I wouldn't recommend dropping any camera or exposing it to weather extremes if avoidable though. I have many cameras both old and new and as someone who started working with audio first and later adding photography to the mix I can say that photography gear is far more delicate than equipment designed for recording audio, especially good professional grade equipment which seems to be impossible to break. Some cameras can be very well built but they are designed to capture fine details in images and because of that they are delicate just like our eyes. As for DSLRs for beginners (which seems to be most people with a camera) I think a Nikon D70s or something similar like a D70, D80 or D90 are excellent. You get very capable cameras and have lots of money left to buy a good lens instead of many cheap ones. Your skills as a photographer and the quality of the lenses you use are the most important things.
I bought my d300 for $150 and absolutely love love love it ! Built like a tank and produces beautiful images. Most of my lenses are also used. These older cameras were incredible then and that hasn't changed 🤷♂️
It is funny how you say "...it will be 17 years old...", goes to show how much technology has progressed and yet people still use film cameras from the 60s and 80s and so on. I think it is still relevant, it takes pictures and damn good pictures. If it was a professional camera in 2007, it still is now and I don't see why not keep using it. I have a D700 and still use it now. Great Video.
@@RunNGunPhoto If a good photographer with a great eye can take the best photos with a very basic camera, you just don't need the bells and whistles to make you a better photographer. It is very obvious that the camera companies need to stay in business and make profits, so the amount of money spent on marketing is amazing.
So true! This is why I love throwback reviews of older gear. It helps teach that it's not all about the most expensive newest tech, to make a great shot.
I use a 1962 Nikon F lol just picked up a second Yashicamat 124G from the early 70’s. I grab my film camera more often than my mirrorless. My Z6ii feels soulless if that makes sense.
Thanks for the video! I own a D3, D3s, D3x, D4s, 3xD700, and a few others. What is the he camera that I use the most? A D3. I use it more often than all my other cameras put together. I agree with you. A D3 is a go-anywhere-do-anything camera. The best sounding DSLR ever produced. And with respect to “only” 12MP: I have several 12x17 inch prints - and they are perfectly sharp. I would not hesitate to use a D3 for anything. It is a legendary camera, and will be as relevant in the next 17 years as it is now. It can easily be my one-and-only camera for life. Cheers from Canada!
Why do you prefer the D3 instead of the D3s ? I know the D3x has more megapixels and lower max high iso but the D3s seems to be better "on paper" than a D3, no ?
@@delowanfocus Primarily because I have a D3, and not a D3S :) But it's because Nikon made the D700 and D3 sensor, but not the D3s/x. Those were made by Sony and the color just isn't the same as the Nikon sensor. The D3 has a very distinct look that many photographers (including myself) absolutely love.
I have a D750, but for some reason I just love my D3. I think the chunky body and shutter sound just make it feel like I'm doing professional work - even if I'm not really.
I have many cameras, From Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad, Mamiya etc. And I still shoot with my D3 & D4 a lot, these camera's are tough, strong, durable and dependable. And the out put is still amazing even by todays standards.
The d1 still takes really good pictures at 2.7 megapixel I bought 1 brand new in 2000 5500 bucks I can buy them for 39 bucks now on eBay only thing about the old cameras they don't quite have as good of color as the new ones
Thank you for sharing. Very nice video with good humours. 😀love the extra clips from 8:38, it shows how much effort you'v put to make a great video, which might inspire others as well. Very well done this episode. 😃
great video you really give the good points on it kinda sold me on getting one to add to my other dslrs...ive got a d1x i bought like 9 years ago..old then but takes lovely pics i just leave a 50mm on that...bought a d800 not to long ago and a d2x off mpb....just bought a d3 waiting for it to arrive......i remember these cameras when they were new and had no hope of ever buying so now love to pick one up
That's awesome that you got a D3 as well! They were so far out of my budget when they were new as well. I don't mind the wait at all, the D3 is still awesome to me! :)
Just got mine a week ago for $350 with 17K shutter. Loved the straight out of camera shots. Color is spot on and no adjustments needed. My 1st full frame as well since ive been using D90 for 13 years.
