1 : battery life 4400 shots 2 : pentaprism 100% coverage 3 : trouble free (very important for pros ) 4 : no white balance issues unlike most nikon cameras 5 : better focus system 51 SELECTABLE including 15 cross (& focus at f8) plus this Test photo - Le crash test du Nikon D3s it worth every penny ,i love it , i wish to own one
Just picked up a D3x for £1000!! 65K actuations and it feels like new, the last pro bodied Nikon that doesn't have any Fisher Price video, just a solid work-a-day machine. My D2Xs with its half a million actuations is officially retired, thank you for paying off my mortgage and putting my daughter thru college.
That's the problem about charts and numbers when comparing cameras. Even medium formats rate 69-79 on DXO, and those are perfect IQ. The D3X utilizes the same sensor in the A900, which kills canon and nikon for color accuracy out of camera. The D3X has similar color but tweaked in the nikon fashion. I currently use the d800e and despite the new specs, my old A850 Raws are just more natural and appealing. With all features aside the D3X sensor and Raws don't look like the D600, older cameras actually have a distinctive look to the image. Pros use nikon pro bodies only, Yu Tsai shoots a D3X for celeb and Guess campaigns. Newer cameras like the D600 and D800 were produced cheaply with cheap components. Nikon even had a 17m class action suit to fix the defects in the d600. The D3X goes for about $2600 on eBay in good condition, the D3S goes for about $2000-2400. Minus video, these pro bodies are serious cameras for still work. There is nothing you can't do with them that a new camera can for stills. Not to mention the d800e AF and ISO performance is hideous. I would never buy a nikon new anyways, they depreciate to fast and nikon floods its own market with way to many bodies. They're are over 8 FF bodies between $1800-3200.
In my view, the D3x has better image quality than a D4. Hell its slightly cheaper than the D4. Reason why is still holds its price more thn the D4 is Nikon unwittedly made it too good. This would make a damn good back up or a D610 or D810. I would buy one, but I am not willing to pay 3 and a hslf grand for it.
Probably not, but I really ment both cameras been at the same price point which I did get, used D3x vs new D800 at the same price point (actually even less than D800 in my case) Another thing is that I think most people don't know camera on the internet forums because of its price and underestimate what it can do.
i think the reason why the d3x is so expensive is because the build quality. its not about the luxury that u get in the newer cameras, its the reason why people think classic cars are more appealing than newer cars. ask urself would you prefer the 1969 camaro ss with a big block engine and 425 horse power (back then that was huge) or the 2013 camaro ss. the old one has more value today and a more nostalgic effect on ppl. also its a camera that would probably last a life time. owners of the d3x propably would not trade it in for anything simply because it is so functional and does what its asked of. its a one time price
considering the price the option would more likely be, would you take 1 D3x over 2 d800 with battery grips and a few flashes. thus making it the same price?
the real question is why Nikon did not put that 24mp sensor of D600 in to D800? I know this is old topic now, but they did it on purpose. the 24mp sensor ended up been in the crippled body instead. They have their reasons for it, and I understand, but I'm skipping this generation of cameras just because I don't like how they went with the newer cameras, even a D4 is really packed camera with video been the only difference between D3s really, I never used a D4 though
Well, I've found a pretty much NEW (450 clicks) D3x for a very, very, very reasonable price, that's why I'm going with one. Sure, the D600 may have better image quality, and whatnot, but I'm out in the field a lot, so knowing that the weather sealing is just that bit better, soothes my mind.
This guy on the video has no idea what he is talking about. Obviously he is only comparing it from the specs available from DxO. The problem with the DxO site is it doesn't do photo comparisons on how the camera renders its images for every given scenario. DxO is simply a lab test not a real world test. I use the D3X everyday, here is my gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/reygay/. I also have used a D800 and D810 extensively, both are great cameras but I have opted to use the D3X instead. What makes the D3X special is the hassle free operation of the camera and the way it renders its images. The D810 series camera renders "sterile" looking images whereas the D3X has a natural feel to it, close to how a film renders an image.To better understand the differences from the D3X vs the D600 (or the D810), one needs to rent these bodies and test them side by side with studio and landscape shots. There is (to me) a big difference. I do disagree with Nikon in regards to its pricing for the D3X. It should be at least the same as the D4/s. Cheers.
