DP Review has posted their full D3 review

[timnosenzo]

Not looking to start any fights, just thought you might be interested to read:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3/

If you care to skip right to the noise tests, they're here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3/page18.asp

They compare a D3, D300, 1Ds MKIII and a 5D. Just some quick observations, all 4 cameras do well up to 1600, but the D3 really does look usable at 6400.

Lets try and be civil. :)

[Kevin034]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(

[Permagrin]

Interesting review. They are just echoing what anyone who's used it has been saying. It's a good camera, highly useable and very recommended.

Interesting that they didn't compare it to the M3 (which does do iso 6400). I didn't know the 1ds did not. Also, it's interesting how the D300 compared. I think their conclusion is very accurate (if again, anyone has actually tried the D3, I think they'd agree...but I'm counting out the brand fans)...I know I did some very serious thinking of switching after using it.

taken from conclusion:
It's therefore no surprise to discover that the D3 has, in the six months or so since it was launched, been embraced by the Nikon pro photography community and has caused many a Canon shooter to do some serious soul-searching and consider the unthinkable; a move (back in many cases) to Nikon.

[timnosenzo]

I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't.

I don't think you'll find the weak spot in the camera. For me, Nikon's weak spot is their lens lineup. I simply couldn't have the same lens lineup I have now. All else being equal, their lens lineup just kind of turns me off compared to Canon.

[ed rader]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(

for me it's the FF sensor and lens cost.

ed rader

[Permagrin]

I don't think you'll find the weak spot in the camera. For me, Nikon's weak spot is their lens lineup. I simply couldn't have the same lens lineup I have now. All else being equal, their lens lineup just kind of turns me off compared to Canon.

me too...I love my lenses. However nikon has the 14-24, 24-70 & 70-200 f2.8's that are all supposed to be amazing lenses...but it's the cost. Not to mention anything longer than 200 is an arm and a leg. They've got great glass (not as many options of great glass but they do have some).

It was a really tough decision but for the cost of equal lenses in Nikon, even selling all my current gear I'd only end up with 3 lenses (covering only the 14-200 range) and maybe 2 bodies (one of those being a D300...I have to have 2) & no flash. I have a boatload of gear too....but the cost of switching would negate not only my mm range but the flexibility I have with the multiple lens options. That was the negative for me. Definitely not the functionality of the camera or the quality of their glass.

[nicksan]

No surprises here. From all the reviews I think we already knew that the D3 was a great body.

I agree with the others...I went with Canon b/c the glass is more economical/sensible.

I'm not bothered by whatever Nikon puts out. I would have the same attitude had I chosen Nikon instead of Canon. Competition is always good for the consumer. The next wave of Canon DSLR's will be that much better.

Everybody wins...:D

[jacobsen1]

Agreed it's a beast and their lens lineup makes a switch hard/expensive/impossible...

It is interesting to see how Nikon handles high ISO noise in camera differently though isn't it? They remove almost all the color in it in the camera which is nice IMHO (I do it in ACR for my 5D now). Also, for those sports shooters, it's buffer isn't as deep as a 1DmIII. Not sure if that matters to you, but it could be an issue.

Another issue for me is the controls on the body. They're actually better IMHO, but soooo different than canons it would take a ton of getting used to.

If that was a canon though, I'd either buy it or really really want one.

[Permagrin]

Another issue for me is the controls on the body. They're actually better IMHO, but soooo different than canons it would take a ton of getting used to.

I did find the lack of control wheel very frustrating...I expect one could get used to it but boy it would take some time.

[MaDProFF]

it is its focus system that makes good reading for me, the one thing I am still not convinced with my 1D MK3, but I am not changing for sure

[Maureen Souza]

No surprises here. From all the reviews I think we already knew that the D3 was a great body.

I agree with the others...I went with Canon b/c the glass is more economical/sensible.

I'm not bothered by whatever Nikon puts out. I would have the same attitude had I chosen Nikon instead of Canon. Competition is always good for the consumer. The next wave of Canon DSLR's will be that much better.

Everybody wins...:D
I agree. There is ALWAYS something bigger, better, faster, stronger out there in any venue. Learning to make good use of what you already have is really the key.

[roger767]

The D3 is probably the reason why Canon is so late with the followup to the 5d, they have seen what the D3 can do and Canon is making sure the 5d MII can equal that.

