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Professional digital cameras Nikon E3 / E3s Digital Camera Refinement Redefined

Jun. 1998

E3

Tokyo, Japan (Nippon) June 15, 1998 --- Nikon introduces the new Digital Camera Nikon E3 and E3s : uniquely advanced professional digital cameras that approach the performance of the finest 35mm [135]-format AF SLRs.

The two cameras advance the standards of cutting-edge digital photography previously established by Nikon's introduction of the E2 and E2s SLR-type digital cameras in 1995 and the E2N and E2Ns in 1996.

 

E3s

Nikon Professional E Series digital cameras have since become the digital camera of choice for premium performance in fields including journalism, medical research, publishing, construction, academics, education and other applications in which peerless digital images are vital assets.

Remarkably, the E3 and E3s are priced lower than their predecessors, yet feature such refinements to control and convenience such as white balance fine tuning and preview (PV) mode.
The cameras feature a high-sensitivity 1.4-million (1,364 x 1,032)-square-pixel CCD that processes high-definition (1,280 x 1,000 pixel) images at the ISO equivalent of 800 (STD), 1600 (MID) or 3200 (HIGH).
Infrared (IR) reduction and optical low-pass filters retain realistic tone and balance of RGB coloration, while reducing RGB moire.
Both cameras allow 1 frame / sec. shooting until the memory card is full. Also, the E3s' large buffer memory allows it to shoot up to 12 consecutive images at 3 frames / sec.
Both cameras enhance control of digital photography and sensitivity to various situations. White balance can be set to any of six(6) settings, then manually fine-tuned.
Preview (PV) mode provides a clear view of the scene and subject before the shot is taken and committed to memory.
Three (3) metering modes, four (4) exposure modes and auto bracketing compensation at +-1/4 EV, +-1/2 EV or +-3/4 EV offer ample exposure flexibility.
Nine (9) custom settings include some of those built into Nikon's ultimate 35mm[135]-format SLR, the F5.
User-ID recording to an Image Memory Card simplifies picture storage and recall.

Nikon compatibility has many advantages.
The viewfinder image and final picture are virtually identical, whether using a Nikkor lens mounted on a Professional E Series digital or a Nikon 35mm [135]-format SLR camera. Moreover, the E3 and E3s can be used with a wide array of Nikon SLR equipment and accessories, including Speedlights.
Anti-vibration mode reinforces image stability and precision.
A 25-pin D-Sub SCSI connector simplifies setting and control of camera functions, facilitating transfer of image data direct to PCs and printers.
An analog video output terminal for NTSC or PAL signals allows images to be monitored without using a PC.
Other digital photographic innovations include Preview (PV) Mode handy for viewing of the scene to be shot on a connected TV monitor, image storage to Image Memory (PCMCIA) Card Nikon EC-15, delete functions and four compression modes for storage.
A long-life, rechargeable Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) battery EN-3 provides power enough to shoot up to about 1,000 consecutive shots.

*The E3 and E3s, like the E2 Series, were co-developed with Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., which will introduce the same products under a different brand.

MAJOR FEATURES

  • 1.4-million (1,364 x 1,032)-square-pixel CCD for high-resolution (1,280 x 1,000 pixel) images
  • Reduction Optical System (ROS) for practically identical picture angles using different Nikon cameras
  • Infrared(IR) Reduction and optical low-pass filtering for superior color fidelity
  • Compatible with Nikkor lenses and Nikon Speedlights and other accessories
  • High-speed shooting (E3s: 3 fps. (up to 12 consecutive shots); E3: 1fps.)
  • Versatile, convenient presets and modes for white balance, metering, exposure, auto bracketing compensation and custom settings
  • User-ID recording to an Image Memory Card
  • Anti-vibration mode
  • 25-pin D-Sub SCSI connector
  • NTSC or PAL analog video output termina
  • External sync terminal
  • Uses Nikon View ES Browser Software :
    For shooting : PC connection via SCSI cable to set conditions and control shooting via PC. Also enables images to be transferred to a PC for storage.
    For setting : Connects the E3/E3s to a PC via SCSI cable, enabling customized setting.
    For image downloading : Displays images stored on an inserted PC card or on a PC and respective shooting conditions.

