I attended the launch of Nikon’s latest DSLR – the D3x on Monday – and my word, what a nice camera it is.Building on the success of the brand’s award-winning D3, the D3x promises to deliver the same reputable features whilst offering twice the resolution.Representatives referred to the model as the new flagship product and claimed it will best empower photographers shooting for stock, commercials or fashion. Retailing at £5499.99 Nikon sources pledge that it will be available for purchase before Christmas – I expect I won’t be alone in adding it to my Christmas wish list then!The key features:24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.ISO 100 – 1600: extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent).5fps consecutive shooting (7fps in DX Crop mode)EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.Durable magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.I was given a very limited time to get a handle on the beast but included below are a few of the frames I managed to power out in time. Catch our full review of the D3x in an forth coming issue of Digital Photographer.   

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