’s images cannot be
found that justifies the price difference. Because
color reproduction is not necessarily precise,
satisfactory results cannot be obtained even
using g enuine sof tware supp lie d with the
30-megapixel model.
Capture NX2
Software supplied
with a 30-megapixel
model
D3X Technical Guide
14 15
Actual lens comparison — advantage of Nano Crystal Coat
Taken with a Nano Crystal Coat-applied lens
Taken with an ordinary lens
Nano Crystal Coat, employing multiple layers of extra-low refractive index coating that
features ultra-fine crystallized particles of nano size (one nanometer equals one millionth
of a millimeter), eliminates internal lens element reflections across the entire spectrum of
visible light (380 – 780 nm) far more effectively than conventional anti-reflection coatings.
Ghost caused by red light that has been thought difficult to reduce conventionally has been
remarkably reduced. Outstanding results are also found in reducing ghost and flare caused
by light entering the lens diagonally.
To investigate the effect, two lenses of
the same type — with /without Nano
Crystal Coat were used.
Notice the dramatically reduced flare
within the area.
Images were not taken with the D3X.
D3X Technical Guide
16 17
Using a cubic gray chart in measuring white balance Selecting a white balance preset menu by locating
a flat gray chart near the subject
Situations in which a cubic gray chart (white balance target)
is used
➀When measuring white balance under incandescent light
➁Under the mixed lighting of flash and incandescent light
➂When flash light is a priority
Lighting settings: A large
flash on the right as a main
illumination; an incandescent
light above the subject’s head;
external light from windows
Situation ➀Situation ➁Situation ➂
Measured around the subject’s face
(strongly affected by incandescent light)
Measured with front objects (near the
large main flash)
Color temperature setting is effective when images are taken in JPEG format
When used with White Balance Fine Tuning, a finer setting with increments of 5 mired
is made possible.
: Available in Color Temperature setting (Kelvin)
: Available in White Balance Fine Tuning (Kelvin)
Color temperature is not necessarily
uniform at a shooting site. Locate
a flat gray chart near the subject
to be expressed with faithful color
re productio n. The chart s ho ul d
be set so that it has an inclination
identical to that of the subject’s light-
receiving angle.
2500 3030 3850 5260 8330
2530 3080 3920 5410 8700
2560 3130 4000 5560 9090
2600 3170 4080 5710 9520
2630 3230 4170 5880 10000
2670 3280 4260 6060
2700 3330 4350 6250
2740 3390 4440 6450
2780 3450 4550 6670
2820 3510 4650 6900
2860 3570 4760 7140
2900 3640 4880 7410
2940 3700 5000 7690
2990 3770 5130 8000
Optimal white balance setting
➀
➁
➂
How to make a white balance target
1) Make two loops of about 10cm diameter with A4-size hard paper on which
gray pigment with 18% reflectivity is printed (e.g. Silver/silk gray card)
* Use of approximate colors or conventional 18% reflector is not recommended.
2) Set loops as shown and locate them at the point where color should
be appropriately reproduced.
18 19
Live View (Tripod mode) shooting RAW mode selection
Lossless compressed file format is recommended for RAW recording
• Withlosslesscompressedformat,RAWfilesizecanbereducedwithoutdegradingthe
maximum image quality. In normal shooting, this mode is recommended.
Utilizing Contrast-
detect AF
Contrast-detect AF allows focusing
on anywhere in the frame, regardless
of the 51 AF points, enabling a
greater variety of composition in
tripod shooting.
Precise manual focusing is also easy
by magnifying the desired portion in
the monitor.
D3X+AF-SVRMicro-Nikkor105mm
f/2.8G IF-ED
Manual exposure, 1/160 s, f/13
Select NEF (RAW) bit depth according to your needs
• 12-bitoptionisrecommendedwhenhigher-speedrecordingisrequiredincontinuous
shooting, while 14-bit option is recommended when picture quality is a priority.
Exposure preview
• Currentexposuresettingscanbeconfirmedinthemonitor.
• SetActiveD-Lightingto“off”,asexposurecannotbe
previewed while it is activated.
12-bit 14-bit
Phase-detection AFContrast-detect AF
1x Approx. 13x
It is possible to magnify the view in the
monitor during Live View up to approx.