I use a d500, d700 and D3! I love the older cameras because of build quality! And button placement which Nikon should have never changed!! If your at an event or doing fashion etc. You have moments where you want to just click buttons and no menu diving
Hey Saul, I have both of these camera bodies and it essentially comes down to what type of projects you will be using these cameras for. I honestly prefer my D700 over the D600 when shooting more serious jobs such as weddings because of the quick access to focus area on the camera body and also the 51 point autofocus system. However, the d600 is a bit smaller and can produce outstanding video quality which the d700 does not offer as well as two sd card slots. For me, pro images put; d600 < d700
Actually, D3x is back in production. I own one, beleive me, it is worth the money. especially when it comes to the troubles with the D600. Even when they are under warranty. It is not because of being a big ass camera, it is because it is a great camera.
May I ask? Have you ever used a D4? Have you ever used D3s? All the missing switches are replaced with button + dial settings, no menus. Also, there's few things that you had to change from the menu with D3/D3s/D3x while you can press a button and voila, choose your choice and center button, done!
I have the D3x and it is an amazing camera, don't think I would part with it now , don't feel that I need a back up camera as so so reliable and when others are running low of power i'm not even looking at mine, you won't be disappointed if you buy one, it's what I call a proper camera and any thing else just feels plastic, well not plastic but the D800 feels like a kids toy after having the D3x, just my opion.
The price is high because this is still the number one, along the D3S for speed, professional camera for journalists - built like a tank and dedicated buttons for fast access instead of fiddling with menus. The D4 cannot match it because the D4 uses software and menus that are supposed to replace those buttons. Nikon has taken away the dedicated buttons from the D4 to keep selling the D3 line to pros. They'll bring them back in the D4X or D5 and market it as the new, top professional camera.
i have D800 and it is amazing love it every day of the week.. been shooting with D3X and it gives so amazing pictuers like a depth in the picture the d800 cant deliver but not as good colorrange as the d800 so d3x for portrait whidout colour i guess..
Thanks a lot for answering my question. I wasn't really considering buying the D3x (it's also way above my budget) but I was just wondering why it's still so expensive. I understand it a bit better now but I still think it should be much cheaper after all these years. I'm looking to get a D600 soon and I think it offers everything I will ever need..and probably even more than that. Again, thank you very much. - Mujo
If I could just comment on D600 here, I used the camera for a few months and the sensor in that camera oh my, really great performance but at the same time hated that camera for a number of reasons, could not program the ok center button for instant zoom in/out to check focus (even D7100 can do that!) you literally have to press zoom + buttons 6 times to check focus at %100 on the image thats annoying, also no uncompressed option for RAW files, 39 focussing points in the center only and so on...
possuo uma d3x uma d3s uma velha d2xs uma d 300 e uma d 810 ... ainda prefiso a tudas a D3X .. forte incansavel .. nao para pra nada .. a melhor camera que ja tive .. arquivo raw muito mais facil da mecher no camera raw .. dinamic range superior tb a mais moderna 810 melhor camera que tenho
It's funny to see how people "want to look a pro" by holding a big ass camera. People, if you want to be a pro, you need to be a Pro, fill the standards of a pro (which are...what are they, to be honest?), work like a pro, create a good quality photos. That is what matters. To me, you can dress up to a bikinis if you really want, I don't care but wannabe pro looking just tells you that you probably don't know how to do the job well and you don't have enough experience.
Considering the D4 costs less than the D3X... In fact, you could ALMOST get a D4 along with a D600 for the same cost as the D3X. (Sure, you're a few hundred bucks off, but close enough). They should cut the price in half, get rid of stock, and release the D4X
The actual market value declines whether they sell it or not, so hoarding it does absolutely nothing to benefit the company. I'm sure it has depreciated horribly already on the company's books. I think they haven't reduced the price is because it's just a quiet admission of failure. The camera that at one point was the pinnacle and now is no longer. What they should do is have a proper fire sale, burn through the inventory and just bloody write it off the books already.
