- 35mm 855.6mm2
- 24.3 megapixels
- ISO 100 - 25,600
- Go in depth with our full Sony A99 Review.
- See real-world photos taken with the A99.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Nikon D2Xs
D2Xs vs D3X |
|
| Successor: |
Sony A99 II
A99 vs A99 II |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | D3X | A99 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | SLT-A99V | |
| Camera Format: | Pro SLR | SLR |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $7999.95 | $2799.99 |
| Street Price: | $2,499.99 | $1,998.00 |
| Date Available: | 2008-12-15 | 2012-10-15 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
49.1 oz
(1,392 g)
includes batteries |
29.2 oz
(828 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
6.3 x
6.2 x
3.4 in. (160 x 157 x 88 mm) |
5.8 x
4.4 x
3.1 in. (147 x 111 x 78 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | Sony |
| Effective Megapixels: | 24.5 | 24.3 |
| Sensor Format: | 35mm | 35mm |
| Sensor size: | 861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm) | 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 5.94 microns | 5.97 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.0x | 1.0x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | No | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No | Yes |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 88 | 89 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 24.7 | 25.0 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 13.7 | 14.0 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 1,992 | 1,555 |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
6048 x 4032
(24.4 MP,
3:2), 4544 x 3024 (13.7 MP, 3:2), 3024 x 2016 (6.1 MP, 3:2), 5056 x 4032 (20.4 MP, 5:4), 3792 x 3024 (11.5 MP, 5:4), 2528 x 2016 (5.1 MP, 5:4), 3968 x 2640 (10.5 MP, 3:2), 2976 x 1976 (5.9 MP, Other), 1984 x 1320 (2.6 MP, 3:2) |
6000 x 4000
(24.0 MP,
3:2), 6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9), 3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2), 3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9), 2640 x 1760 (4.6 MP, 3:2), 2640 x 1488 (3.9 MP, Other), 1728 x 1152 (2.0 MP, 3:2), 1728 x 976 (1.7 MP, Other), 12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other), 8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other), 2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other), 2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.21), TIFF; RAW (NEF), 12- or 14-bit | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 14-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 5.0 | 5.9 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | No | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1920x1080 (60p/28Mbps/PS or 60i/24Mbps/FX or 60i/17Mbps/FH or 24p/24Mbps/FX or 24p/17Mbps/FH)
1440x1080 (30p/12Mbps) 640x480 (30p/3Mbps) |
|
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC | |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes | No |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | Yes | n/a |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | Yes | n/a |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Nikon F | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) |
| Lens: | n/a | n/a |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | ||
| Focal Length (actual): | ||
| Zoom Ratio: | ||
| Aperture Range: | ||
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: | ||
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | n/a | n/a |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | No | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | 1.4x / 2x |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors | Dual Phase-detection: 19 points (11 points cross type) CCD line sensors, 102 assist points focal plane phase-detection sensors; Wide (auto, 19 points), Zone, Spot, Local selectable |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | No | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD | EVF / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 | EVF type; 1.3cm (0.5-inch) 2,359K-dot XGA OLED, ~100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, 22mm eyepoint at -1 diopter (CIPA standard), -4 to +3 diopter, eye sensor. |
| Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | n/a | 2,359,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.70x | 0.71x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 0.70x | 0.71x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 922,000 dots | 1,228,800 dots (307,200 px) |
| Touchscreen: | No | No |
| Articulating Screen: | No | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | No | Yes |
| Selfie Screen: | No | Yes |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 27.0x | 16.7x |
| Top Deck Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 1600 | 25600 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 100 | 100 |
| ISO Settings: | 100 - 1600, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 6,400 in Hi-2 | Auto (100-6400 with selectable limits), 100-25600 in 1/3 EV steps, extendable down to ISO 50; Multi-frame NR up to ISO 51200 |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom | Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm white/Cool white/Day white/Daylight), Flash, C. Temp 2500 to 9900K, C Filter G7 to M7 (15-step), Custom, AWB micro adjustment |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/8000 - 30 sec | 1/8000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area | 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | None | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama, Telezoom Continuous Priority AE |
| Self Timer: | 2/5/10/20 seconds | 2, 10; 3 or 5 frames after 10s seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | ||
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | No | No |
| Flash Modes: | n/a | Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a | n/a |
| Flash Range Description: | n/a | n/a |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | |
| External Flash Connection: | ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal | Multi Interface Shoe, PC-Sync terminal |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | ||
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive | MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I | |
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | Yes | Yes |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | TIFF; RAW (NEF), 12- or 14-bit | 14-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC | |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | No memory included |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | No |
| NFC: | No | |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | Yes |
| Microphone Jack: | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Wired, 10-pin terminal or USB | Optional Wireless or Wired |
| Connections (extended): | HDMI Out (Type-A), DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV H); Wired Remote Terminal, External Stereo Micophone Jack, External Stereo Headphone Jack, DC Input, Vertical Grip connector, Sync Terminal, Multi Interface Shoe, Built-in GPS |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | <0.3 | 0.50 |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | <0.3 | 0.56 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 31 | Unlimited |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.58 | |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | Yes | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 5.0 | 5.9 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 31 | 17 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.9 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 18 | |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.9 | |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 13 | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.16 seconds | 0.13 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.050 seconds | 0.081 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | ||
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.045 seconds | 0.055 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Live View Mode Full AF, Single-Area, Hand-Held Mode = 0.426s Full AF, Auto-Area, Hand-Held Mode = 0.606s Prefocused, Hand-Held Mode = 0.045s Prefocused, Tripod Mode = 0.418s | Full AF lag, Wide-area AF mode = 0.125s Prefocused shutter lag with Electronic First Curtain Off = 0.108s |
| Startup Time: | 0.3 seconds | 0.7 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.3 seconds | 1.1 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | ||
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 500 shots | |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 4400 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary EN-EL4a | Proprietary NP-FM500H |
| Usable Battery Types: | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No | No |
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | Software Suite CD-ROM | Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter 4, Remote Camera Control 3) |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows, Mac OS | Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.5 +); PMB is Windows only |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | 24.5MP version of the D3. 5fps full resolution burst speed, 7fps in DX crop mode at 10.5 megapixels. | 24.3MP full-frame image sensor, SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization, dual phase-detect AF, 200K shutter, AVCHD 2.0 video, hi-res OLED EVF, articulating 1.3M-dot LCD, 6 fps bursts at full resolution, up to 10 fps Tele-zoom mode, two card slots (SD/MS, SD), real-time Full HD video out via HDMI, built-in GPS. |
