The rumors and speculations are put to rest, please welcome the official announcement of the Nikon D3, Nikon's first full-frame digital SLR. Featuring 12.1 megapixels, the D3 showcases speed and sensitivity on a big CMOS chip, which means large photosites (8.45 µm pitch) and that adds up to base sensitivity of ISO 200 to 6400 with an additional two stop boost over that (up to ISO 25600). The D3 can shoot at nine frames per second with AF tracking or eleven frames per second without. The EXPEED image processing system has the ability to capture and process enormous amounts of data at high definition. It also features the Scene Recognition System, Advanced Autofocus, Picture Control system and Active D-Lighting feature. It boasts of 9 fps, making it the world's fastest full format D-SLR, with an even faster 11fps consecutive shooting possible in DX crop mode. The D3 exudes high definition. From the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port for output to the latest HD displays to the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, images can be played back at very high levels of detail.

The D3 is the world's first D-SLR to offer dual CompactFlash card slots for terrific storage flexibility. From freezing temperatures of the arctic to the humidity of the rainforest, Nikon's D3 can withstand it all. Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box, while the seams and buttons of the camera body are sealed against the affects of dust and moisture. The Nikon D3 will be available in (Europe) November, at around US$5000.