If you want to look like you have a badass camera....just buy a battery grip for it. I did for my D700 and 'hey presto' a D3x and I'm immediately a pro, as long as you keep moving so nobody works out its not a D3x and you forget to take the lens cap off while photographing Edinburgh Castle!
Pixel peeking comparison, I own a D3x and if you put a D600 print and a D3x print side by side you would NEVER be able to notice the difference, unless you are a fan of pixel peeking, now in 2019 I own a D500 and I'm betting once again that prints from a D4 D5 or D500 next to the D3x would all look identical if printed at 12x8 or similar! Oh if you went for the D600 back in 2013 you more likely than not found that it soaked your sensor with oil droplets....the D3x doesn't do that!
TomZentra I actually have 2 D3Xs and a 5dMark ii and have shot with a shit load of other cameras and there's nothing I'd rather shoot with more than a D3X. It's like driving a Lambourghuini and then having to switch to a Lexus...
1 : battery life 4400 shots
2 : pentaprism 100% coverage
3 : trouble free (very important for pros )
4 : no white balance issues unlike most nikon cameras
5 : better focus system 51 SELECTABLE including 15 cross (& focus at f8)
plus this
Test photo - Le crash test du Nikon D3s
it worth every penny ,i love it , i wish to own one
and now the d810 has all of that list , maybe less shots er charge , i can live with that for half the price
Just picked up a D3x for £1000!! 65K actuations and it feels like new, the last pro bodied Nikon that doesn't have any Fisher Price video, just a solid work-a-day machine. My D2Xs with its half a million actuations is officially retired, thank you for paying off my mortgage and putting my daughter thru college.
I'm late to this, but I just picked up one for $500 with a 70-200 and 24-85. Also, it only had 7k shots. I do a lot of photojournalism, so I'm stoked!
That's the problem about charts and numbers when comparing cameras. Even medium formats rate 69-79 on DXO, and those are perfect IQ. The D3X utilizes the same sensor in the A900, which kills canon and nikon for color accuracy out of camera. The D3X has similar color but tweaked in the nikon fashion. I currently use the d800e and despite the new specs, my old A850 Raws are just more natural and appealing. With all features aside the D3X sensor and Raws don't look like the D600, older cameras actually have a distinctive look to the image. Pros use nikon pro bodies only, Yu Tsai shoots a D3X for celeb and Guess campaigns. Newer cameras like the D600 and D800 were produced cheaply with cheap components. Nikon even had a 17m class action suit to fix the defects in the d600. The D3X goes for about $2600 on eBay in good condition, the D3S goes for about $2000-2400. Minus video, these pro bodies are serious cameras for still work. There is nothing you can't do with them that a new camera can for stills. Not to mention the d800e AF and ISO performance is hideous. I would never buy a nikon new anyways, they depreciate to fast and nikon floods its own market with way to many bodies. They're are over 8 FF bodies between $1800-3200.
In my view, the D3x has better image quality than a D4. Hell its slightly cheaper than the D4. Reason why is still holds its price more thn the D4 is Nikon unwittedly made it too good. This would make a damn good back up or a D610 or D810. I would buy one, but I am not willing to pay 3 and a hslf grand for it.
It is expensive 'cause.... if the price decreases, all photographers buy it and nobody buys the D610 or the D4....!
Probably not, but I really ment both cameras been at the same price point which I did get, used D3x vs new D800 at the same price point (actually even less than D800 in my case) Another thing is that I think most people don't know camera on the internet forums because of its price and underestimate what it can do.
i think the reason why the d3x is so expensive is because the build quality. its not about the luxury that u get in the newer cameras, its the reason why people think classic cars are more appealing than newer cars. ask urself would you prefer the 1969 camaro ss with a big block engine and 425 horse power (back then that was huge) or the 2013 camaro ss. the old one has more value today and a more nostalgic effect on ppl. also its a camera that would probably last a life time. owners of the d3x propably would not trade it in for anything simply because it is so functional and does what its asked of. its a one time price
considering the price the option would more likely be, would you take 1 D3x over 2 d800 with battery grips and a few flashes. thus making it the same price?
the real question is why Nikon did not put that 24mp sensor of D600 in to D800? I know this is old topic now, but they did it on purpose. the 24mp sensor ended up been in the crippled body instead. They have their reasons for it, and I understand, but I'm skipping this generation of cameras just because I don't like how they went with the newer cameras, even a D4 is really packed camera with video been the only difference between D3s really, I never used a D4 though
Well, I've found a pretty much NEW (450 clicks) D3x for a very, very, very reasonable price, that's why I'm going with one. Sure, the D600 may have better image quality, and whatnot, but I'm out in the field a lot, so knowing that the weather sealing is just that bit better, soothes my mind.
