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01/29/2011 11:57:06 AM · #1 |
| So, I'm SERIOUSLY considering going ff and am trying to decide if the improvements to the D3s are worth it being almost twice the price of the D700. Feedback/things to consider, please. |
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01/29/2011 12:11:59 PM · #2 |
| More knowledgeable will reply (honestly this should be my tag line) but other than a boost in FPS I don't know of any other glaring differences. I couldn't dream of a better camera than my D700 though. Full frame is a treat. You'll really enjoy it. |
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01/29/2011 12:15:34 PM · #3 |
It seems to me that unless you are very into shooting sports, there is very little advantage at all. Like all the high-end Nikon and Canon DSLRs, the D3s is a tank, a really big piece if hardware, which is something to consider.
Looks like you'd be leaving most of your glass behind as well, in which case you could very well look at what Canon has to offer. In FF for non-sports applications, the 5DII is an outstanding camera, offering similar price and very similar sensor performance to the D700 but with nearly twice the pixel count. It probably will be replaced with a new model later this year, FWIW. |
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01/29/2011 12:17:07 PM · #4 |
| I don't see a point of spending so much more on d3s unless you are a pro sports photographer. |
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01/29/2011 12:25:45 PM · #5 |
| Just a thought ... If you're into HDR, the faster frame rate makes auto bracketing very quick minimizing movement in the captured images and allowing HDR software to better align the resulting images and better deal with movement (e.g. water, people). May not be a big enough factor to be a decision "maker" but might contribute to your thinking. |
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01/29/2011 12:33:23 PM · #6 |
I'm in a similar "boat".
I've pixel peeped the D3s shots for noise and they are incredible. I want one. But so is the price. And add to that the price of the full-time bodyguard you would need when carrying that around so you don't get it stolen.
I am also considering the D700 but even that at $2300 or so for the body seems pretty expensive for electronics which I will want to replace in a year or two. (I'm on my fifth DSLR upgrade since buying my first Canon Rebel in late 2004! Around 6 years, 5 upgrades.)
So I'm waiting to see what they come out with for the D800, but given how often I like to upgrade, I'm considering the D7000 too. I want low noise and great IQ most of all. It would be nice not to have to replace my lenses, but at least now they have the 28-300 VR for the FF series to replace my 18-200.
Are you considering the D7000?
Message edited by author 2011-01-29 12:33:34. |
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01/29/2011 12:50:47 PM · #7 |
Thanks everyone. I'm not a particularly knowledgeable consumer, but I know when I've bumped up against my equipment's limitations.
@Kirbic - definitely something to consider. I'm guessing the fisheye dx would be history, but the other two lenses also? And the size/weight is also a consideration, since I'd be upgrading from the comparatively tiny D90.
@Lev/Doc - no, not into sports, and not all that much into HDR, although the latter might change. However, I AM most interested in low light images. I'm drawn to the shadows. And that's where my D90 is falling a bit short. However, since I'm not trying to capture action images in low light, I don't know that I would take advantage of the extreme ISO capabilities of the D3s.
@Neil - Haven't considered the D7000. What's the attraction there? |
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01/29/2011 12:55:59 PM · #8 |
The D7000 has the size/form factor of the D90, and yet it's designed more like the D300, even better in some ways. And some say it has noise performance as good as the D700 (but probably not).
And it's $1100 body, so in a year I can buy the next one with the even better sensor and ISO 100,000,000.
Message edited by author 2011-01-29 12:56:44. |
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01/29/2011 01:04:03 PM · #9 |
You may wish to wait it out until the end of the year. Both the D700 and D3s are rumoured to be replaced by the end of the year.
D800 rumors
D4 rumors
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01/29/2011 01:16:39 PM · #10 |
I'm using the D7K now, and lovin' it. One advantage is that you get to keep the DX lenses, and low light performance is very good. It also meters manual or A priority with the older Nikkor Ai manual lenses.
I'm not big on video, but it also has full HD video, and maintains AF with zooming.
I'm not familiar with the 700 and the D3, hands on. I feel that you would be happy with either of them if you choose to go that way.
Here's the DP Review blurb on the 7K. DP Review, Nikon D7000.
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01/29/2011 02:02:04 PM · #11 |
A guy I work with bought a D700 and just loves it. The pics look great too.
New cameras are always going to come out, but really the improvements are only going to be incremental. There is no reason to upgrade every year. I had my first 5mp camera for 8 years before moving up to a G11 and Rebel and guess what, the 5x7 I take look about the same.
