• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D3X
  • Sony Alpha ILCA-A68
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D2Xs
D2Xs vs D3X
Sony A58
A58 vs A68
Successor:    
General
Model Number: D3X A68
Alternate Model Number(s):   ILCA-68
Camera Format: Pro SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $7999.95 $699.99
Street Price: $2,499.99 $598.00
Date Available: 2008-12-15 2016-05-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 49.1 oz (1,392 g)
includes batteries
32.2 oz (912 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.
(160 x 157 x 88 mm)
5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in.
(143 x 104 x 81 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 24.5 24.3
Sensor Format: 35mm APS-C
Sensor size: 861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm) 366.6mm2 (23.50mm x 15.60mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.94 microns 3.92 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 88 79
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.7 24.1
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.7 13.5
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,992 701
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 6048 x 4032 (24.4 MP, 3:2),
4544 x 3024 (13.7 MP, 3:2),
3024 x 2016 (6.1 MP, 3:2),
5056 x 4032 (20.4 MP, 5:4),
3792 x 3024 (11.5 MP, 5:4),
2528 x 2016 (5.1 MP, 5:4),
3968 x 2640 (10.5 MP, 3:2),
2976 x 1976 (5.9 MP, Other),
1984 x 1320 (2.6 MP, 3:2)
6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
4240 x 2832 (12.0 MP, 3:2),
4240 x 2400 (10.2 MP, Other),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), TIFF; RAW (NEF), 12- or 14-bit JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 5.0 5.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: No Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format:   XAVC S format / AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compliant / MP4
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Sony Alpha (Minolta A)
Lens: n/a Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM II
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual):   18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio:   3.06x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No
Normal Focus Range:   25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, Up to 4x standard digital zoom
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors Phase Detection: 79 points (15 points cross type); Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot, Expanded Flexible Spot, Lock-On AF (Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot, Expanded Flexible Spot)
Auto Focus Assist Light? No Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 0.39"-type, 1,440K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 0.88x magnification (0.57x eq.), 23mm eye point (CIPA), -4 to +3 diopter adjustment, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 1,440,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x 0.57x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x 0.88x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 2.7
Rear Display Resolution: 922,000 dots 460,800 dots (153,600 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x  
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 1600 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: 100 - 1600, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 6,400 in Hi-2 Auto, 100-25600
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm White / Cool White / Day White / Daylight), Flash, Color temperature (2500 to 9900K), Color Filter (G7 to M7, A7 to B7), Custom (1 / 2 / 3), Custom Set
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama, Tele-zoom Continuous AE, 3 Custom Settings
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds 2, 10; 3 or 5 frames after 10s seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: n/a Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable), Rear sync., Wireless, High Speed sync.
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: n/a GN=12m (ISO 100), range is lens dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation:   +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal Multi-interface Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   Full TTL exposure
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: TIFF; RAW (NEF), 12- or 14-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format:   XAVC S format / AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compliant / MP4
Included Memory: No memory included  
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Wired, 10-pin terminal or USB Optional wired
Connections (extended): HDMI Out (Type-A), DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal Type-D Micro HDMI Connector, Multi Micro USB Terminal, External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): <0.3  
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): <0.3  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 31  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 5.0 5.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 31  
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.16 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.050 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.045 seconds  
Shutter Lag (notes): Live View Mode Full AF, Single-Area, Hand-Held Mode = 0.426s Full AF, Auto-Area, Hand-Held Mode = 0.606s Prefocused, Hand-Held Mode = 0.045s Prefocused, Tripod Mode = 0.418s  
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds  
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds  
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   580 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 4400 shots 540 shots
Battery Life, Video:   130 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL4a Proprietary NP-FM500H
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: Software Suite CD-ROM  
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 24.5MP version of the D3. 5fps full resolution burst speed, 7fps in DX crop mode at 10.5 megapixels.