[Zilly]

One issue that i find intresting is that as soon as you open the d3 up to anything greater than 9fps not only does it become a 1.5 crop but you also loose metering and auto focus, two issues that kinda put me off swapping (not that i can afford to)

[Bubble]

The D3 is an excellent camera, no question about it. (I'm using one now) As Ed mentions, the lens line up and the "premium cost" for their supertele lens is just rediculous.

[nicksan]

I don't see the issue here though...it's a FF camera that can do 9fps, which is a whopping 1fps less than the current champ, the 1DMKIII, hardly a deal breaker. (Other than the buffer size that is...)

That says it all...it just might be as revolutionary as the 5D was a few years ago.




One issue that i find intresting is that as soon as you open the d3 up to anything greater than 9fps not only does it become a 1.5 crop but you also loose metering and auto focus, two issues that kinda put me off swapping (not that i can afford to)

[disorder]

The D3 is an excellent camera, no question about it. (I'm using one now) As Ed mentions, the lens line up and the "premium cost" for their supertele lens is just rediculous.



nice gear list, i'm jealous.

and like everyone said, although i have never used the D3, it is inextricably a great camera. it's just the lenses are so expensive...

[ed rader]

The D3 is an excellent camera, no question about it. (I'm using one now) As Ed mentions, the lens line up and the "premium cost" for their supertele lens is just rediculous.


you figure on a FF camera 200mm really isn't that long. your 70-200 lens is no longer long enough for sports or the zoo.

that was the big bummer for me when i had the 5d but at least i was able to buy the excellent 100-400L for $1125 :D.

ed rader

[nicksan]

I was looking through their lens lineup just now, and I would have to completely agree on this.

I like the fact that Canon offers constant f/4 alternatives at a manageable price. It's just so much more economical for me to put together a nice lineup.

16-35L or 17-40L
24-70 or 24-105
70-200 f2.8 or f4
100-400
300 f2.8 or f4
etc...and that's just the "L" lenses.

It's so much more granular...

The LCD on the D300 and D3? Money! :-)

The D3 is an excellent camera, no question about it. (I'm using one now) As Ed mentions, the lens line up and the "premium cost" for their supertele lens is just rediculous.

[Yohan Pamudji]

The D3 is probably the reason why Canon is so late with the followup to the 5d, they have seen what the D3 can do and Canon is making sure the 5d MII can equal that.

The 5DII would then basically be a 1DIII with a fullframe sensor--no way. I think the 5D replacement will continue to fill the product category/niche that the 5D created and is still without comparison in.

But back to the D3, I agree that there's nothing new. We all knew about its low noise capability, etc. This is just further proof. The one thing I wish DPR would do is review AF performance with some quantitative analysis instead of just making comments about what they think of it. Also, very strange that the 1DIII doesn't get a comparison--only the 1DsIII.

[Kevin034]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/sharpness-1.htm

interesting.

[Hermes]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/sharpness-1.htm

interesting.

Maybe it's just my cheap (though calibrated) laptop lcd, but I really can't see the 'wild colours' from the D3 that he's going on about. If anything they look more flat and washed out.

[nicksan]

He's comparing jpegs from the new Nikons and the 5D?
Oh brother...:lol:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/sharpness-1.htm

interesting.

[timnosenzo]

me too...I love my lenses. However nikon has the 14-24, 24-70 & 70-200 f2.8's that are all supposed to be amazing lenses...but it's the cost.

Oh yeah, those 3 zooms are supposed to be the cats meow! I should have said, their prime lineup would be more of a concern. Their fastest wide prime with AF is an f/2 and it seems like only the most expensive ones have the USM type focusing motors. I could be wrong though, I don't know their line as well as Canon's.

Also as Nick said, their lack of constant f/4 zooms especially with pro quality glass and build narrows down the options a bit.

[nicksan]

That's b/c you ain't smokin' what Kenny is smokin'.;)
Maybe it's just my cheap (though calibrated) laptop lcd, but I really can't see the 'wild colours' from the D3 that he's going on about. If anything they look more flat and washed out.

[ed rader]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/sharpness-1.htm

interesting.


ken rockwell is an idiot!

no wait ..... i think he's a genius ;)!

ed rader

[nicksan]

He's a geniot...

ken rockwell is and idiot!

no wait ..... i think he's a genius ;)!

ed rader

[Hermes]

That's b/c you ain't smokin' what Kenny is smokin'.;)

Or paid what he's being paid for that matter:(

[Kevin034]

hahahaha

[AngryCorgi]

ken rockwell is an idiot!

no wait ..... i think he's a genius ;)!

ed rader

All I know is the man just made a key statement in that sharpness comparison he did...

