D3 Impressions -update3 (lots of images)

[Justin]

I've created this thread to capture my initial impressions of the D3, from day 1. Otherwise I forget the most important first things. And it's here because maybe it will answer other folks thoughts.

I picked it up from D-D-Photographics. What a busy operation those guys have!
Capture NX - I can't read japanese
I love having full frame with my old lenses. 50mm is actually really nice! And the 35-70 is lovely.

Edit 1: I have a few minutes before the wife gets back from shopping and I have to get back to building the balcony...
- Download Capture NX from the american site here if you have a grey import, it takes the product code that comes with the import. That's how I learnt japanese

Using my full frame lenses has never been so much fun. I spent Sunday with the 28mm f2.8 and I got some lovely snaps. It's a lens that I have put in the DX cameras many times after buying it from a member here, but never using it. Now I am going to use it a lot more.

I am shooting in Aperture priority, ISO around 200-400 here. Again, most of the camera settings are still default, although I have changed the default setting to vivid (then I go and de-sat the photos, whats that all about?)

[marcotrov]

Justin you lucky so and so I really couldn't justify a D3 so i opted for the D300 and i am not sorry. Enjoy the new toy and I'm keen to read your impressions.
cheers
marco

[gstark]

Dinner's at Justin's place tonight, where we can all go and enjoy a test drive of his new toy!

Enjoy, Justin. Glad you were able to get this within your timeframe; I'm sure you'll enjoy this new toy immensely.

[Justin]

What's that word? Ju-st-if-y, hmmm don't know that one.

Thanks for your help yesterday Gary! Yes I am glad to get it before the overland trip, I shouldnt have been so indecisive this last week!

When I get back perhaps I'll host another Newtown meet, I remember the last was awesome fun, ending up listening to blues and jazz at the empire...

[who]

I'm sure you have Tassie planned Justin, but if you hit a hitch - I'm here until Easter anyway.

Great weather up to today too (although a bit smoky from fires elsewhere though)......

[digifrog]

Lucky Duck

[johnd]

Justin, try auto ISO. Unless I'm doing something special where I want to fix ISO (like bracketing), then auto ISO rocks on the D3. Set the camera up in manual mode, dial in aperture and shutter speed to taste, turn on auto ISO. Works just as well in aperture and shutter priority modes. You control the subtle exposure control with exposure compensation but let the camera do it's thing with the auto ISO.

I did an evening model shoot and 1 of the images auto ISOed at ISO 6400. There is not a pinch of colour noise in it. The image is floating around the forum somewhere - the thread is titled Gorgeous Larissa or something. It's an unbel-friggin-ievably brilliant camera.

The only disappointment was DX lenses. Yes they work but... I've traded up all my glass to full frame glass now and it just rocks. If you're into wide shots, do yourself a favour and get a 14-24 2.8


Congrats on the new toy.

Cheers
John

[Justin]

The D3 has done overland track in tassie, and last weekend the coast walk. I'm having a lot of fun with the camera, not so much fun explaining the purchase to the significant other... ah well.

I'm finding the quality of the images better generally (stating the obvious?) than the D200, and I can certainly push them a lot more. And it's a lot easier to get away from blown highlights.

ISO capabilities are astounding... here are a couple at ISO 6400

Moonrise

ISO: 6400
Exposure: 1/3 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200mm



The after-walk dinner

ISO: 6400
Exposure: 1/8 sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 28mm


.. continued (at ISO6400, 28mm)



And a couple of fun ones from the coast walk, not low light but good range:

[Benny2707]

Great shots.

I'm looking at moving from the D300 to the D3 at the moment. Lot's of reasons, main one is desire to have something as sexy as that in my hands. rational is less compelling but includes the usual list: ISO performance, FF sensor etc

In terms of weight and functionality is the camera still at a point where you can walk around with it or is it a tad to heavy for that? Understand that it's not a stuido only camera but is it easy enough to just walk around with it on your shoulder on a day out?

[sevencolours]

Benny

I have a D3 and use a 70-200 f2.8. You adjust to the weight very quickly. I have carried it around parts of Spain and Portugal as well as here in Oz, carrying it all day.

And it is such a great camera, it is worth carrying.

The problem is not the weight, it is that there are so many possibilities with the D3 that it is taking me for ever to learn how to use it to its best.