Nikon D3X

High resolution offers some drawbacks

But when Nikon boosted the D3X's pixel count into the stratosphere, it forced some compromises. The D3X can't fire off shots nearly as fast as Nikon's other top-tier pro digital SLR, the Nikon D3S (*Est. $5,200 body only) -- expect 5 frames per second (fps) from the D3X, versus 9 fps for the D3S. Also, the D3X lacks the D3S's uncanny ability to shoot practically in the dark. The D3X ranges from ISO 100 to 6400, versus 200 to a formerly unheard-of 102,400 with the D3S. For these reasons alone, critics prefer the D3S for fast-paced or low-light work such as photojournalism and sports photography. Another difference: The Nikon D3S can shoot HD video, but the D3X can't shoot video at all.

Finally, reviewers can't help but notice that the D3X costs thousands more. "Can a camera be worth this much money?" DPReview.com writes. "It's a rather philosophical question. It certainly will be to the professional who requires massive file sizes to sell his pictures, it could be to the serious (and wealthy) amateur who spends hours marveling at the D3X images' fantastic detail, and it's almost certainly not for everyone else."

DPReview.com posts a 34-part review of the Nikon D3X, testing everything in great detail. Imaging-Resource.com also conducts extensive testing and posts a series of test shots. Shorter reviews at PopPhoto.com and PhotographyBlog.com are also based on expert tests. Amazon.com is a good place to find owner feedback.