@@RunNGunPhoto yeah! Watched this vid a couple of times before getting it when i saw one up for sale with a pristine condition. ISO range was phenomenal and more than i need for both of my personal and pro work
Excellent video every word a gem. I had 2 x D200 (not very good) At this point as a professional photographer I saw many Pros leave Nikon for Canon. Without question the D3 and D3s saved Nikons reputation. So then moved on to 2 x D3 and couple of years Later 2 D3s I still use One of my D3s which has had more hits than the Beatles with a shutter count of over 920,000. Finally 2 x D5 (my favourites) and for classical concert work 2 x Z6II. I know of a few pros who had their D3 converted to Infrared camera by removing the camera's internal IR-blocking filter and adding IR filter to capture infrared light.
I remember when It came out and it was mind blowing camera(full frame ,51 point AF)and it felt great in hand.Back then its cost £3000 and it was way above my budget so went with D300 and loved it
@12125 You're right! The D80 was released in 2006, and then the D90 in 2008... Those two cameras and that period of time just kinda blend together in my brain lol
Something to keep in mind with the D3. If and when you have an issue with it parts availability is basically obsolete meaning you can't get it repaired. No doubt a Legendary Camera! Thanks for sharing this video.
Grip, you brought up a fantastic point, which I've honestly never thought about! It's kinda sad to thank my old gear will be truly dead if anything catastrophic ever happens.
i still to this day regularly shoot with my d70s that my dad gave me after he upgraded roughly 10 years ago. he bought the d70s brand new when it was released in 05-06? it is in absolutely immaculate condition but it certainly has had a very working life. they are built to be used though and not sit around for years on end
I shot NIKON for 23 years...the last body I shot on was the D4s back in 2020 before moving on to CANON and the 1DXMK3. I have found myself looking at these old NIKON D bodies as of late! I THINK I will get back on with NIKON by picking up one of these old D bodies...maybe a D5 if a good deal ever comes my way! Thanks for the upload!
I reviewed a D5 back in 2017 I think... great camera body, with some decent 4K video capabilities as well! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to Subscribe.
I bought a D300 and 18-200 VR zoom for £250 a few years ago. It had less than 500 shutter count! Replaced the same combination I had from 2008 for several years and sold when I went full frame. . It’s great, still my favourite camera.
Great review. I picked up a D3 a few years ago for around $326 which I thought was a bargain. Shutter count was high at just over 198,000. Fairly responsive for a 2007 camera in my opinion and tough as hell.
Good to know Rick! Things always get a little confusing when Nikon adds the S or X designator and gives the camera a completely different sensor. The D2X could have just been the D3... and D3X could have been the D4... etc.
I acquired a D3 a few months ago in 2024 along with the D2Xs, as along with my Fuji S5Pro, and Fuji XPro1 & XE1 in using adapters with my Nikkor Lenses, and to tell you the truth I am happy in what I am using, along with my Nikon All Manual Focus NIKKOR Lenses, and also I have a few of AF Nikkors lenses as well - Any Questions since I have been doing photography since 1972 as been using Nikons as well, and since All my gear are USED that I have no problem in using, and Yes my D3 is heavy, but so is my D2Xs, and My Nikon F with the F36 drive, and my Nikon F2 with a MD3 Drive, but I am use to it. Since I have been shooting with film all my life that I adapted from Film to Digital with the knowledge from shooting film to Digital, so I do not need new books on shooting digital from film, and I would NOT DROPPED IT as only an Asshole would do that just to Show off when he or she are pleasing with the term that I called it Chick Bait bullshit in saying Higher Pixels give you a better photo, in which that is WRONG!!