There is no reason why, if you make the investment in a D700 you can't get 5-10 years out of it.
Message edited by author 2011-01-29 14:06:30. |
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01/29/2011 02:13:16 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
@Kirbic - definitely something to consider. I'm guessing the fisheye dx would be history, but the other two lenses also? And the size/weight is also a consideration, since I'd be upgrading from the comparatively tiny D90. |
As you surmised, the fish would be history... the Nikon 18-105, being DX, is in the same boat, and the Tamron 18-270 is also made to only cover an APS-C frame (the Di designation).
So you'd be left with the 60mm macro, which interestingly could also be used on a Canon body in manual focus, manual aperture-control mode with a mechanical adapter. |
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01/29/2011 03:48:55 PM · #13 |
I was trying to decide whether to get a D700 or try to hold out until a D800. Then they came out with the d7000, and as soon as I can find one, that is the puppy for me. Nikon Rumors noted this week that the D700 seems to be unavailable in Canada now, so it may be close to replacement. If, by some chance, the D800 announcement happens soon, the features are a staggering leap over the d700 and d7000 (the d7000 has some features that are better than the d700), and the price is right, I could go with the d800.
But I expect to go with the d7000, and wait for a full frame upgrade down the road, or when the outrageous high iso performance works its way down to a d8000 crop factor :-)
If you don't already have FF glass, going with a d7000 and then making all new lens purchases full-frame ready (that's what I did when I got the D90 instead of a D700) allows you to build your FF lens collection over a bit of time, makes the jump to a FF body a bit less painful in the wallet. Plus, using full frame glass on a crop factor camera turns out to be pretty cool. You are already using the sweet spot of the lens, so you can shoot at wider apertures very easily.
The d700 is a superb camera, though. If I thought a D800 would mean d700 prices would drop, I'd really consider it. But it seems like the D800 will be a replacement, probably at or slightly above the same price point. So waiting for the d800 is probably a good bet if you plan to go full frame.
ETA: the d90 has been (and is) a great camera. I will keep it as a backup, and will use it frequently (I use both my d90 and d80 now in studio shoots, 24-70mm on one, 85mm on the other). My reason for upgrading is better low-light performance more than a desire for full frame. The d7000 appears to be within a stop of the d700's iso performance, but the d7000 also has dual cards, improved metering sensor, viewfinder, etc.
Message edited by author 2011-01-29 15:53:31. |
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01/29/2011 04:09:52 PM · #14 |
For your applications Johanna, I'd really suggest waiting for the successor to the D700. Another reason to like the D3s is how robust it is, but I've not heard you mention you're a camera abuser yet.
Another idea is you can wait till the new one comes out, buy a D700 when prices drop, start working your FX lens collection up, then transition to whatever is around then. |
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01/29/2011 04:14:52 PM · #15 |
I got the D7000 last week to replace the D200 I had for more than 4 years. I'm very happy with it. In some ways it felt like a step backwards, because the D7000 is smaller and feels "lighter weight" than the D200. It also has a couple things that are pared down (only 3 sequential shots allowed for bracketed, same for multis). Outside of those two things, I love the camera. Last night I went to an event indoors and made photos at ISO 800 throughout the night, and then some outdoors also, and the higher ISO works great, better than ISO 200 with the D200. Also, I am noticing all sorts of details (like little imperfections, hairs, reflection) that I never noticed with the D200, that's how clear the sensor of the D7000 is.
One thing to remember though, CS4 doesn't recognize the NEF files created by the D7000. I don't know if there will be a workaround, but it sounds like there won't be one. I don't have CS5, but I do have Lightroom 3 and CS4. I can open the NEFs in Lightroom 3 and send to CS4. K |
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01/29/2011 04:34:47 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
For your applications Johanna, I'd really suggest waiting for the successor to the D700. Another reason to like the D3s is how robust it is, but I've not heard you mention you're a camera abuser yet.
Another idea is you can wait till the new one comes out, buy a D700 when prices drop, start working your FX lens collection up, then transition to whatever is around then. |
They say the d800 will be out in early sep 2011 dont know how true that is just saw it a on a web blog |
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01/29/2011 08:13:48 PM · #17 |
Hmmm. So much to consider. Like Chromey, I don't plan to get rid of my D90 - I absolutely love this camera. But my Big Project is going to require a full frame camera because of the size of the images and the amount of detail I want to capture (specifically tonal ranges in low light). I'm being purposely vague as to what it is - I'm a child of the theater and superstition runs deep, so apologies for not sharing more.
