Nikon D3 is it still a good camera

willie_901 said:
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.
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Indeed.

Although I have always been very satisfied with the high ISO performace of my EOS 5D when I had it. :)

Now, that I shoot with a Nikon Df, ISO issues will be gone forever. ;)
 
Received the camera today, so far so good I was able to get the mode switch
to work, I adjusted the swiper's and when I attached it and all the modes work,
now I have to find a complete part the only thing I can't fix it the lens release
button that's broken It works but the button is being held in place with black tape
a band aid for now but will have to get that fixed.
 
I still use D700 for pretty much all my digital work. Same sensor as D3. It's as good as I need it to be. Enough MP for me and the build quality is top notch. Actually I'm bit fearful for the day I need a replacement. Due to the fact that D810 feels heavier (not sure if that's true or not, but that was my initial reaction when I handled it) and the fact that those files are HUGE. Of course there's bonuses of that too, but for storage it will be a whole new level. Also I feel that I need to update my workstation to accommodate the power those files need in Photoshop.

There's nothing wrong in using ~7 year old camera :) As long as they work that is.

My more modern digital is a compact LX100 (which also has about 12MP effectively). And even if the sensor is smaller, it's file quality is stellar. On par with my D700 easily. And the lens is at least almost as good as the 24-70 Nikon I have (with same focal range), but faster in the wide end. I say that that compact is a steal :D Now days I carry D700 for the ergonomics + lens options + dependability, not as much for critical quality (which is the same in compact).

As long as the bills get paid :)
 
Around 130g in it the D700 being heavier, just shows how the "feel" can affect the perception.
The D810 files are indeed large probably larger than I ever will need and you should take into account your output requirement, cropping birds etc I can see it being useful. I have very rarely use the full output of my 39MP P45+ back and usually throw away pixels although there are good scientific arguments that down sampling to say 12MP gives a "better" file than a native 12MP.
I am still happy with my D3 and its responsiveness is a a pure delight when that is required. They do spoil you though for non-pro bodies even my limping D2H (shutter issues) just works and feels so solid inspiring confidence.
 
I was able to pick up a mode switch and if all goes well I'll put it in myself, I
also pick up a battery today new in what looks like silver/grey boxes they may
be new old stock and I bet they won't charge.
 
Hi all,
I purchased two lenses for the Nikon D3 a AFS Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and a older
Nikkor AF 28mm f2.8 and the result's are in really nice looking pictures.
 
Just a update I received a mode dial and I decided to put it in tonight, if all goes
well I be able to adjust the flash bracket and flash modes.
 
Bob,

You sure know how to get these unbelievable deals. Then on top of that you are rather good in engineering and mechanical reasoning to delve into repairs.

Cal
 
I had a D700 when they were new but sold it after a year and went all film. It took wonderful shots and I sometimes wonder If I should have kept it. I either didn't know or have since forgotten that it shared the same sensor as the D3. For the price you've paid, it's a steal indeed, even with slight TLC needed. Agree with other poster's comments that the files from D3/D700 sensors could be made to look quite filmesque without too much work.

Thing with digital is, as long as it works, it doesn't take any lower quality shots now than it did back then, when everybody was busy gushing about how state of the art it was. Our eyes are still the same eyes today, okay, to be honest actually mine are a little worse:rolleyes:
 
I worked on this the other night and it works great now, able to change
the flash modes, locking shutter and aperture and flash bracketing.
 

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pvdhaar said:
The 28 AF has a bad reputation, but it's undeserved.. Notwithstanding all the hoopla about the 20 and 24 having CRC, which the 28 lacks, I always liked the results of the 28 better...
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I purchased a few here and there and they do have differences, this latest
one I have now once set up in the camera seems pretty sharp.
 
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.
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Which is precisely why I'm using Nikon S3 and SP rangefinders and manual focus Nikon F, F2, F3, FA , and FM-2 film bodies.
For me and the type of photography I do, they're more than good enough and most of the bells and whistles that came after them never seemed vital to my picture-taking.
 
rbsinto said:
Which is precisely why I'm using Nikon S3 and SP rangefinders and manual focus Nikon F, F2, F3, FA , and FM-2 film bodies. for me and the type of photography I do, they're more than good enough and most of the bells and whistles that came after them never seemed vital to my picture-taking.
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Well exactly.

The only thing you have to contend with is changing film stock.
Salgado has some comments on what he perceives as the decreasing quality of the film he likes.

All of the Nikons, particularly the F-anything series, are solid picture making machines.

I don't have any experience with their rangefinders (my RF life was 4x5 and Leica until a decent reflex camera came along) but as long as you can get the stock you like to shoot....
 
I'm glad you guy's are enjoying your Film Nikon's, I on the other hand have not
touch any film camera's in awhile. I don't have a darkroom and where I live it's
hard to get film developed (like 3 weeks) I could get in done in New York City.
I do have a Nikon S3 camera which I have not used at all, digital has taken up
my time and with a good printer I like it and this Nikon D3 has a smooth quality
to it a great color that I like. who knows I might sell my Nikon S3?
 
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