I don't bother with raw; it's entirely probable that different sharpening is used opening raw files, which then would likely change these results. I leave this as an exercise for readers who shoot raw.

Who the heck doesn't shoot RAW?? :confused:

[Zilly]

Who the heck doesn't shoot RAW?? :confused:

me and most other PJ's files are too big and it takes too long

[ed rader]

me and most other PJ's files are too big and it takes too long

that's a good point. my mark III meters so well that i'll bet it'll kick out some fantastic jpegs :D.

ed rader

[drisley]

The D3 is probably the reason why Canon is so late with the followup to the 5d, they have seen what the D3 can do and Canon is making sure the 5d MII can equal that.
What's funny is, the "ancient" 5D still beats the D3 when it comes to IQ/detail on the side by side comparisons on that review.
:D
So does the 1DS MK3. And bottom line, IQ is what counts most.
(read my sig for what "Mr. Nikon" has to say about this)

that's a good point. my mark III meters so well that i'll bet it'll kick out some fantastic jpegs .

ed rader

Agreed. I'm blown away by the 1D MK3 metering... arguably the best of any DSLR atm (yes, that includes the D3).
.
Oh, and the newest nonik firmware for the D3 is trashing many of the owners' cameras too, badly. LOL! Long live the D3!
:)

I've got a 1D III blue dot, and a D3; they're both great, but if I had to pick one for that once in a lifetime shot, it would be the 1D III; the AF is dead on, it's faster, and if it's OOF, it's my fault, not the camera's. My wife loved it so much, she stole it, and now I'll be buying another one. (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/633039/0#5636569)

[rumble]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(

I guess it's really nice for sports photography and reporters.
But I don't like the tones in studio photography. The tones can be really harsh.
One guy I know who owns one says there's something fishy with the mirror. It's like it's spilling 'oil' or something on the sensor.

[Mr. Clean]

for me it's the FF sensor and lens cost.

ed rader
Two of the best and sometimes most overlooked points.

[jacobsen1]

Maybe it's just my cheap (though calibrated) laptop lcd, but I really can't see the 'wild colours' from the D3 that he's going on about. If anything they look more flat and washed out.

agreed. Although I don't read his reviews, I just look at the pictures honestly... :lol:

ken rockwell is an idiot!

but a wealthy idiot at that. I bet we all wish we were paid what he is to write what he does.....

[drisley]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(
I've got a 1D III blue dot, and a D3; they're both great, but if I had to pick one for that once in a lifetime shot, it would be the 1D III; the AF is dead on, it's faster, and if it's OOF, it's my fault, not the camera's. My wife loved it so much, she stole it, and now I'll be buying another one. (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/633039/0#5636569)

What's interesting is they don't compare the D3's IQ or performance to the camera it best competes against, the 1D MK3. The 1D MK3 has lower noise than all the cameras used in that review against the D3, and has faster performance too (AF, buffer, FPS). It's interesting they left it out, almost like they didn't want too much competition. But even then, the 1DS and old 5D still outresolve Nonik's best.

Trust me, I know somebody that made the switch to Nonik, and sounds like he's regretting it more as the days go by. It's a "grass is greener" scenario.

[Kevin034]

I've got a 1D III blue dot, and a D3; they're both great, but if I had to pick one for that once in a lifetime shot, it would be the 1D III; the AF is dead on, it's faster, and if it's OOF, it's my fault, not the camera's. My wife loved it so much, she stole it, and now I'll be buying another one. (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/633039/0#5636569)

Trust me, I know somebody that made the switch to nikon, and sounds like he's regretting it more as the days go by. It's a "grass is greener" scenario.
I am going to hug my MKIII as I sleep tonight. I'm never leaving my baby.

[drisley]

Even more interesting is that DPReview has never reviewed the 1D MK3.... hmmm, very fishy . They have always seemed to have a slight Nonik bias, but this may confirm it.
Also, I notice whenever a Canon camera spanks the D3 in a comparison (like the 1DS and 5D beating the D3 for resolution), they go out of their way to make excuses, and will often make moot points (like the D3 having larger dynamic range or some B.S.) haha.

