Nikon D3 is it still a good camera

R

Range-rover

Veteran
Local time
7:35 AM
Joined
May 18, 2012
Messages
2,493
Hi all,
I've been offered a Nikon D3 camera at a real great price But it has
issues, the mode knob on the top of the camera has come off but otherwise
the camera works, I have dug into camera's before and fixed my Canon
Eos1ds camera and the like but always liked to get a Nikon D3 for it's
Full frame and you could use it with it's high ISO's.
 
My DSLR is a Nikon D2x. These D2/D3 cameras are more than good. It's only in the extremes of speed and enlargement size that these cameras are lacking.
 
Awesome camera! I've used D3, borrowed a D3s for a while and still have my D700 which has the same inards. 12 mp is more than enough for poster size prints and doesn't take up masses of storage. High iso is great until 1600 and usable in the right conditions at 3200. I still think this sensor is the best at creating a film look from digital.
You can still get spares for them so lift the top plate and replace whatever is needed. I suspect it's the same as most modern Nikon's in that you remove the rubber body covers to access the top plate screws and the plate then comes off as one piece with all controls attached. It's probably going to be attached to the body with one ribbon cable on the left side but I haven't been into a D3 so can't confirm.
 
I agree with John. It's an extremely capable camera and I know of guys near me that are still using the D3 (with replaced shutters) rather than a later model. Another bought a secondhand D3 because he preferred the look over the results from his new D4 (he's also, in his own words, a tightwad and hates paying for things he doesn't use so was always bemoaning the implementation of the D3s and D4's video.) I kept my old D3 as my backup body and I still find myself using it.

Depending on what you're using it for and how good you are with processing images I'd suggest you can go above 3200 when needed, though you are entering murkier waters and I found the best results came from underexposing from a lower ISO base and tweaking the resulting files in Lightroom.

If you're happy and competent enough to strip and fix it and the price is right I'd say you've got yourself a great camera.
 
Unless the price is stellar, I wouldn't do it. I've owned D3, D3s and D4.

If all you want is full frame, there are other options (D700 for one) that will provide the same image quality for less money and with less bulk. If you need the weather proofing or fps that might weigh it up.
 
A good camera doesn't get any worse, just because a newer model is even better.

We tend to forget that in the digital age.

I am convinced that in 2006 digital cameras have reached a level on which they can be used for everything and later models have just improved this and that.

A Canon EOS 5Dclassic still is a great cam, and so is a Nikon D3 if you can cope with its size.
 
$350!

For that kind of money I'd have taken his hand off. You've got yourself an absolute bargain. Good luck with the minor repair and enjoy using it.
 
Built like a tank. Love both of mine.

You like it because of CCD sensor rather than CMOS.

I have made 11x prints from mine at 1600 and they look really fine..
 
Bob,

Congrates on stealing that camera. LOL. Bring it to the January Camera Olympics.

I love my D3X. It is porky for sure but a real stable platform. D3 shutters are mucho durable and made for long lives.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
Bob,

Congrates on stealing that camera. LOL. Bring it to the January Camera Olympics.

I love my D3X. It is porky for sure but a real stable platform. D3 shutters are mucho durable and made for long lives.

Cal
Click to expand...

I will cal for sure if it all works out, which I hope it will.
 
I know of a D3s owner cashing out his digital gear. He's asking US$1.5k for it. SC<50k actuations. Comes with 3 EN-EL4a batteries, charger, boxes, cables, manual etc. What do you guys think?
 
Kent said:
A good camera doesn't get any worse, just because a newer model is even better.

We tend to forget that in the digital age.

I am convinced that in 2006 digital cameras have reached a level on which they can be used for everything and later models have just improved this and that.

A Canon EOS 5Dclassic still is a great cam, and so is a Nikon D3 if you can cope with its size.
Click to expand...

Very true!

However one of the "this and that" happens to be signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. This is significant for some people.
 
Vincent.G said:
I know of a D3s owner cashing out his digital gear. He's asking US$1.5k for it. SC<50k actuations. Comes with 3 EN-EL4a batteries, charger, boxes, cables, manual etc. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Sounds like a gift to me. If you want a D3S do it!

With under 50K actuations the camera is almost broken in. I'll bet it will do 300K clicks at least.
 
The 3S is a substantially better camera than the 3 - which I agree is excellent also. They are starting to slide badly in value but that's simply a time thing. If you want a pro body Nikon and are not swayed by fashion its a good buy. One thing thought - check the battery condition using the utility in the camera. Number one - if they are far gone then bargain. Also, make sure that the camera is on its orignal shutter. The rest of the body condition should verify or question that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom