All D3 Rumours in one place

[jamesw]

Maybe I need to come up with a better categorisation than the "camera is just a tool crowd" because people have misunderstood my point. Some posters in this thread have suggested that (some) people are only upgrading or thinking of upgrading to show off or to have the latest and greatest or some belief that the latest and greatest will make them a better photographer. It is those posters that I am referring to.

I know with certainty that a camera is just a tool and that is not the point I was arguing against, but as Moz has pointed out, any tool needs to be appropriate for the job. Sure you can take great pictures with a very basic DSLR and even a point and shoot, but you may not be able to take the sort of pictures you want to take. You may be constantly hitting limits as Wayne points out.

If you are unable to do what you want to do, or you can't do it well, why wouldn't you move to a tool that allows you to do it, or do it better? It doesn't matter if it is only one model upgrade or skipping a bunch of models, you should use a tool that is appropriate to the job.

Upgrading is a decision each and every person has to make based on their needs and wants. It is not up to other people to make the decision for them or criticise them for making the decision just because they are happy with their camera.

you have my complete agreeance.

[chrisk]

Maybe I need to come up with a better categorisation than the "camera is just a tool crowd" because people have misunderstood my point. Some posters in this thread have suggested that (some) people are only upgrading or thinking of upgrading to show off or to have the latest and greatest or some belief that the latest and greatest will make them a better photographer. It is those posters that I am referring to.

I know with certainty that a camera is just a tool and that is not the point I was arguing against, but as Moz has pointed out, any tool needs to be appropriate for the job. Sure you can take great pictures with a very basic DSLR and even a point and shoot, but you may not be able to take the sort of pictures you want to take. You may be constantly hitting limits as Wayne points out.

If you are unable to do what you want to do, or you can't do it well, why wouldn't you move to a tool that allows you to do it, or do it better? It doesn't matter if it is only one model upgrade or skipping a bunch of models, you should use a tool that is appropriate to the job.

Upgrading is a decision each and every person has to make based on their needs and wants. It is not up to other people to make the decision for them or criticise them for making the decision just because they are happy with their camera.

great post and i couldn't agree more. i think it comes down to what people's expectations are of the upgrade. if they are upgrading thinking it will simply improve their skills then its probably ill founded. but an upgrade to make what you do easier, more effective and or more pleasurable...then whats the problem ?

what appeals to me about the d300 is the ergonomics of the d200 which i have always loved using. plus the tripod live view feature with 51AF pts seems very appealing to me cos i do alot of tripod macro work. it won;t necessarily make me any better, but it will make it a bit easier.

lets not also forget that in some cases the body does allow for improved IQ. things like the dynamic range of the image and iso performance can make a pretty significant difference to the ACTUAL quality of the shot.

that being said, i got no more money. lol

[Greg B]

If photography is your hobby, and you would like to upgrade to a new
camera, and you can afford to, and it will make you happy, then away
you go.

There is no external argument or rationale which needs to be considered.
You want, it, you can afford it, you get it, you have fun with it.

A part of the fun of a hobby is not having to be rational all the time.

[jethro]

Im looking foward to getting a D300 when they emerge. My Trusty D70 has served me well and Ive made some good coin from it. This will be passed onto my son, who will think its Christmas.

Camera upgrades or even first time buys are a bonus for the next Generation of technology. Affordability is the next question which of course needs to be considered. Just remember every time a new piece of software comes out. Woo Hoo everyones happy until they have the shits with it due to further improvements.

Enjoy what you have and make the most of what you have. 5 years away we will probably have a D1000. And then what will we say or procrastinate!

Jethro

[Nnnnsic]

D3 = Wow. Freakin' wow.

They wouldn't let me put my CF card in... pre-production model and all...

But wow. Usable... so freakin' usable at ISO 6400... it's like 640 or 800... and 25,600 is a bit like 1600 on a D70.

Just very impressive.

D300 is cool too. Lighter, better top LCD. Didn't play with it as much.

I've got a video interview with one of the guys from Nikon Australia (great people) and I'll post up some audio later on... like the sound of 11fps.