13x for accurate focus check.
(See p. 95 of D3X User’s Manual)
Compressed
RAW
Lossless
compressed
RAW
Uncompressed
RAW
D3X Technical Guide
20 21
Recommended camera settings
ISO sensitivity
• CanbesetbetweenLo1(ISO50equivalent)andHi2(ISO6400equivalent)
• Sensitivityrange:ISO100to1600innormalsetting
ISO100isrecommendedwhenimagequalityisapriority
Active D-Lighting
• Reproducesbrightnessasyouseeittocreate
appropriately exposed picture with natural
contrast, while compensating highlights and
shadows.
• Effectiveforoutdoorshootingwherealarge
brightness difference makes light control
difficult.
• Choosethelevelsfromamong“Auto”,“Extra
high”,“High”,“Normal”,“Low”or“Off”,priorto
shooting.
• Optionssetatthetimeofshootingotherthan
“Off”canbechangedafterwardusingCapture
NX2.(Notpossibleif“Off”wasset.)
• “Off”isrecommendedwhenbrightnesscan
be easily controlled such as in a studio.
Image quality
• RAW+JPEG(FINE):Singleimagecanberecordedintwoformatstobeusedaccordingto
applications(e.g.RAW:storedastheoriginal/JPEG:usedforoutputbyanartdirector)
• Choose“Optimalquality”optionfromJPEGcompressionmenu
• Choose[RAW+JPEG]option
Slot1(RAW):Smaller-capacitymemorycardisrecommended
to protect taken images
Slot2(JPEG):Larger-capacitymemorycardisrecommended
(e.g. 32 GB per day) for efficient shooting
Picture Control
• Nikon’soriginalsystemofimagecreationsettingsenablesuserstoeasilycontrolimage
factors such as tone, hue, and contrast, utilizing characteristics of digital cameras.
• Fordetails,visitthiswebsite.
http://www.nikon-image.com/jpn/event/special/pcs/index.htm
• Thissystembecomesmoreeffectivebyfreelychoosing
each Picture Control to make the most of its characteristics
according to subject and scene situations.
=> ex. Fruits were taken using Landscape
Image transfer
• Foruse/settingsoftheWirelessTransmitterWT-4,visitthefollowingNikonwebsite:
https://recept.nikon-image.com/nps/solution/data/01_wt_4.htm
• Ad-hocmodeisbasicallyrecommendedforsecuretransmissiontoadesignatedcomputer.
OptionalPictureControlLandscapecanbedownloadedfromNikon’swebsite(free).http://
nikonimglib.com/opc/
Active D-Lighting “Normal” was applied
D-Lighting was applied after the shot
“Shadow Adjustment”, a Quick Fix
option of Capture NX 2, was applied
after the shot
LandscapeNeutral Vivid
D3X Technical Guide
22 23
Lens selection in portrait shooting
To capture portraits emphasizing a soft image
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
To capture portraits emphasizing a sharp image
AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
Advantages of AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
This Nikon F X-for mat nor mal le ns wi th built-in SWM
enables quiet AF operation. Featuring fast maximum
aper ture of f/1.4 and rounded diaphragm opening it
delivers beautiful background blur. Also, high reproduction
capability throughout the entire frame provides clear
images from infinity to the closest distance. In portrait
sh ootin g, skin ton es a nd s hadow s are accurately
reproduced to realize soft and natural results.
Advantages of AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm
f/2.8G ED
While offering a wide range of reproduction ratios up to
1:1 life size, sharp images are ensured throughout the
rangeevenatthemaximumaperture.NanoCrystal Coat
provides clear images by effectively reducing ghost and
flare. Beautiful image blur makes the lens suitable not
only for macro photography but also a wide variety of
shooting such as portraits and landscapes. Especially in
portrait shooting, sharp images can be captured by solidly
reproducing specific features such as the eyes.
Feminine gentle ness can be
i m p r e s s i v e l y e x p r e s s e d b y
effectively utilizing background
blur.
Brightness is naturally balanced
across the entire image, and
skin texture is finely reproduced
to enhance the soft image.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G EDAF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
The cool image is emphasized
by re produ cing eyes cl ea rl y
utilizing the high resolving power
of the lens.
