Ever since the D700 was announced, I have seen a variants of this question all over the Internet. I have made my decision and here’s my answer to the question.
To begin with, the D3 is one of the finest digital cameras ever made. I have no doubt that the D700 won’t be far behind. Therefore, either choice is the right one depending on your needs. As for myself, I will be trading in my D3 for the following reasons.
1. Size and Weight.
Let’s face it, as fine a camera as the D3 is it is also a behemoth. Without its battery or memory cards it weighs a staggering 2.7 pounds. Add on the 24-70mm f/2.8 and you’re up to nearly five pounds. I’m sorry, but this old back just can’t support that weight for very long. Then there’s the bulk. No detaching that battery pack to lose some size. By contrast the D700 weighs in at a relatively modest two pounds, just slightly more than a D300. Heck, even an EOS 40D weighs nearly two pounds.
2. Built-In Flash
I know, most of my pictures using the built-in flash look like crap. I bet yours do too. That said, a built-in flash is awful nice to have in a pinch. In addition, you can use it as a nice fill flash in daylight. Finally, in the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the on-board flash can be used to trigger one or more remote units in Commander mode.
3. Dust Reduction System
Most of you are probably like me and haven’t had all that many problems with dust. When you do though, it can be a real pain. I remember spending quite a bit of time getting to know the Photoshop Healing Brush with one dust ridden image that I had. The fact of the matter is that most new DSLRs have some sort of sensor cleaning. I was puzzled when this was left off the D3.
4. Price
In tough economic times, $2000 is $2000.
5. Ergonomics
Frankly, I have always preferred the layout of the D200/D300 to that of the D3. I like having the larger WB, ISO and QUAL buttons up top. I also prefer only one LCD.
6. Battery
The D3’s battery is huge compared to EN-EL3e. Once again, size (or lack thereof) matters.
7. Info Button
I have found the Info Button to be quite useful.
Well, that’s my list. I’ve still got ten days to change my mind. Any other opinions out there?
To begin with, the D3 is one of the finest digital cameras ever made. I have no doubt that the D700 won’t be far behind. Therefore, either choice is the right one depending on your needs. As for myself, I will be trading in my D3 for the following reasons.
1. Size and Weight.
Let’s face it, as fine a camera as the D3 is it is also a behemoth. Without its battery or memory cards it weighs a staggering 2.7 pounds. Add on the 24-70mm f/2.8 and you’re up to nearly five pounds. I’m sorry, but this old back just can’t support that weight for very long. Then there’s the bulk. No detaching that battery pack to lose some size. By contrast the D700 weighs in at a relatively modest two pounds, just slightly more than a D300. Heck, even an EOS 40D weighs nearly two pounds.
2. Built-In Flash
I know, most of my pictures using the built-in flash look like crap. I bet yours do too. That said, a built-in flash is awful nice to have in a pinch. In addition, you can use it as a nice fill flash in daylight. Finally, in the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the on-board flash can be used to trigger one or more remote units in Commander mode.
3. Dust Reduction System
Most of you are probably like me and haven’t had all that many problems with dust. When you do though, it can be a real pain. I remember spending quite a bit of time getting to know the Photoshop Healing Brush with one dust ridden image that I had. The fact of the matter is that most new DSLRs have some sort of sensor cleaning. I was puzzled when this was left off the D3.
4. Price
In tough economic times, $2000 is $2000.
5. Ergonomics
Frankly, I have always preferred the layout of the D200/D300 to that of the D3. I like having the larger WB, ISO and QUAL buttons up top. I also prefer only one LCD.
6. Battery
The D3’s battery is huge compared to EN-EL3e. Once again, size (or lack thereof) matters.
7. Info Button
I have found the Info Button to be quite useful.
Well, that’s my list. I’ve still got ten days to change my mind. Any other opinions out there?
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