Coolpix's are very cool, too. Anyone fancy a 5mp Coolpix for an RRP of $149?

[Old Bob]

Sounds like you had fun Leigh. Your enthusiasm will fan the camera lust in people looking for a new body. Interesting times again.

Bob

[jben_net]

Hey Leigh are your reports from looking at it on the rear screen on the camera, or was it tethered to a computer monitor?

Exciting stuff.. you must have some good contacts to get a look at it before it is on the market.

Big claims re. iso can't wait to get my mitts on one

[Nnnnsic]

I'm a tech journalist so I'm hoping to get my hands on one for review in a month or two.

They were on the camera LCD I'm afraid. I also forgot to try out LiveView... I was just too impressed with trying out ISO ranges.

[Matt. K]

Leigh
Did you do the switch? Go in with a D200 and walk out with a D300? Did ya? did ya?

[jamesw]

A part of the fun of a hobby is not having to be rational all the time.

i like that!

[Steffen]

If photography is your hobby, and you would like to upgrade to a new
camera, and you can afford to, and it will make you happy, then away
you go.

There is no external argument or rationale which needs to be considered.
You want, it, you can afford it, you get it, you have fun with it.

A part of the fun of a hobby is not having to be rational all the time.

Greg, you've nailed it, as far as I'm concerned. A D3 wouldn't make me a better photographer, but it sure would make me a happier one!

I also agree that there is too much rationalising over this topic. A Hilti is just a hammer drill, except that it isn't. An iPod is just an MP3 player, except that it isn't. A Nikon SLR is just an SLR, except that it isn't. Some products simply appeal to people for no rational reason, they seem to be made to be enjoyed. It doesn't seem to matter that there are higher spec'ed alternatives, or ones with more features, some machines just make it easier for people to connect with...

Cheers
Steffen.

[Jeko70]

My point is:
Photographer is something more, is the way to watch the world, photographer is still of life, with or without a brand new camera he/she can give the best, anytime, anywhere...
Know your resource get the best result.

D3 is a great camera I love it. At to date it's the best on the market from Nikon and I'm happy about it, but will not change my way of thinking about photography because I can use a top secret D4 or old F3 and I have to give my best with it.

Yes, we are going OT

[bumthology]

Anyone know if there will be a D80 Successor or a newer nikon for around $2000
I dont wanna sell my D40 and 70-200 to obtain a D300

[gstark]

Anyone know if there will be a D80 Successor or a newer nikon for around $2000

The D200 remains in production and available. That's going to be less than PP2K.

The D300 will hit the streets here for around PP2.5K.

I dont wanna sell my D40 and 70-200 to obtain a D300

Why would you? A pre-owned D40 body won't be worth more than about PP300 - PP400. May as well keep it.

And a D300 won't be of much use to you if you don't ave any glass for it to wear.

But in all honesty, why are you considering the upgrade? Which photos that you take will be better ones because you're using a D300?

I'm not suggesting that people don't upgrade: I'm merely trying to understand why you're doing it, and hopefully you'll do it for the right, rather than the wrong, reasons.

[olrac]

Gary,

is the "Right" reason i love new gear and want to spend money on it?

no one else can tell anyone here that they have the wrong reason for upgrading, that is their Wife/Partners job

[jamesw]

Which photos that you take will be better ones because you're using a D300?

Well, comparing a d40 to d300... Anything that involves autofocus with non afs lenses hehe

[gstark]

Which photos that you take will be better ones because you're using a D300?

Well, comparing a d40 to d300... Anything that involves autofocus with non afs lenses hehe

Well, no.

You can still take those same photos. Will the presence or absence of AF make those photos better?

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

[jamesw]

i know, it was a very tongue in cheek comment.

edit: put the comma in to make it read clearer...

[sirhc55]

Which photos that you take will be better ones because you're using a D300?

Well, comparing a d40 to d300... Anything that involves autofocus with non afs lenses hehe

Well, no.