[ed rader]

agreed. Although I don't read his reviews, I just look at the pictures honestly... :lol:



but a wealthy idiot at that. I bet we all wish we were paid what he is to write what he does.....


i was kidding about Rockwell. he has to be doing something right to be living in our heads without paying rent :D.

ed rader

[sheawyatt]

Even more interesting is that DPReview has never reviewed the 1D MK3.... hmmm, very fishy . They have always seemed to have a slight Nonik bias, but this may confirm it.
Also, I notice whenever a Canon camera spanks the D3 in a comparison (like the 1DS and 5D beating the D3 for resolution), they go out of their way to make excuses, and will often make moot points (like the D3 having larger dynamic range or some B.S.) haha.

Just read the review, and learned that ISO 100 on the D3 actually has 1 stop less DR than any Canon DSLR, because the base is ISO 200. I would rather have a real ISO 100 than 6400 (or 25600) for that matter.

And no ISO comparisons to the Canon low-noise flagship 1DIII? What's up with that?

[ashdavid]

I think I will just keep on using my 1Ds MKIII.;)

[drisley]

Just read the review, and learned that ISO 100 on the D3 actually has 1 stop less DR than any Canon DSLR, because the base is ISO 200. I would rather have a real ISO 100 than 6400 (or 25600) for that matter.

And no ISO comparisons to the Canon low-noise flagship 1DIII? What's up with that?
That's what I was wondering? Why no comparison to the camera that most closely competes with the D3?
And why no review of the 1D MK3 on their site?

[Glenn NK]

Even more interesting is that DPReview has never reviewed the 1D MK3.... hmmm, very fishy . They have always seemed to have a slight Nonik bias, but this may confirm it.
Also, I notice whenever a Canon camera spanks the D3 in a comparison (like the 1DS and 5D beating the D3 for resolution), they go out of their way to make excuses, and will often make moot points (like the D3 having larger dynamic range or some B.S.) haha.

After I got my 30D (October 06), I frequented dpreview (hadn't yet learned about POTN). If my memory serves me right, Phil Askey got into some hot water with Canon because he released information to the public before he should have. As a consequence, he no longer gets Canons from Canon to test.

In fact, he did a post, coming clean on what he had done and apologized, but the damage was done.

Is there any chance he might be PO'd, and consequently a bit biased? Most people would be, even if they were in the wrong - it's human nature.

[TeeTee]

Excellent to see Nikon pose a challenge and rival (if not beat) Canon! Finally things are heating up and we'll be seeing more improvements for less money in future bodies.

[TeeTee]

that's a good point. my mark III meters so well that i'll bet it'll kick out some fantastic jpegs :D.

ed rader

Quite right Ed.

I turn on HTP and set it to Av and it seems to do an amazing job all on it's own. I never used evaluative metering nearly as much on any other body as I do on the Mark3.

[TeamSpeed]

Just read the review, and learned that ISO 100 on the D3 actually has 1 stop less DR than any Canon DSLR, because the base is ISO 200. I would rather have a real ISO 100 than 6400 (or 25600) for that matter.

And no ISO comparisons to the Canon low-noise flagship 1DIII? What's up with that?

I find that strange that they didn't pull the 1DM3 in for the ISO tests anyways. ISO 6400 is so usuable, for example 1/25 sec in a dimly lit stairwell at ISO 6400 on the 1DM3 just a few days ago...

[Dekka]

This past weekend, during a trip to a wildseed farm outside Austin, I came across a man who was toting a D3 with a 24-70 f2.8 mounted. He let me hold it and immediately upon looking through the viewfinder I see what all the fuss is about. Good job, Nikon.

Oh, and the 24-70 f2.8 seemed light as a feather (relatively speaking re: the Brick) yet solidly built. Again, Nikon's engineers earned their paycheck this time around.

Can't wait for Canon's return salvo.

[thatkatmat]

This past weekend, during a trip to a wildseed farm outside Austin, I came across a man who was toting a D3 with a 24-70 f2.8 mounted. He let me hold it and immediately upon looking through the viewfinder I see what all the fuss is about. Good job, Nikon.

Oh, and the 24-70 f2.8 seemed light as a feather (relatively speaking re: the Brick) yet solidly built. Again, Nikon's engineers earned their paycheck this time around.

Can't wait for Canon's return salvo.

Had the same experience and came to the same conclusion regarding Canons next move;) Also as others have stated, the lens prices and TC's are very expensive for the top of the line Nikons. But if I was shooting Nikon I'd be a very happy guy right about now.

[The_Camera_Poser]

interesting to compare, but in the long run, who cares anyhow? So Nikon is better than Canon. 6 months ago we were all scurrying to buy 1D Mk III's because they were the best. Did their picture quality suddenly drop?

