Nikon D3 12.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body Only

Master of the NIGHT!! A paradigm shift in photography!!

Strengths: Incredible high ISO image capability. Full frame! VERY high res. Great DR.

Weaknesses: HUGE...no popup flash. DX mode is less than desirable. AF grid of FX mode does not extend out far enough.

Summary: In 20+ years of shooting SLRs...and owning well over a dozen film and digital bodes...this is the most incredible camera upgrade ever. I upgraded and currently own a Nikon D2h, D200 and D40. I was very hesitatant in spending the money for such an expensive camera when cameras are being replaced so quickly with new models. But I have ZERO buyers remorse with this camera because of such a significant improvement in other models.

Nikon will come out with some thing better. And there are problems with this camera. Such as the DX mode is less than desirable. It is common knowledge about the drop in resoution to shoot in DX mode...but it is also frustrating because you can still see the surrounding area. So, even if I wanted to shoot at HALF resolution with a DX lens, I don't like the framing.

If you are upgrading from a DX body...you can pretty much count on your lenses needing to be replaced. Even if you had FX lenses (a new term for older lenses that were for film), they may need replacing. The venerable 28-70 was a perfect portrait and wedding lens on a DX DLSR...is too short on this camera.

The battery last for ever. The form factor is very well thought out...except for the metering mode switch. For the life of me...can't figure out why they changed that little item. Despite the great design...it is too large...larger than even the D2h (which is a LARGE camera). But it is smooth. The two extra cards slots is REALLY nice...nicer than I thought. I use two cards all the time. When shooting REALLY important stuff...the camera writes to both cards at the same time. In super important shoots, when I am done, I take one card and put it in my pocket...JUST in case something happens to the camera before I can get home, etc. Even for casual shooting, I keep two cards in...that way, when I am done shooting for the day, I will remove one card...and the other card is ready to roll.

I know the lack of a popup flash should be listed as a weakness...but despite being a professional level camera...it would still be nice. It can't hurt to ask, can it?

Really though, the high iso ability of this camera is simly remarkable. A TRUE shift in photography rules. I teach HS photography...and I am speechless when it comes to preparing the students for what they are going to be able to do with cameras one day (at consumer cameras). If Nikon can accomplish this today...what will they all be able to do in another 2 years??? If you are new to photography...you won't quite get what I am talking about. But if you have been around for any length of time...you KNOW that 100 is better than 400. And you don't shoot 400 unless you just had to. Recent camera models have seen improvements...allowing you to shoot pictures at 800 with pretty good quality. But this camera shoots 800 like the D200 shoots 100! It shoots 3200 like the D200 shot 800. 4000 ISO is completely useful. And I have NO problem shooting stuff at 6400 when noise is understandable, like sports.

Bottom line...if you CAN get this camera...get it...the next two years of your photography will be the most rewarding ever. I have never been a big fan of the comment that a camera doesn't make the photo. I can get good image from a P&S Canon A85...but this camera makes it so much easier. And, this camera literally makes possible shots otherwise impossible.

Nikon D3 professional digital SLR camera

Strengths: full frame CMOS censor, 9 FPS (frames per second), 12MP, low noise at high ISO, high resolution 3" LCD screen, LiveView, very good auto white balance, quality construction, fast read/write

Weaknesses: white balance presets not very accurate, pricey, a little on the heavy side, resolution loss with DX crop

Summary: As a professional wedding photographer, this has been the Nikon camera I've been waiting for. The solid construction and attention to detail (i.e. attached rubber flaps instead screw-type covers for the remote and sync adapters) really showcase the fact that this is a professional photographer's camera.

I've had my D3 since 12/07 and have yet to be let down by its performance. Pushing the ISO limit to 3200 still yields images with good image quality. In fact the noise is comparable IMO to grain in the old Kodak 800 ASA film that I shot years ago. Shooting weddings in stodgy old churches that don't allow flash photography is no longer an issue for me.

If you're familiar with past Nikon pro bodies, the D3 presents itself as the next step in a natural evolution. The ergonomics and menu layout are clean and overall easy to follow. The menus (and previewed images) look great on the new high res 3" display.

The D3 has a full frame CMOS sensor which allows me to take advantage of my old wide angle lenses again. While the D3 can shoot with DX lenses, the camera will crop the image down to accommodate the smaller area. Unfortunately the price paid for this is a substantial loss of resolution; from 12.1MP down to a meager 5MP.

All in all, many will complain about the price of the D3 or its lack of MP compared to the new Canon 1ds Mark III but as a Nikon shooter whose been waiting for a full frame dSLR with unbeatable high ISO performance, my D3 was worth every penny I spent on it. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Nikon NIK3 D3 Digital Camera

Strengths: Extremely easy to use. Fast.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: I am new to digital cameras and learning how to use this camera was easy and fast. I purchased three Nikon lenses to match this camera and they all work perfectly. ( 14-24mm f2.8, 24-70mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f2.8) I am blown away by the clarity and detail of the photos that I am able to capture. All three lenses feel extremely balanced on the D3 and the weight with the heaviest lens is not a problem. I have printed images as large as 24x36 inches on an HP Z3100 color printer and they meet my needs. Anyone who can afford this system will be amazed and happy with your images and output.

