When buffer memory is expanded, the number of shots possible with a single burst of continuous shooting is increased. This increase in shooting performance will expand the range of shooting possibilities. See the chart below for more details.
Fee and Return
The cost is $500.00 plus your state tax. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs. Please allow up to two weeks time for the Buffer Memory Expansion service; should more time be required, the user will be informed.
Taking advantage of the buffer memory expansion service
Requests for Buffer Memory Expansion service will be accepted beginning July 30, 2008. Before sending your camera, please note all of your settings as this service will reset the camera to the original, default settings. This service will only be performed by Nikon Inc. service facilities in Melville or El Segundo.
Shipping your D3 to a Nikon service facility
To submit your D3 for this enhancement, please view this link http://form.nikonimagesvcapprove.com and fill in the attached service document. Indicate the item is a "Digital SLR", select "D3" on the drop down list, enter your serial number, and indicate "Buffer Upgrade" under the problem description field. This service form will provide you with a print-out for reference and an address label to use on the shipping box. It also automatically chooses which service facility is closest to your location. If there are any additional questions, please call 1-800-645-6687.
Nikon Inc. Service Facilities
| Nikon Inc. Service Department
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747 | Nikon Inc. Service Department
841 Apollo Street Suite 100
El Segundo, CA 90245 |
- Please use the web form via the link above. Indicate on the form's problem description Buffer Upgrade.
- Please only send in your D3 camera(s). We do not need the display box or any other accessory.
- Enclose your product in a plastic bag and pack it in a sturdy shipping box with several inches of a quality packing material on all sides so that your camera does not shift during shipment.
- We recommend shipping insured via a reputable carrier like UPS and obtaining a tracking number.
| Approximate number of images possible per burst of continuous shooting
|
| | | FX-Format | DX-Format |
| Image Quality | Image Size | Before | After | Before | After |
| NEF (RAW)
(12-bit lossless compressed) | - | 18 | 43 | 28 | 68 |
| NEF (RAW)
(14-bit lossless compressed) | - | 16 | 36 | 25 | 58 |
| NEF (RAW)
(12-bit compressed) | - | 20 | 44 | 36 | 87 |
| NEF (RAW)
(14-bit compressed) | - | 16 | 37 | 29 | 64 |
| NEF (RAW)
(12-bit uncompressed) | - | 17 | 38 | 25 | 61 |
| NEF (RAW)
(14-bit uncompressed) | - | 16 | 36 | 22 | 54 |
| TIFF (RGB) | Large | 17 | 35 | 20 | 46 |
| Medium | 19 | 42 | 25 | 59 |
| Small | 25 | 61 | 41 | 101 |
| JPEG Fine | Large | 52 | 119 | 130 | 130 |
| Medium | 92 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Small | 96 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| JPEG Normal | Large | 74 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Medium | 98 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Small | 100 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| JPEG Basic | Large | 79 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Medium | 100 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Small | 100 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
Test conditions:
High ISO NR set to Off, Active D-Lighting set to Off, Image authentication set to Off, focus-mode selector set to [C] or [M], exposure mode set to [S] or [M], shutter speeds of 1/250 or faster, ISO sensitivity set to 200, release mode dial set to [CH] continuous high speed, Shooting speed set to 9 fps (FX format) or 11 fps (DX format), with 2 GB SanDisk Extreme IV (SDCFX4) memory card.
*All other settings at default values
Nikon announces D3 DSLR Buffer Memory Expansion Service