You can still take those same photos. Will the presence or absence of AF make those photos better?

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

Precisely

[Alex]

Some images from D3 @ iso 3200. The link is to a Thai site.

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O5762311/O5762311.html

Alex

[Alex]

And D3 @ ISO5000

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O5759396/O5759396.html

Alex

[jamesw]

And D3 @ ISO5000

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O5759396/O5759396.html

Alex

scroll down, says discussion in dpreview concluded its fake

[Alex]

And D3 @ ISO5000

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O5759396/O5759396.html

Alex

scroll down, says discussion in dpreview concluded its fake

Perhaps the iso 5000 is, but 3200 looks real, at least exif shows that.

Alex

[Nnnnsic]

I actually didn't check Iso 3200, but based on what I saw from 6400, it looks possible.

5000's a load of crap tho.

[jamesw]

i've always wondered why people would go to the time and effort of producing fakes. ultimate fanboys?

[Jeko70]

Which photos that you take will be better ones because you're using a D300?

Well, comparing a d40 to d300... Anything that involves autofocus with non afs lenses hehe

Well, no.

You can still take those same photos. Will the presence or absence of AF make those photos better?

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

Precisely

Right!

That's what I was trying to tell ya.

It's not just a camera to make you a photographer.

[xorl]

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

They had equipment that was better suited to manual focus?

Manual focus is generally a 2nd class citizen on newer AF lenses. Sloppy focus rings (mostly tiny), and no distance / DOF guides. Ick.

That said, I'm sure the above photographers would have been successful with just any camera. Their photographic vision was much more important than their equipment.

[gstark]

Their photographic vision was much more important than their equipment.

As should your's be, too.

[bumthology]

i know you are all right
i'd rather have a good lens than body. No point having a good camera with no good lens.
However, i'm mainly into dinner/outing photography when theres very dim light, and the D40 also favours this because of its small size.
I considered the D300 because of its SUPPOSEDLY high ISO performance, and that i get to play with more settings
Pity nikons newest cams d40x -d300 is a big step away from eachother.

[glamy]

Just to add my two cts, the way things are looking at the moment I think I would enjoy more a Mamiya 645ZD kit than a D3 as I think the Mamiya is better suited for landscapes , not that this is a near future decision .
Cheers,
Gerard

[sirhc55]

Pity nikons newest cams d40x -d300 is a big step away from eachother.

So is the price

[ATJ]

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

Did any of these guys do nature photography? What about underwater photography?

[Big V]

If you want it buy it - who cares, it is your money and how you decide to spend it is up to you. These people giving advice about a d300 not being a worthwhile upgrade from a d200 etc, it is none of their business. Jesus, what about those of you who have spent thousands on your coffee makers, surely by some of the arguments posted here, an instant cup of coffee is still a cup of coffee. FFS, if for no other reason than it feels good, I say good luck to anyone who wants to upgrade and has the funds to do so - no one is using a box brownie here anymore are they - even if there is only one feature that you see worthwhile, then it is worthwhile. The argument that it wont make you a better photographer may well be true, but if you enjoy the feeling you are getting whilst taking the photo and the fun factor is there, go for it.

[jamesw]

i know you are all right
i'd rather have a good lens than body. No point having a good camera with no good lens.
However, i'm mainly into dinner/outing photography when theres very dim light, and the D40 also favours this because of its small size.
I considered the D300 because of its SUPPOSEDLY high ISO performance, and that i get to play with more settings
Pity nikons newest cams d40x -d300 is a big step away from eachother.

unfortunately it seems that the D3 is the high iso killer. no claims of the d300 being great at high iso noise have been really substantiated, and nikon haven't seen to have trumpeted that the d300 is great for high iso noise... or have they?

it will be cool once some objective reviews come out, i'd like to hear what people who have tested have to say. thom hogans opinions will be particularly interestng.