Derek, no I'm not much of a camera abuser. The D90 seems to be holding up pretty good the way I'm treating it. I looked up the specs between the D3s and the D700 and the latter is a smaller body, and a bit lighter, but still a beast compared to my D90. And I really do want to upgrade to the ff rather than just do a somewhat lateral move to the D7000. I'd probably trade in/sell two of my lenses for the D90 and stick with one of the zooms, and use that to buy a zoom for my full frame. That way I'll have two lenses for each to start, which will be more than enough for my needs. My D90 would be my walkaround, and the Beast would be for my studio stuff.
@ Ursula, I have CS5, so I don't know if that issue persists.
I'll have to look into the improvements between the D700 and D800 before I decide if for my needs it's worth waiting for the latter.
Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. |
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01/29/2011 09:33:20 PM · #18 |
No, the issue does not effect you with CS5, as CS5 is compatible with the newest versions of ACR.
ETA: regarding the heft... I began using a grip for my D300 around a year ago and now it feels tiny and toy-like without, so I think it's perfectly possible to adapt to the weight. It balances better with certain lenses, to be honest. Also, investing in higher quality glass will also make a significant difference in sharpness of your photos. The difference between my 18-200 and the 28-70, for instance, is immense.
Message edited by author 2011-01-29 21:37:05. |
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01/29/2011 11:55:40 PM · #19 |
| I just bought both the D3s and the D700. Is the D3s worth more than the D700? yes. But unless you are shooting sports or really need super High ISO the D700 with grip will get you where you need to be. There is an AF difference and there are some ISO advantages with the D3s over the D700. But I am in love with the AF performance of the D3s and the ISO capabilities. |
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01/30/2011 06:52:10 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
... the Tamron 18-270 is also made to only cover an APS-C frame (the Di designation).
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That lens is indeed only APS-C format but the Di designation simply means that it was engineered for a digital sensor. The Tamron 90mm Di being a good example of a full frame lens. |
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02/18/2011 01:48:34 PM · #21 |
| Been doing the research. Looks like the D700 is the right fit for me. My Nikkor 17-35 f/2.8 and my Nikkor 24-85 f/2.8-4 will be the working lenses for this body. I'll place the Sigma EX 50-500 on the D70 for the 1.5 cf. A 75-750 reach is needed sometimes. |
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02/18/2011 02:47:16 PM · #22 |
| This thread has been pretty informative for me, I too am looking at the D700. Was planning on ordering it next week, providing the tax man doesn't get me...lol |
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10/16/2011 09:51:58 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by MattO:
I just bought both the D3s and the D700.... |
Good lord, did you win the lottery?!
At this end have been considering the D7000, it does have some very attractive specs.
HOWEVER...when I shot a wedding as 2nd camera earlier this year, I had to get up to the front of the church to get the kiss, because the boss's D7000 crapped out on him and stayed crapped out for a good hour.
The reason? Sweat from his hand. Hmm. And the D7000 is supposed to have a weather-sealed body? And my boss' hands never struck me as being exceptionally clammy. This was inside, during a church ceremony, so my D90 and I had to come to the rescue.
So as attractive as the D7000's specs are, I am not fully sold. So I am thinking of waiting for the D8000 to make its debut. Meantime, I'm going to send in the D90 for servicing as I am not at all happy with 2 fatal Error messages within the span of 3 weeks. |
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10/16/2011 10:20:00 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by snaffles:
Originally posted by MattO:
I just bought both the D3s and the D700.... |
Good lord, did you win the lottery?!
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No but since then I sold the D700 not happy with the AF tracking on it, and bought a D3 to back up my D3s. :D
In this game you spend money to make money. I can't have my equipment failing on me. This past week my D3s blew a shutter and I was forced to use my D3 as my main camera while Nikon fixes it.
Matt |
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10/17/2011 10:02:32 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by MattO:
Originally posted by snaffles:
Originally posted by MattO:
I just bought both the D3s and the D700.... |
Good lord, did you win the lottery?!
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No but since then I sold the D700 not happy with the AF tracking on it, and bought a D3 to back up my D3s. :D
In this game you spend money to make money. I can't have my equipment failing on me. This past week my D3s blew a shutter and I was forced to use my D3 as my main camera while Nikon fixes it.
Matt |
Oh no fear, I know all about that spend $$ to make $$ thing! And I do realize that the D90 has some weak points, for example I HATE the noise at anything over 400 ISO. Don't like using noise reduction software as it's so dicey, too easy to see it's been used. But still think I'll hold out for the D8000, though in a perfect world I'd rather get the D800...*sigh*... |
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