Specifications

Type of Camera Lens-interchangeable SLR-type digital camera
CCD 2/3-in. VT (Vacant Transfer) type;
1.3-million effective pixels (1,280 x 1,000 array);
Captures 8-bit full-color image
Image Size 1,280 x 1,000
Sensitivity STD : Equivalent to ISO 800 film
MID : Equivalent to ISO 1600 film
HIGH : Equivalent to ISO 3200 film
Lens Mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and CPU contacts)
Usable Lenses AF Nikkor and Ai-S type Nikkor lenses with limitations
Focus Modes S: Single-Servo Autofocus mode
C: Continuous-Servo Autofocus mode
M: Manual
Autofocus TTL phase detection system using Nikon Advanced AM200 autofocus module
Autofocus detection range Approx. EV -1 to 18 at ISO equivalent 100 (under Nikon inspection conditions)
Exposure Metering Matrix Metering : Five(5)-segment multi-pattern metering system
Center-Weighted Metering : Concentrates approx. 70% of exposure metering sensitivity in viewfinder's central area
Spot Metering : Concentrates exposure metering in area (approx. diameter 5mm circle) in viewfinder's center
Metering Range
(at equivalent to ISO 100 with f / 1.4 lens)
Matrix Metering : EV 1 to 16-1 / 3
Center-Weighted Metering : EV 1 to 20
Spot Metering : EV 2 to 20
Exposure Control Program (P), Shutter-Priority auto (S), Aperture-Priority auto (A) and Manual (M) exposure modes
Aperture Aperture controlled by built-in diaphragm inside Reduction Optics ;
Controlled aperture : f / 4.8 to f / 38, set by command dial;
Command lock possible
AE Lock Possible via AE-L (AE lock) button; BV memory type
Auto Bracketing Shoot 2 to 3 frames, each at a different exposure.
Compensation value range of steps from +-1 / 4 to +-3 / 4. Select among 9 combinations.
Exposure Compensation Possible within +-2 EV range in 1/4 steps
Shutter Speeds Controlled from 1 / 2000 to 1 / 2 sec. steplessly in P or A mode;
Can be set from 1 / 2000 to 1/8 sec. in 1 / 2 EV steps in M or S mode
Viewfinder Optical-type eyelevel viewfinder (fixed);
Approx. 98% frame coverage;
Approx. 0.7x magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity
Focusing Screen Nikon advanced B-type BriteView screen (fixed)
Storage System : Digitally stored (uncompressed TIFF or compressed JPEG)
Media : Nikon Image Memory Card EC-15 (PCMCIA / JEIDA standard memory Type I card)
Modes and No. of Frames
Image quality mode
Data size per frame (approx.)
Image Memory Card EC-15
HI (uncompressed) 2.45 MB 5 frames
FINE
(1 / 4 compressed)
640 KB 21 frames
NORMAL
(1 / 8 compressed)
320 KB 43 frames
BASIC
(1 / 16 compressed)
160 KB 84 frames
Shooting Modes S (single frame shooting) mode :Advances one frame for each shutter release
C (continuous shooting) mode (approx.) :
  • E3 : Approx. 1 frame per sec. (varies according to storage mode)
  • E3s : Approx. 3 frames per sec. (up to 12 consecutive shots)
PV (preview) Mode : Images displayed on-screen are automatically updated for each shutter release
PB (playback) Mode : For playback on TV (NTSC or PAL)
PC Mode : Personal computer, printer connecting mode
SCSI 25-pin D-Sub connector
Video Output NTSC or PAL (selectable)
White Balance Auto : Color temperature auto tracking
Manual : Six(6)-step mark selection
[ 1) Incandescent light (3,000K), 2) Fluorescent light (6.700 / 5,000 / 4,200K), 3) Fine weather (5,300K), 4) Cloudy weather (6,500K), 5) Shade (8,000K), and 6) Flash mode (5,700K)].
Further fine-tuning can be performed
Flash Synchronization X sync only; top sync speed of 1/250 sec.; in M or S mode, shutter fires at speed set (1/350 to 1/2000 sec. cannot be chosen);
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash possible with Nikon Speedlights including SB-28, 27, 26 and 25;
Standard TTL Flash is also possible;
External sync terminal also available
Autofocus Flash Photography Possible with Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-28, 27, 26, 25 or 22s
Power Supply Voltage: 7.2V DC
Quick Charger EH-3 used for Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery Pack EN-3 (charging time: approx. 1 hr. , 1,150mmAh capacity) can also supply power directly to E3 / E3s body via DC Adapter ES-1
Dimensions
(W x H x D)
164.1 x 152.6 x 120.2mm (6.5 x 6.0 x 4.7 in.)
Weight (including battery) Approx. 1,850g (4.1 lbs.) (E3)
Approx. 1,860g (4.1 lbs.) (E3s)
Required Accessories Rechargeable Battery Pack EN-3, Quick Charger EH-3, DC Adapter ES-1,
External Sync Adapter EX-10, Video Cable EG-10,
Image Memory Card EC-15

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.




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