Another level, breaks the boundries held by lesser cameras

I am a professional wedding and portrait photographer. We started with medium format film cameras and progressed to the Fuji S2, Nikon D200, D300, D300s and now the D3. We have been using the D300's for quiet a while and they have served well. I bought the D3 only for the high ISO capability but I had no idea how much better this camera is.

The focus system is much faster and much more accurate. I always use single point focus because the D300 multiple point focus was never as accurate as I demanded. The D3 multiple point focus is incredible. The camera is so accurate that it brings out the pixels because they are so defined so now I need higher resolution!

The mirror reflex is quieter and faster and the trigger is so sensitive and responsive that when you touch it, it is focused and fires instantly. The write speed seems to be faster with RAW, I am pretty sure they use the same system but if I fire 20 shots in a row the D3 is still ready to go and my D300 is still writing.

The camera is significantly heavier but in comparison to the D300 the D300 feels like a toy. I personally am willing to carry the extra weight to get that unique shot so that is not an issue.

Keep in mind that this is full frame so if your lens has a "DX" logo on it you will have to use the D3 in DX mode which is only 5mp. I am so used to not having the side trigger and wheels that I don't think I will ever use them. I personally don't feel that it is awkward to use the camera vertically and use the main trigger and wheels.

For dark situations there is no camera that will focus in the heavy dark. The D3 does NOT have a focus assist beam so you will need a SB800 or 900 to assist you. These two flashes have the option to put out the assist beam only and not fire the flash. I have an SB600 and I just cover the flash area or turn it to 1/64 depending on the situation. I will say that the D3 does focus fast in very dark situations and all it needs is a little contrast to focus, a lot less than the D300.

The additional screen on the bottom is nice giving you easier access to some controls. Also the light meter is oriented on the right side vertically in the view finder so that takes some getting used to vs the D300 and pretty much any other Nikon lower models where it is on the bottom center.

The camera will continuously fire much faster than the D300 but it is too much for my industry. The good thing is you can set the firing speeds for Low Continuous and High Continuous so you can slow it down if you need to.

They say that this is a photojournalist camera and not a portrait camera but I disagree. The portrait industry is moving into a photojournalistic style and we require the same level of speed, quality and reliability that the D3 offers. We are in the business of capturing moments and the D3 will make sure you get them. I bought this camera in 2012 when the D4 has come out and I have no regrets. This camera will separate you from the pack of amateurs claiming to be professionals. I am not saying the camera will make your photographs better than other photographers you still need the skill. So if you have the skill and you feel limited by your camera that is a good sign to upgrade to this tool.

Nikon d3 is no doubt a very good camera. You will not be disappointed.

Well, I work with a professional photographer, and he's kind enough to use his equipment all the time. D3 is the one I shoot with most of the time, and I swear to you, this is one of the best camera money can buy. Keep in mind, this is build for high speed photography, aka sports. What makes it "high speed"? It is the combination of focusing speed+accuracy and frames per second (FPS). Focusing is important, because where the image is focus = where catches the eye's attention, where the highlights is, etc (excluding out of focus on purpose shots). So by having a fast and accurate focusing, the d3 is able to track the moving subject (someone running, dancing, whatever), and gives a sharp focus every time. As in the fps, well frame per second, the number of shots per second. More = more selection for the perfect peak moment. You probably won't need that if you're shooting a wall, but for sports, it can be very useful.

In terms of image quality, some later cameras such as the Nikon D800 or Canon 5D Mark 3 is probably a bit better, but those are not sports camera, so do not make that comparison, it's only the matter of which one fits your type of photography. For me, it's the D3. Keep in mind, if image quality is what you're looking for, and the fps doesn't matter as much, get the d800 or Canon 5d Mark 3, and some very good lens. If can't afford both good camera and good lens, get the good lens. Good lens, mid/beginner level camera combo will produce a sharper, clearer, more detail image than a pro camera body with cheap lens.

Body is build like a tank with metal construction. People complain about the weight, well get use to it. Sooner or later, you will be using some bigger lens, perhaps something like the 70-200 2.8 (amazing lens). I love the weight, it tells me that it's there. It's substantial, and it also help me stable my shot. It also balance better with bigger lens. Weight is always something you can get used to, a broken camera is def not something you can though.

Oh, if you are thinking about a nikon d3, get it. But to give you a comparison between d3 and d3s, it's very similar with the exception of d3s about 1 f stop better. However, when compare to the d4.... well.... get the d3 or d3s, even if the d4 ever becomes the same price....

Nikon D3

I purchased this camera for a low light alternative to my Nikon D3X. I live in Kalispell, MT next to Glacier Park and shoot wildlife photography/macro photography. This camera is incredible in low light conditions where I shoot most of my wildlife photography. I was also pleasantly suprised about photo quality when compared to my Nikon D3X (close in picture quality) when I'm shooting with my Nikkor 600mm VR lens. The increased camera speed in burst mode is great for those moments when you are shooting moving subjects. Both cameras exhibit the wonderful Nikon AF system which is incredible, unlike anything I've used before. Build quality is first rate, quality components throughout. The camera is very heavy--maybe a consideration for those who hike; however, since I generally don't have to travel far, this is a non-issue. Battery life per charge to shots taken is unbelievable--I purchased numerous batterys for the D3; however, they generally don't get much use (same as the D3X). Great camera.

Nikon D3 Body

The Nikon D3 is more camera then I thought it would be - I am extremely impressed with the power of the auto-focus system. I have taken about 300 shots so far and 99% of them are in focus - about 200 were birds on our bird feeder - one was out of focus! the next 100 were of 1,2,, & 3 year old kids playing. again 1 was out of focus. This was not possible with my old camera ( D80 ) The ISO capability of this camera is outstanding as well I have a D50 as well and that was better at high ISO then the D80, but the D3 is in a whole new league! ISO 6400 will be clean is conditions are right. I have taken pictures of my kids at these higher iso's where I would never have been able to get them before.

9 Fps is a cool feature as well, it's blazing fast camera that just gets it done!

There are no excuses with this Nikon SLR!

Great product for the money spent!!

It is sharp and exact which is why I buy Nikon. It takes perfect pictures every time. It is fast and reliable great for shooting wedding and sporting events. The extra long battery life makes it a winner.