I'll shoot my 30D until the buttons fall off :-) I'm glad Nikon's got a good product- Canon's become fat, lazy and complacent, and deserves to take it onh the chin. Doesn't change the fact that they make good cameras, and that my lowly 30D is more camera tha I'm likely to ever need.

Our local wedding photog uses a 20D and a 350D, and he's pretty busy. I guess he'd make more money with a D3 :-)

[The_Camera_Poser]

I must say though- after reading that review- the D3 is what the 5D Mk II SHOULD have been- get off your a#$ Canon.... or join the ranks!

[ed rader]

I must say though- after reading that review- the D3 is what the 5D Mk II SHOULD have been- get off your a#$ Canon.... or join the ranks!


how can that be if the successor to the 5d hasn't been released yet?

and if you expect the MK II to compare to nikon's flagship DSLR you are setting yourself up for disappointment :D.

ed rader

[The_Camera_Poser]

Point is Ed- they should have released something. BUT- it's really all semantic- a 5D would be more camera then I could handle anyhow! LOL

[radiohead]

What's funny is, the "ancient" 5D still beats the D3 when it comes to IQ/detail on the side by side comparisons on that review.
:D
So does the 1DS MK3. And bottom line, IQ is what counts most.
(read my sig for what "Mr. Nikon" has to say about this)

Agreed. I'm blown away by the 1D MK3 metering... arguably the best of any DSLR atm (yes, that includes the D3).
.
Oh, and the newest nonik firmware for the D3 is trashing many of the owners' cameras too, badly. LOL! Long live the D3!
:)

I've got a 1D III blue dot, and a D3; they're both great, but if I had to pick one for that once in a lifetime shot, it would be the 1D III; the AF is dead on, it's faster, and if it's OOF, it's my fault, not the camera's. My wife loved it so much, she stole it, and now I'll be buying another one. (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/633039/0#5636569)

Once again you manage to trot out a load of utter nonsense in your bizarre war against the D3.

And this firmware is trashing the D3 badly is it. Let's see what's actually happening: When shooting RAW ot RAW/JPG in CH mode, and 14 bit SOME owners MAY see one shot in a 17 shot burst corrupt. It's usually frame 14. The workaround is to simply set the body to 8fps for CH mode and it doesn't occur. Nikon have already acknowledged the problem and will be releasing new firmware by the end of next week. Can you explain how that's 'trashing the camera badly please drisley?

And by the way, within the Nikon community Ken Rockwell most certainly is NOT Mr Nikon, and you saying it every day doesn't make it true. He's generally looked at as a bit of a joke.

I've said it before - for someone who has never used a D3 and who relies on selectively edited third-party comments for his 'ammunition', you sure spend a lot of time trashing the camera. It's very, very odd. This is now yet another thread mentioning Nikon that started out with well-considered responses until you interjected your fanboy claptrap.

The reason that there is no 1D MkIII review is that he Askey and Canon had a bit of a lover's tiff - DP Review respected the embargo prior to launch and some other sites didn't and got early review copies. He should have reviewed it. The presence of 1Ds III shots in the D3 review mean that they're doing a 1Ds III review.

[Jimlevitt]

The lens price differential (in Canon's favor) may diminish over the next few months as Canon raises prices, and releases new lenses at much higher price points - easier to do with a new lens than with a lens that's been on the market for a while. Look at the forthcoming 200mm f/2L: $6000! B&H lists the Nikon equivalent for $3999. Whether the lens is actually available is another question entirely...

The new Nikon 14-24 and 24-70 appear to be stellar lenses. We could do with Canon bringing out competitors to them. Put IS into a 24-70 replacement while you're at it.

[timnosenzo]

I've said it before - for someone who has never used a D3 and who relies on selectively edited third-party comments for his 'ammunition', you sure spend a lot of time trashing the camera.

It's probably best not to take the bait. :) So far this has been a really civil, objective conversation despite a few cheap shots here and there. There really is no denying that Nikon did a good job this time around, both with the D3 and the 2 latest f/2.8 zooms. I'm still not convinced that the D300 is living up to all the hype but its definitely a nice, full featured camera. I really do hope that Canon takes the queue here and puts their best work into the next release of cameras.