[Big V]

Here is a pic from a d3 shot at 3200 - it looks very good, you have to love the cmos sensors
http://pixmariage.free.fr/d3/_EF22348.JPG

[chrisk]

thats not actually that impressive for 3200. i've seen MkIII 6400 shots that are cleaner. if thats the best the D3 can do at 3200, i think we may be disappointed with the d300. i wish they'd just do some sort of proper test already and put these rumours to bed.

[Reschsmooth]

Jesus, what about those of you who have spent thousands on your coffee makers, surely by some of the arguments posted here, an instant cup of coffee is still a cup of coffee.

No one here is referring to taking a snapshot for the sake of capturing an image. If we were, we would be espousing the virtues of a 3mp mobile phone camera as it would arguably be the best of all worlds (takes images, provides mobile telephony and is very small).

Similarly, with respect to coffee, your analogy is not correct as an instant cup of coffee is not the same as an espresso based coffee - the only similarity is they (apparently) rely on coffee beans and hot water.

I* spent equivalent to D200 on my coffee set up because:

1. My previous machine required a wait of about 2 mins between extraction and steaming milk.
2. I can extract multiple shots in quick succession.
3. I have more steam power.
4. Bigger boiler size for more constant brew temps
5. It looks really cool.

* This is the main point and dare I say it, the point you are trying to make is that it is the individual's decision to upgrade whatever they are upgrading. That is. the coffee machine upgrade was my decision.

[MATT]

OMFG - How did the likes of HCB, Man Ray, Max Dupain and Robert Capa make all of their great images without AF and a D300?

Pure luck I say.. just like Andrew johns being the greatest Footy Player..hangon that was drugs..


Now where are the d300 Pics.

MATT

[Nnnnsic]

Right so I'll be putting the interview online this week on the site I work for but for now, here's a bit of audio ecstasy from the D3.

Wanna know what 11fps sounds like without a CF card in the camera?

[Killakoala]

Wanna know what 11fps sounds like without a CF card in the camera?

Wow, makes 8fps sound pedestrian

[Matt. K]

Psssst! There's a whisper going around about the new D400. Coming your way soon.

[chrisk]

an instant cup of coffee is still a cup of coffee.

now thats going too far dammit !

[Grev]

D3 = Wow. Freakin' wow.

But wow. Usable... so freakin' usable at ISO 6400... it's like 640 or 800... and 25,600 is a bit like 1600 on a D70.

D300 is cool too. Lighter, better top LCD. Didn't play with it as much.

I know what you mean by neglecting the D300 but it would of been more practical (to most people) to have evaluations of the D300 as well.

[Nnnnsic]

Yes... there's that... well come my review unit, I'll let everything slip

[gooseberry]

More High ISO samples from the D3, showing ISO 200 to ISO 12800
Click on the images to see the 100% crops

http://review.fengniao.com/64/644874.html

[Grev]

Well some news regarding the pricing, from my friend who is currently in Japan at the moment looking at all the big advertisements from Nikon, apparently the D300 is retailing for around $3000 and the D3 is retailing for just over $5000.

I'm surprised it's only $5000.

[ATJ]

Well some news regarding the pricing, from my friend who is currently in Japan at the moment looking at all the big advertisements from Nikon, apparently the D300 is retailing for around $3000 and the D3 is retailing for just over $5000.

What currency is that?

The press releases in the US had the D3 at US$4,999.95** and the D300 at US$1,799.95**. They aren't available until November, too.

http://press.nikonusa.com/2007/08/eight ... o.php#more
http://press.nikonusa.com/2007/08/nikon ... w_d300.php

** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

[gstark]

Our expectation is for RRP in Oz to be PP2700 and PP7500.

I have no idea what our Poon pricing for these will be.

yet.

[Grev]

What currency is that?

Sorry, he converted it to Australian dollars of course. And yes, availability is the same all around the globe.

Well seems like either he got his calculations wrong or everybody outside of Japan are getting ripped off by buying a D3... Although I'm pretty sure he got it right.

[ATJ]

Well seems like either he got his calculations wrong or everybody outside of Japan are getting ripped off by buying a D3... Although I'm pretty sure he got it right.

And everyone buying a D300 in Australia is also being ripped off.