Nikon D3s: low light master

[haven]

I put a premium on camera performance in low light situations.
I prefer natural ambient light, and prefer not to add light to a
scene (the exception being macro shots where the presence of
the camera and photographer blocks the light).

So I was very interested to read the DPReview article about the
Nikon D3s. Their conclusion: "In terms of versatility, the Nikon D3S
is the best DSLR we've ever tested, and the image quality in ultra low
light is a major selling point."

The review (all 33 web pages of it) is here
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3s/

It's unlikely that I'll spend $5000 on a camera body this month, but
maybe by the end of the year ...

 

[Rallyroo]

I'm unlikely to spend $5000 for just the body of a camera only either. But I still drool about owning a D3s.

 

[john101477]

The D3s is the master for sure. a little costly for my budget and a little big to pack around to much but it is an OMG camera.

 

[Rallyroo]

After giving it some thought, with my current set up, for me personally, I'd prefer adding $5000 worth of glass over $5000 on a single body.

 

[Safado]

Wait and see what they replace the D700 with...history would say it's 90% of the functionality of the D3s at <50% of the cost.

 

[john101477]

Wait and see what they replace the D700 with...history would say it's 90% of the functionality of the D3s at <50% of the cost.

The D700s... yeah I am kinda anxious to see it to. maybe a little better MP count? 12 frames per second? ISO clean to 25,000 maybe?
That would be sweet. The D300s was a fairly decent upgrade from the D300. I might jump to the D300s this year mainly due to the 51pt AF and a couple of other features.
Ralleyroo - $5000 worth of glass, I can name one lens I would like for that price. I can also name some accessories that would be nice as well
16-35f/4
200-400f/4
either of these would be sweet but I can do with out for now.

 

[Bella PSD]

I have been using a D3 for well over a year now. Its the best camera I have ever used. Hands down just unreal in low light. Maybe look for a used D3 and skip the new D3s. As far as pixel power, the 12MP D3 can do more than you might think. 20X30 prints look stunning. And I have had plenty of D3 images go to press as a two page spread.

Louie

 

[DrMoab]

The D700s... yeah I am kinda anxious to see it to. maybe a little better MP count? 12 frames per second? ISO clean to 25,000 maybe?
That would be sweet. The D300s was a fairly decent upgrade from the D300. I might jump to the D300s this year mainly due to the 51pt AF and a couple of other features.
Ralleyroo - $5000 worth of glass, I can name one lens I would like for that price. I can also name some accessories that would be nice as well
16-35f/4
200-400f/4
either of these would be sweet but I can do with out for now.

Have you heard this for sure? I've been waiting for a replacement for the D700. I will probably buy one depending on price.

 

[john101477]

Have you heard this for sure? I've been waiting for a replacement for the D700. I will probably buy one depending on price.

hahaha no, just thinking of the possibilities based on nikons success with the D700. I have talked to several D3 users that bought a D700 for field work and now they are starting to implement them into there studio work as well. Based on past upgrades, realistic upgrades will probably be video, upgraded processing, possible sensor upgrade (gotta keep up with Canon), clean ISO to 12,800 (like the D3s). They have had a whole year to work on this and they have another half a year until production has to start. One thing you can almost be sure of is that it will have to be good enough to compete with the Canon 5DmII. so look for a price tag of around $2600 give or take a few hundred.

 

[cbradley]

I'm drooling for...I mean waiting for the D700s as well. I am sure it is going to be something.

 

[john101477]

I have been using a D3 for well over a year now. Its the best camera I have ever used. Hands down just unreal in low light. Maybe look for a used D3 and skip the new D3s. As far as pixel power, the 12MP D3 can do more than you might think. 20X30 prints look stunning. And I have had plenty of D3 images go to press as a two page spread.
Louie

i would never doubt the ability of the D3, I used one for a sports deal last year, but for every day carry it is a little much. Great studio camera, horrible for all day every day excursions

 

[Bella PSD]

A bit much for snap shots, yes. But when I have the D3 around my neck for work every day, I cannot see going to a point and shot or even the D300 I have. Trust me, I have tried using lesser cameras on personal trips over the years and now I just go big or go home. Plus, as a pro, if I pull out a less than pro camera I get all the jokes that go with them, Hey is that an instamatic camera and so on....

For me, it would drive me nuts if I miss one shot because I did not bring out the pro camera to start out.

Louie

 

[Colorado David]

Check this out.

http://vimeo.com/9679622

Shot with the D3.

 

[john101477]

For me, it would drive me nuts if I miss one shot because I did not bring out the pro camera to start out.

Louie

Thats actually kind of a ridiculous statement to make. My camera can produce the same quality 20x30 image as yours except in really dark situations where noise might become a factor. If you learn the parameters of your camera then you will never miss a shot.
I am kicking myself in the butt right now because of a discussion I had with Trevor last week, but 3 years ago an SI photographer did all of his shoots with a 35mm disposable from Walmart. His images were great and very published. is he less of a pro? I kinda think not.
Saying that your having a D3 makes you a pro is very far from the truth. Not saying your not, but just the fact that you went out and bought a D3 does not make you a pro.

 

[DrMoab]

Asking a photographer what type of camera he used to get a great shot is like asking Shakespeare what kind of pen he used to write Hamlet.