[Roy Webber]

Its a shame my good copy of the 100-400 wont fit ;-)

[EcoRick]

In my opinion, it's about time Nikon came out with the D3. It's a niche that Canon does not have (FF fast, pro camera) at at high price. With the 5D positioned between the MKIII and the 40D, it'll be interesting to see the response. All Canon users have to do is be patient, let R&D develop and I'm confident we'll have a number of great cameras in a few months. I'm not sure where Canon will fit the 5D replacment. If it's positioned between the MKIII and the 40D again, it's going to be one awesome bargain.

[blonde]

Once again you manage to trot out a load of utter nonsense in your bizarre war against the D3.

And this firmware is trashing the D3 badly is it. Let's see what's actually happening: When shooting RAW ot RAW/JPG in CH mode, and 14 bit SOME owners MAY see one shot in a 17 shot burst corrupt. It's usually frame 14. The workaround is to simply set the body to 8fps for CH mode and it doesn't occur. Nikon have already acknowledged the problem and will be releasing new firmware by the end of next week. Can you explain how that's 'trashing the camera badly please drisley?

And by the way, within the Nikon community Ken Rockwell most certainly is NOT Mr Nikon, and you saying it every day doesn't make it true. He's generally looked at as a bit of a joke.

I've said it before - for someone who has never used a D3 and who relies on selectively edited third-party comments for his 'ammunition', you sure spend a lot of time trashing the camera. It's very, very odd. This is now yet another thread mentioning Nikon that started out with well-considered responses until you interjected your fanboy claptrap.

The reason that there is no 1D MkIII review is that he Askey and Canon had a bit of a lover's tiff - DP Review respected the embargo prior to launch and some other sites didn't and got early review copies. He should have reviewed it. The presence of 1Ds III shots in the D3 review mean that they're doing a 1Ds III review.

why do you even bother bro? i thought that you would have given up by now :)

[Dan Lorth]

Once again you manage to trot out a load of utter nonsense in your bizarre war against the D3.

And this firmware is trashing the D3 badly is it. Let's see what's actually happening: When shooting RAW ot RAW/JPG in CH mode, and 14 bit SOME owners MAY see one shot in a 17 shot burst corrupt. It's usually frame 14. The workaround is to simply set the body to 8fps for CH mode and it doesn't occur. Nikon have already acknowledged the problem and will be releasing new firmware by the end of next week. Can you explain how that's 'trashing the camera badly please drisley?

And by the way, within the Nikon community Ken Rockwell most certainly is NOT Mr Nikon, and you saying it every day doesn't make it true. He's generally looked at as a bit of a joke.

I've said it before - for someone who has never used a D3 and who relies on selectively edited third-party comments for his 'ammunition', you sure spend a lot of time trashing the camera. It's very, very odd. This is now yet another thread mentioning Nikon that started out with well-considered responses until you interjected your fanboy claptrap.

The reason that there is no 1D MkIII review is that he Askey and Canon had a bit of a lover's tiff - DP Review respected the embargo prior to launch and some other sites didn't and got early review copies. He should have reviewed it. The presence of 1Ds III shots in the D3 review mean that they're doing a 1Ds III review.
youre a fanboy

[blonde]

youre a fanboy

wow, just wow. did you think of that all on your own?

[Permagrin]

Up until now this conversation has been very profitable and I say it's about time...the one thing this forum really lacks is the ability to civilly discuss what the other companies are providing AND any frustrations we may have with canon comparisons (or lack thereof).

I am asking that the militants please don't destroy this thread. People have brought up good points that I think are valuable to know, especially if someone is just entering the dslr field (or thinking of really spending some money). It goes beyond "buy canon because it's better". It's actually dealing out real information on nikon. It's USEFUL!

Regardless of how you've chosen to spend your money, most people want to be informed and purchase wisely and it's threads like this...that cover all the basis (cameras, functionality, lenses etc) that actually help people. If you can't be civil or just want to make a rude comment...just don't post.

[GerBee]

The MKIII's were that wave ... rushed, too little, not state-of-the-art and to top it off ~ faulty!

Trust ~ my trust in Canon is at an all-time low ~ I lost trust in Nikon previously ~ so now?


The next wave of Canon DSLR's will be that much better. Everybody wins...:D

[GerBee]

Can't wait for Canon's return salvo.

Sadly, it's already been fired, it's the MKIII

[Skip Souza]

I have moved this thread out of the Canon EOS Digital Cameras forum to general chat. By the title I can see that it is not about Canon EOS Digital Cameras
Since POTN is a Canon forum users of other brands should not be so surprised if they are treated coldly when cheer leading for other brands.

