[5] This allows the camera to reach higher equivalent film speeds and produce images with less noise in low light situations.

Additionally, D3 provides a lossless algorithm applied to RAW file along with uncompressed and lossy-compressed format.

The camera grip and body style were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign.

In the 2.01 firmware update, automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration is standardized, and Vignetting ("Vignette control"), lens distortion ("Distortion") correction, as well as image rotation ("Straighten") via playback ("Retouch") menu, are made possible.

Full frame sensors also maintain the traditional focal lengths and depth of field associated with 35mm camera systems.

[10] In July 2008 the D3x's larger buffer memory was offered as an upgrade to D3 owners, doubling its continuous shooting capacity.

New D3 bodies still ship with the original buffer memory; upgraded models can be identified with a "2x" label in the storage card door.

[15][16][17] Popular Photography magazine determined that the Nikon D3 camera has excellent control of noise and can shoot in very low light at high ISO speeds with very usable results.

It features a 24.5 megapixel sensor, an ISO range of 50–6400, and a new image processing system.