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Jun. 1998
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.
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
Specifications
| Type of Camera | Lens-interchangeable SLR-type digital camera | |||||||||||||||
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| Viewfinder | Optical-type eyelevel viewfinder (fixed); Approx. 98% frame coverage; Approx. 0.7x magnification with 50mm lens set at infinity |
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| 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) |
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| Modes and No. of Frames |
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| Shooting Modes | S (single frame shooting) mode :Advances one frame for each shutter release C (continuous shooting) mode (approx.) :
PB (playback) Mode : For playback on TV (NTSC or PAL) PC Mode : Personal computer, printer connecting mode |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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) |
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| 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 |