Personal attacks will not be tolerated here, even by Canon users.

[Bollan]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(

Well there is no question about how well the D3 is performing but everything is not only bells and whistles.

1. It's loud.....very LOUD to be honest. It can be a deal breaker for some photographers. If your are into acoustic/classic music events, theatres make sure you check how disturbing it can be. I got scared when a D3 showed up next to me on a horse show a few weeks ago. Here is one of the threads on DPReview talking about it http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1021&thread=27522600

2. Many users are reporting problems with the D3 using Nikon 70-200/2,8 VR and that is really disturbing to say the least. Here is an example of that http://www.diglloyd.com/diglloyd/blog.html

3. For some odd reason they didn't incorporate sensor cleaning and many users are reporting that the D3 sensor loves dust.

Just my 2 cents in this and i found that the grass isn't really that much greener on the other side of the fence.

[ps249]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(
The weak spot is the price....

[Permagrin]

Well there is no question about how well the D3 is performing but everything is not only bells and whistles.

1. It's loud.....very LOUD to be honest. It can be a deal breaker for some photographers. If your are into acoustic/classic music events, theatres make sure you check how disturbing it can be. I got scared when a D3 showed up next to me on a horse show a few weeks ago. Here is one of the threads on DPReview talking about it http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1021&thread=27522600

2. Many users are reporting problems with the D3 using Nikon 70-200/2,8 VR and that is really disturbing to say the least. Here is an example of that http://www.diglloyd.com/diglloyd/blog.html

3. For some odd reason they didn't incorporate sensor cleaning and many users are reporting that the D3 sensor loves dust.

Just my 2 cents in this and i found that the grass isn't really that much greener on the other side of the fence.

These are very good points.

However the M3 is loud too. When I shoot with friends, even when we aren't in the line of sight with one another, they say they can always find me because they can hear the M3 from a distance...:lol: The "silent mode" for me isn't practical.

I hadn't read about the D3/70-200 2.8...that's good to know.

[Zilly]

These are very good points.

However the M3 is loud too. When I shoot with friends, even when we aren't in the line of sight with one another, they say they can always find me because they can hear the M3 from a distance...:lol: The "silent mode" for me isn't practical.

I hadn't read about the D3/70-200 2.8...that's good to know.

nah compared to the d3 the mk3 is quite

[rumble]

Here are a few examples of D3 in studio.

http://forum.belgiumdigital.com/showthread.php?p=1797631

In this thread : http://forum.belgiumdigital.com/showthread.php?t=203023, the second image is made with the D3. Compare it with the other two (one shot with D2X, one with fuji S5)

I find the tones of the D3 to be pretty harsh, aspecially in the transitions in the shadows on the face. Also, sharpness is better with the much cheaper 5D than the D3. As are tones. So it's not all bells and whistles, certainly if you consider the price. It's also pretty big, which isn't always handy.

I think Canon still does a much better job at tones and sensors.
To me, Nikon does not have really good sensors. The D2X is very good at iso 100 but noise gets terrible from iso 400 and up. The D3 is great at high iso but tones aren't good. The sensors in other models are average. They are all using Sony sensors.

Canon makes their own sensors and for me, it shows. That, and cheaper lenses is why I'm moving to Canon.

D3 may be unbeatable (at this time) at high iso but there's more to photography than high iso.

[Bollan]

nah compared to the d3 the mk3 is quite

I agree with you the MKIII is less disturbing in a quiet environment though as Permagrin said it's not the quietest one around either.

40D is great in this aspect.

[Permagrin]

I agree with you the MKIII is less disturbing in a quiet environment. 40D is great in this aspect.

wow...the only time I used the D3 was in a crowd of people...didn't notice the shutter sound at all...but it's got to be loud if it can be out the "whap" of the M3 :lol:

and you are right, the 40D has a lovely quiet sound...very useful at times.

[Bollan]

D3 may be unbeatable (at this time) at high iso but there's more to photography than high iso.

That is so true!!!!

I see it more as a full system not just a single body. There is so much more than a great body that comes in to play when you decide to put some money into a system.

Canon's lens line up is far superior and flexible (for my type of photography) and that is the reason i have stayed with them for almost 30 years now. No miracle body from a different brand can ever change that.

The day when Canon's lens line gets a true superior alternative well than i will take into consideration a switch.

[radiohead]

youre a fanboy

Hard to argue with that sort of searing argument.

[thatkatmat]

Hard to argue with that sort of searing argument.