Go for it. You will not regret it.
This guy on the video has no idea what he is talking about. Obviously he is only comparing it from the specs available from DxO. The problem with the DxO site is it doesn't do photo comparisons on how the camera renders its images for every given scenario. DxO is simply a lab test not a real world test.
I use the D3X everyday, here is my gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/reygay/. I also have used a D800 and D810 extensively, both are great cameras but I have opted to use the D3X instead. What makes the D3X special is the hassle free operation of the camera and the way it renders its images. The D810 series camera renders "sterile" looking images whereas the D3X has a natural feel to it, close to how a film renders an image.To better understand the differences from the D3X vs the D600 (or the D810), one needs to rent these bodies and test them side by side with studio and landscape shots. There is (to me) a big difference.
I do disagree with Nikon in regards to its pricing for the D3X. It should be at least the same as the D4/s. Cheers.
I use a d500, d700 and D3! I love the older cameras because of build quality! And button placement which Nikon should have never changed!! If your at an event or doing fashion etc. You have moments where you want to just click buttons and no menu diving
Agreed! I sold my d700 earlier this year, but I just picked up a silly good deal on a d3x with only 7k shots!
Hey Saul, I have both of these camera bodies and it essentially comes down to what type of projects you will be using these cameras for. I honestly prefer my D700 over the D600 when shooting more serious jobs such as weddings because of the quick access to focus area on the camera body and also the 51 point autofocus system. However, the d600 is a bit smaller and can produce outstanding video quality which the d700 does not offer as well as two sd card slots. For me, pro images put; d600 < d700
Is there a difference in build quality between D3 & D2X?
They not expensive now. I love mine.
Actually, D3x is back in production. I own one, beleive me, it is worth the money. especially when it comes to the troubles with the D600. Even when they are under warranty. It is not because of being a big ass camera, it is because it is a great camera.
And my D3x makes 7 pics a second ^^. New Firmware, baby!!!
May I ask? Have you ever used a D4? Have you ever used D3s? All the missing switches are replaced with button + dial settings, no menus. Also, there's few things that you had to change from the menu with D3/D3s/D3x while you can press a button and voila, choose your choice and center button, done!
surprised you didn't use the D4 (also full body, pro camera) in your explanation.
I have the D3x and it is an amazing camera, don't think I would part with it now , don't feel that I need a back up camera as so so reliable and when others are running low of power i'm not even looking at mine, you won't be disappointed if you buy one, it's what I call a proper camera and any thing else just feels plastic, well not plastic but the D800 feels like a kids toy after having the D3x, just my opion.
One reason~ BECAUSE NIKON CAN. After the use of high end nikon products, I see the light now.
The Nikon D2x/D2xs can be found really cheap on amazon today, so i guess if someone wants a cheap d3x only needs to wait like 3 our 4 years more.
The price is high because this is still the number one, along the D3S for speed, professional camera for journalists - built like a tank and dedicated buttons for fast access instead of fiddling with menus. The D4 cannot match it because the D4 uses software and menus that are supposed to replace those buttons. Nikon has taken away the dedicated buttons from the D4 to keep selling the D3 line to pros. They'll bring them back in the D4X or D5 and market it as the new, top professional camera.
i have D800 and it is amazing love it every day of the week.. been shooting with D3X and it gives so amazing pictuers like a depth in the picture the d800 cant deliver but not as good colorrange as the d800 so d3x for portrait whidout colour i guess..
I love mine too, but that space being eaten up sucks lol
Thanks a lot for answering my question. I wasn't really considering buying the D3x (it's also way above my budget) but I was just wondering why it's still so expensive. I understand it a bit better now but I still think it should be much cheaper after all these years. I'm looking to get a D600 soon and I think it offers everything I will ever need..and probably even more than that.