D3X Technical Guide
24 25
PC-E lens selection
PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED: shifting PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D: tilting
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED: tilting
PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED
Utilizing an ultra-wide angle of view of 84°, the picture was taken
as if looking up at the building from the ground. Shift mechanism
places the camera parallel to the subject to correct distorted
perspective in the frame including windows in a grid pattern.
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8ED
By tilting the lens so that the subject plane is parallel to the
camera’s image plane, focus is achieved across the entire
subject.
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D
While utilizing telephoto effect with 85mm focal length and
shallow depth of field with fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, the
picture was taken by tilting the lens so that only a specific part of
the subject is in focus to emphasize depth.
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED using the shift function
Manual exposure, 1/125 s, f/10 (images were trimmed)
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D using the tilt function
Manual exposure, 1/20 s, f/8
D3X + PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED using the tilt function
Manual exposure, 1/200 s, f/3
Shifted Tilted
Tilted
Normal Normal
Normal
Effective use of Capture NX 2 -1- Effective use of Capture NX 2 -2-
Result
Applying “Unsharp Mask” to eyelashes
makes eyes clearer.
Result
Using Selection Control Points, “Noise
R e d u c t i o n ” w a s a p p l i e d t o s k i n t o
reproduce smooth texture.
Because adustment was applied only to
the selected area, lips and eyes remained
clear while skin became smoother.
“Auto Retouch Brush” was also used to
remove moles.
Original
Although subject’s eye is in focus, the
image lacks sharpness.
Original
Skin texture looks fine but lacks
smoothness. Some moles are found.
Original
“Unsharp Mask” applied
to eyelashes
“Unsharp Mask” applied
to eyelashes, “Contrast/
Brightness” to eyes
Locate a Sel ection Contro l Poi nt on
the subject’s face, reduce the size and
select the skin area to be adjusted. After
producing the first Control Point, make
three duplicated points and locate them
as shown above. Apply minus (-) effect of
the “Selection Brush Tool” to areas where
adustment is not necessary including the
hair.
Apply “Unsharp Mask” only to eyes “Noise Reduction” makes skin smoother
26 27
D3X Technical Guide
Effective use of Capture NX 2 -3-
28 29
Result
Selection Control Points and D-Lighting
brightened the intensely shaded area only.
The resulting image was as if taken using
a reflector.
Na tural exp re ss io n was repro du ce d
without dazzling the subject’s eyes with a
reflector.
Locate a Selection Control
Point on the shaded
subject’s cheek. Areas where
D-Lighting should be applied
are colored in green. Next,
apply minus (-) effect of
the “Selection Brush Tool”
to the background where
adjustment is not required.
Result
Selection Control Points and D-Lighting
brightened specific areas only as if a
spotlight was used.
Even an ex tremely small area can be
brightened where actual lighting cannot
be controlled.
Original
Fine weather at the time of shooting
caused intense shadow on the subject’s
face which was not controlled because a
reflector was not available.
Original
It is almost impossible to brighten a
desired area only by using flashes or
reflectors without affecting other areas.
Locate Selection Control
Points on dark areas of
the cuisine. Areas where
D-Lighting should be applied
are colored in green. Apply
minus (-) effect of the
“Selection Brush Tool” to
other areas where adjustment
is not required.
Reflector effect after shot -1-: reducing shadows on the face Reflector effect after shot -2-: brighten only a specific area
D3X Technical Guide
Effective use of Capture NX 2 -4-
30 31
Result
Even small reflections were removed
simply and accurately.
Enlarge the image size to 100% to make
adjustment easy. With a mouse click on
the desired point, a circle showing the
size turns pink. Releasing the mouse
button removes the unwanted reflection.
Result
Even small reflections that
could not be prevented
were removed simply and
accurately.
Result
After the defect was
removed, the leaf
looked perfect with
naturally connected
veins as if no defect
had ever existed.
Original
Surrounding reflected illuminations
photographed.
Original
A serious defect was found
on a bamboo leaf.
Original
Some small reflections were not
prevented even with wide-ranging
lighting angles.
“Auto Retouch Brush” removes unwanted details
Dust spots photographed on an image can be easily removed with a mouse click and stroke
to achieve more natural-looking results. This tool can also be used to remove other unwanted
objects within the frame.
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