:lol:

[timnosenzo]

Hard to argue with that sort of searing argument.

I know, compelling, isn't it? :lol:

[timnosenzo]

Up until now this conversation has been very profitable and I say it's about time...the one thing this forum really lacks is the ability to civilly discuss what the other companies are providing AND any frustrations we may have with canon comparisons (or lack thereof).

I agree, so far (mostly) so good! :)

I have moved this thread out of the Canon EOS Digital Cameras forum to general chat. By the title I can see that it is not about Canon EOS Digital Cameras

Sorry Skip, with DP Review comparing the D3 against 2 Canon models I felt it would be OK to post in the Canon forum.

[Skip Souza]

No problem, Tim. These things tend to revert to us v. them so quickly I guess my frustration was showing. Still the title does not mention any Canon EOS products.

[DozerLYP]

I like the way they made the canon crop tighter to make it look worst.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n56/dozerlyp/dgfhj.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Wow, that is something though, crazy how they take nearly all the clor out of the noise.

[MDJAK]

Well, besides Skip, I'll try at least to inject a voice of reason into this thread. ;)

I'm fortunate in that I didn't have to "switch" to go "back" to Nikon. I was a Nikon user for years, from the F100 film camera to their D100. I then dumped it and bought the 10D, moved to the 20D and then lept to the 1DsMKII. I loved that camera. After two years and a bit of money burning a hole in my pocket, I sold it for the MKIII. Yes, mine was one of the early ones with focus problems. Yes, I was lucky enough to come away with about 500 keepers from a wedding I shot. That was out of 1400 pics.
Finally, the camera was repaired and the focus was about spot on and my love affair resumed.

When the D3 arrived on the scene, I figured, what the heck, you only live once. So, in order to stop the fire burning in my pocket, I picked one up. I also got the 14-24, 24-70 and 70-300 VR.

I am now in love twice. My MKIII is a superb camera, and so is the D3. They each have their pluses and minuses, but I truly enjoy using both.

I can say, though, that owning the D3 opened my eyes to the fact that DP Reviews are not nearly as good or complete as I thought they were. Yes, they do go on for pages and pages, but there is no mention of the focusing switch next to the lens mount being ancient history and a nuisance. There is no mention of the very poor order of the menu system. There is brief description of the metering selector and that you have to press the lock button in before selecting a different mode. What they don't tell you is that it's nigh impossible to do quickly, especially with one hand.

In short, it's not a "user's" review, but more a rehash of a technical paper.

They show the bottom of the camera. Do they mention a MAJOR oversight by Nikon? What, you ask? I'll tell ya. That little bar on the bottom of the 1 Series cameras where you attach the handstrap, NOT on the Nikon, requiring this big plastic piece of crap to be placed into the tripod socket, thus negating any possibility of keeping my RRS quick release plate on the camera. That sucks big time.

However, those picks and nits aside, I find the metering more accurate than the MKIII and the 1DsMKIII which I've owned, more accurate than my former 1DsMKII also. The focus is quicker and more reliable than any of the three Canons I've had also.

I still love them both.
me

[Skip Souza]

I am now in love twice. My MKIII is a superb camera, and so is the D3. They each have their pluses and minuses, but I truly enjoy using both.

I still love them both.
me


A wife and a mistress. Way to go Mark :lol: You must have very deep pockets ;)

[radiohead]

I should bloody coco!

[steved110]

Man ... i just got done reading that review, over and over again. Each time I read it, i wonder if I should jump ship. I am trying to find that "weak spot" on the D3 ... which I really can't. On the review, it looks like it beats my 5D and MKIII on every aspect ... faster, better LCD, better ISO range and performance, 2 CF card slots, live view with auto-focus .... :(

Why not wait and see what Canon come up with? Do you seriously think they aren't going to do anything to match this goalpost?

Competition is a GOOD thing!

Nikon make Canon work harder, and Canon makes Nikon work. Anyone have a problem with that?

[Bollan]

Why not wait and see what Canon come up with? Do you seriously think they aren't going to do anything to match this goalpost?

Competition is a GOOD thing!

Nikon make Canon work harder, and Canon makes Nikon work. Anyone have a problem with that?

You're absolutely right about this. It's about time Canon get some serious competition in the pro segment. They have been playing along alone for too long time in this area. Crowning this era with the complete failure how they have handled the MKIII focus issue i bet we will see some serious stuff from the Canon camp in the near feature.

More pro's than ever are switching over and surely they wont let this happen for long.