Again, thank you very much.
- Mujo
If I could just comment on D600 here, I used the camera for a few months and the sensor in that camera oh my, really great performance but at the same time hated that camera for a number of reasons, could not program the ok center button for instant zoom in/out to check focus (even D7100 can do that!) you literally have to press zoom + buttons 6 times to check focus at %100 on the image thats annoying, also no uncompressed option for RAW files, 39 focussing points in the center only and so on...
Dom, I would really like to know what you think of the canon 50d shooting video with magic lantern?
I wish you could have summed all of this up in 4 min, not 10. Only complaint.
The D3x is out of production, is a discontinued camera.
Thanks for the information.
Hi Dom, what about d700 vs D600?
Been racking my brain over this for a while...any thoughts?
Still deciding?
possuo uma d3x uma d3s uma velha d2xs uma d 300 e uma d 810 ... ainda prefiso a tudas a D3X .. forte incansavel .. nao para pra nada .. a melhor camera que ja tive .. arquivo raw muito mais facil da mecher no camera raw .. dinamic range superior tb a mais moderna 810 melhor camera que tenho
It's funny to see how people "want to look a pro" by holding a big ass camera. People, if you want to be a pro, you need to be a Pro, fill the standards of a pro (which are...what are they, to be honest?), work like a pro, create a good quality photos. That is what matters. To me, you can dress up to a bikinis if you really want, I don't care but wannabe pro looking just tells you that you probably don't know how to do the job well and you don't have enough experience.
Considering the D4 costs less than the D3X... In fact, you could ALMOST get a D4 along with a D600 for the same cost as the D3X. (Sure, you're a few hundred bucks off, but close enough). They should cut the price in half, get rid of stock, and release the D4X
I'd just pick it today 16.Oct.2024 Price: 300 USD
Nikon D3x with 14k shots after 17 years
2 original battery -dock.
Very Nice Pro camera
Thank you!
Keep supply short as to match a short demand and ... voila.
and once you learn to use it, you could do it with your eyes closed (because it's covered in buttons)
I am a VW Golf and I was offended by your comments.
The actual market value declines whether they sell it or not, so hoarding it does absolutely nothing to benefit the company. I'm sure it has depreciated horribly already on the company's books. I think they haven't reduced the price is because it's just a quiet admission of failure. The camera that at one point was the pinnacle and now is no longer. What they should do is have a proper fire sale, burn through the inventory and just bloody write it off the books already.
Good comparison with the Tank and VW Golf! ;)
for that price, id rather have a second hand hasselblad
thanks a huge bunch for this information mate.... i was about to make a huge mistake hahahaa
I would take this D3x over D800 anyday, just saying
Nikon D600 + Grip MB-d14 = Badass "Pro looking" Camera
+ round viewfinder add-on. Then just never show the U1-U2 type dial.
If you want to look like you have a badass camera....just buy a battery grip for it. I did for my D700 and 'hey presto' a D3x and I'm immediately a pro, as long as you keep moving so nobody works out its not a D3x and you forget to take the lens cap off while photographing Edinburgh Castle!
Pixel peeking comparison, I own a D3x and if you put a D600 print and a D3x print side by side you would NEVER be able to notice the difference, unless you are a fan of pixel peeking, now in 2019 I own a D500 and I'm betting once again that prints from a D4 D5 or D500 next to the D3x would all look identical if printed at 12x8 or similar! Oh if you went for the D600 back in 2013 you more likely than not found that it soaked your sensor with oil droplets....the D3x doesn't do that!
my onkel bougt it Four 1000€
However, I'm a tank.
Mont Blanc => Bic ...?
It was a satire. Geez.....
lol.. why where you offended?
you
5d classic are better
Anyone stupid enough to buy the overpriced D3x deserves the screwing they get.
TomZentra I actually have 2 D3Xs and a 5dMark ii and have shot with a shit load of other cameras and there's nothing I'd rather shoot with more than a D3X. It's like driving a Lambourghuini and then having to switch to a Lexus...
d3x a melhor camera mais fabricada pela nikon
first :P