The D3 left me speechless

Strengths: Low noise at high ISO. Flexibility in custom programming. Very intuitive layout. SOLID feel. Great display.

Weaknesses: Bracketing limited to +/- 1 step at a time instead of +/- 2

Summary: I set down a D1X and popped the lens on the D3. Big mistake. That might as well have been a funeral ceremony for the D1X. The unfair comparison aside, this camera left me wondering how I was ever going to use all it had to offer. The first thing I noticed was that after a quick review of the control layout and on-screen menu choices, entering all of the custom settings I wanted was simple. Most of the "New Features" have on-screen info available at the touch of one clearly marked button. Shooting was as expected for a Pro 35mm format camera. Solid feel, instant response, and no surprises in the mechanics. Let's assume for the remainder of this review that it's well built and has all the features you could hope for in the format. The selling features for me are in the RESULTS. At high ISO settings, the D3 is superb. Low light with no strobe takes on an entirely new meaning. Combined with a VR lens, many once impossible shots seem easy. Images taken "On the fly" look as if they were set up carefully. 14 bit RAW files get a bit thick on the CF card, but hey - that's what the second slot is for! I'm using the D3 for interior architectural photos, and it has yet to let me down. As 30-year Nikon user, I have come to expect nothing but the best. Past digital offerings from Nikon have failed to live up to the standards set by the film cameras... until now. The D3 is simply the finest 35mm format SLR I have ever used.

Nikon D3 Professional DSLR

Strengths: Incredibly accurate metering system, Low light High ISO setting capabilities with minimal noise, full frame sensor,dual memory card slots, exceptional battery life, 3" high res LCD & clear viewfinder.

Weaknesses: Size and weight but what can you do when you pack all of this into one package, Not really a big negative.

Summary: First let me say I previously owned a Nikon D1 and a D2X and I really liked them both. Each new mod seemed to improve a little over the other. The D2X improved on the sensor resolution and slightly improved on the high ISO noise problem.

Well the D3 ends all the similarities, it is a big leap forward in several key areas. First the big leap in ISO sensitivity from 3200 on the D2 to ISO 25600 on the D3. Plus not only does the D3 do 25600, it does it better than the D2x did ISO 3200. The results look better, with less noise and better color output as well.

The full size sensor is the next big item for me, it allows the full benefits of my wide lenses, and the bigger pixles seem to perform much better at large maginfications with less halo and shimmer effect.

The new metering with 51 points seems to perform quite well and lastly I really like having the 2 memory card slots. this feature is really nice as it allows several options as to how you use the 2 memory cards, say for back or for using two photographic storage formats simultaneously.

Lastly the Nikon build quality as always is exceptional!

The best Nikon DSLR...period

Strengths: Full Frame Sensor; high quality photographs at 1600 ISO and above

Weaknesses: Price, Weight

Summary: Despite it's price, this is the best Nikon DSLR camera out there. If you have a collection of professional Nikkor lenses, you will appreciate this camera. No more 1.5X crop factor. The full frame sensor magically produces excellent photos at high ISO speeds (i.e., 1600)

The weight gets some getting used to. Battery life is amazing. Taken over 1000 shots with it and battery is barely at 50%. If you've never used a Nikon DSLR, read the manual, otherwise, most of the controls are just where you expect them to be.

NIKON D3

Strengths: I was absolutely surprised by the quality of the D3 at ISO 3200-6400.

Weaknesses: No Problems

Summary: I was absolutely surprised by the quality of the D3 at ISO 3200-6400. It's a really amazing camera. The image quality is outstanding. The handling is great. The AF is very fast and even in low light no problem of focusing.

Great camera

Strengths: great in low-light, sharp pictures, ease of use..easy transition from D2X

Weaknesses: price.

Summary: This was a much anticipated upgrade from my D2X. I'd been hearing lots of praise for its low-light capabilities and have only been using this camera a few days now and so far it's been great.

Fantastic!

Strengths: Fast start up, great battery life, high useable ASA, large LCD, 2 card slots, easy to navigate menus.

Weaknesses: Wish it were lighter weight. A few more Megapixels wouldn't hurt.

Summary: I'm a film guy and have stuck it out till the bitter end using my F5....still a great camera. BUT, I know I will be able to get many more shots I never could have with my film camera and it's going to be nice to not have to travel around with a whole brick of film. Digital also allows you to play and experiment with things. Very, very happy with my purchase. Glad Nikon FINALLY came out with a full frame camera.

Amazing camera -- if you can afford it!

Strengths: Low noise in high ISO

Weaknesses: Price

Summary: Nikon's latest camera once again raises the bar for any professional or advanced amateur that needs the best quality picture in the most demanding situations. The most raved about quality is the ability to push ISO to 6400 or higher and have pictures with low noise. This does wonders when shooting fast action sports and/or under low lighting situations. Highly recommended.