That inner geek in me: Nikon D3 – $4999
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I’m writing this from the point of view of someone who owns a Nikon D2X, with a full complement of DX lenses:
This weekend, I read, with interest, about the new Nikon D3. I guess that it was inevitable that Nikon would come out with a full frame camera. Nikon users have been clamoring for quite a while as to when it would happen. They just couldn’t stand to see Nikon not have something that Canon has, myself excluded.
I read over the specifications and made a comparison to my D2X and, quite honestly, see nothing on the camera that would make me want to switch, except for that inner geek in me that likes new toys. Chasing technology is always a loosing proposition!
First, I don’t really see the big deal between having a full frame sensor (FX) and a DX sensor. I’ll still get the same picture no matter what, unless I make it a habit to shoot ultra wide most of the time, this is where the full frame makes a difference, on the lower end. Also, allegedly, the full frame sensor makes for better enlargements, once you get into the 20 inch or larger arena.
Speaking of shooting ultra-wide, for example, my 11-18mm would be a true 11-18mm, instead of what is effectively a 17-27mm. Now, I’d just have to back up a bit, if possible, to get more into the frame. In the end, I have the same picture, regardless of sensor,
Initially, I thought that if I got one, I’d have to purchase all new lenses. Not true, but there is a catch. If you use DX lenses on the new D3, you have changed your full-frame 12.1 MP camera into a DX with 5.1 MP, which is less than my D40! I think that I’ll stick with my 12.2 MP D2X. 
The camera will mask the display appropriately so that you can see what you are actually getting.
Speaking of lenses: Nikon made a great move going full sensor. Now, there are no special DX lens needed. Any auto focus lens that Nikon made for their film cameras will work with the D3! Amazing! This means, at at least to me, that you could get all of the older, less expensive AF lenses and use them on this new camera! Hey! That means that I’d actually be SAVING money! (Hear that dear?!)
Nikon has, with the new camera, ditched the Sony sensor, in favor of their own sensor, which boasts very low noise and an ISO range of 100-25,600, yes ISO 25,600! From ISO 100-6400, there is almost no noise, which is a definite improvement over my current camera, which has an extreme amount of noise at ISO 3200 that not even Neat Image can completely remove. However, I can still use it with no problem at ISO 1600. I’ve rarely needed to go above that, so 25,600 is wishing on a star!
The camera can also take dual CF cards and can operate in one of 3 modes:
- Copy: The same image is sent to each CF card so that you automatically have a backup.
- Raw + JPG: RAW to one card, JPG to the other.
- Sequential: Fill one card, then the next. In this way, you can shoot thousands of images without changing cards. A boon for sports photographers, I would assume!
The display screen is much improved, to be sure. Nikon is touting a 640 x 480 pixel resolution! I hear that it is ‘to die for’.
The shooting rate, full frame, is a stunning 9 Frames Per Second, in DX mode, 11 FPS!
Also, a digital level sensor so that you can get the horizon straight! I could use that!
It’s amazing how much cameras depreciate as soon as a new model is introduced. I’m seeing brand new, unopened D2X cameras go for $3,600 and used ones go for about $2,200. They’ve depreciated to about 50% of original value in the 17 months that I’ve had mine! 
it doesn’t hurt me, though, as I have no plans to sell it, so no loss!
Anyway, I know that I have no need for this camera, but that inner geek in me just begs to have it. So, since my wife says that she can never think of anything to buy me for Christmas, here’s the link to B & H!
Order soon, dear, as I’m sure that they are going to be hard to come by! You want to see a smile on hubby’s face, don’t you?!!! Just kidding, honey. I’m all for simplicity and I don’t want this camera unless Nikon is going to give me one for free! Hear that Nikon?
I’m considering the D300 in November as there is no way I could justify the cost of a D3 at my experience level. Now if the price on the D200 would just drop substantially I might reconsider. And what about that much rumoured D90? Come on Nikon!
I found interesting converstaion on :
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=24724081
Robert: Should I buy the D3 now…or wait for the D4? I hate it why I buy something and it’s replaced by a new model 3 year later.
sfnikon: Yeah but then the D5 will be soon on it’s way. Just stick with film – that technology isnt moving too fast these days.
ronnie: Wait for D4! You can brag about your camera over those who have a D3. After that, quit reading dpreview and surfing the internet or you will see owners of D5 laughing at your D4.
LOL! Rajesh, that was funny!
If the rumor mills hold true, there will be a “D3x” announced in the near future giving you even more to lust after.
The full frame sensor is really what enables the lower noise performance that is being touted at higher ISOs. (more spacing between the lenses gathering light). Since Nikon already has wide lenses covered with the DX line, that would seem to be one of the primary advantages – for them to compete with lower noise cameras.
If it fits their needs, people will go for it. Holding out for the next generation is a game you will never win – you will always be waiting.
Mark, I agree. I’m sure that within about 3 or 4 months, they’ll introduce the D3X, whatever that means. Next, probably the D3Xs, just like the D2 generation. Yep, that’s the name of the game, keep them wanting more and more. That’s how companies stay in business!
There is something about using a full frame. Setting up the shot, regardless if you get the same picture, really feels different, in a good way. Not $5,000 worth to me though. Well ok, if I had an extra 5g for a camera it would be worth it.
What kind of ISO is that anyway? Night vision without the green effect.
I decided early on I was waiting until I could skip straight to the Canon D5 full frame for my transition from film SLR to digital SLR. The time is growing near!