I bought my first digital camera around 2002. It was the Fuji S1 which took Nikon lenses. I think it sold for around $2,000 back then but felt like a plastic toy camera and shot jpeg only. I always shot with Dx cameras until 2018 when I bought a D3 FOR $700. What a difference. The D3 is a joy to shoot with. And still in 2024 I use it for professional work. Weddings, corporate meetings and events, interiors, and more. Clients never ask about megapixels and unless one is printing larger than 20x30, or shooting super low light without a flash, then there’s really no need for an upgrade.
It's hard to argue with the quality of the photos it produces; it's a workhorse of a camera. The color from this sensor is phenomenal, and as long as the mechanics keep going, I'll keep using mine as well!
The D700 has the same sensor as the D3 but Nikon retweaked the 12 Mpx sensor in the D700 to give it a unique look when it came to its colour science. I never shot a D3 but nearly all shooters say the D700 has better colours than the D3. I have a D700; I'll never need to get anything else better!
Hi Great camera I had two of the D3s sold one, it waas a mistake. now looking for another D3s with low shutter count . Bought mine with 6k clicks that was on both cameras
bought d3s in 2012 for 5k i never felt more guilty to spend so much but ironically after so many years i no longer think of the money spent but how i ended up with one of best nikons ever ever made period 🙌👏
I bought a D700 in 2008 and a D3 a few months later. They use the same fabulous sensor but the D700 viewfinder showed 95% of the image. It also had one card slot. My D200 was sold, my D300, D800 and Z7 rest comfortably in my equipment closet.
I liked this video, but am curious about a few things. Why don't you use the secondary (vertical) shutter release when the camera is turned on its side? Also, I thought it was common knowledge that the 5D2 was competing against the D700, what is the thought process behind the idea that it was actually competing against the D3? The primary competitor to the D3 would have been the 1Ds Mark III, right?
The D3S was a great bump in Megapixels. However that came at the expense of Nikon's sensor being replaced with a Sony sensor, and the lost of the "special" D3 color science.
The D3 is a beast. I have 2 D3 with high shutter count and they are working flawlessly : 311K and 251K. Even if I have today a Z6, I use them sometimes because the autofocus is so good, great image quality even with 6000 iso, great to work with 12MP raw files, work with all of my F mount lenses contrary to the Z6, the battery never dies, OVF is nice to use sometimes instead of a screen.
My D3 is still being used to-day, I like to get things right in camera, so it's quite low on clicks....about 20,000 the last time I checked. To me it's a legend I would never sell it, I have the original battery and a third party battery. I have always been happy with it.....
Thanks, I actually prefer the primary and use it intentionally. There's also not a secondary joystick to control focus points when using the vertical grip.
There's nothing like it. It's the best feeling, best sounding camera machine I own. I pair mine with the 28-105mm and some old e-series lenses and it's just magic.
Unpopular opinion but I think the D3 (D3s specifically) produces better images than the Z9. The Z9 does seperate colors better. However image for image at proper viewing distances I find myself choosing the D3 over the Z9 in multiple comparison test which is sorta surprising. If money was no option I'd get the Z9. Funny tho, it actually weights more than both the D3 and D3s 😅 You really can just buy any pro or semi pro camera sence 2005 and you'd be good to go with some good glass and spare batteries.
Interesting... I haven't heard that opinion before. I had both the D3 and the Z8 at this portrait photoshoot. I'll have to compare the two side-by-side.
@@RunNGunPhoto I think people still need more time with the Z9. That or people really need to use the S line lenses. Someone on dpreview did a comparison of the D3s and Z9. I'll have to read through it. Someone also did a D3 vs Z9 comparison too I have yet to read. Resolution aside there's something wrong with these new cameras IQ. I wonder if full frame is maxed out and it's due to the pixels being too small.
@@dct124 Quite interesting, I haven't run into that issue yet. I've been shooting with the Z8 for a little over a month, thanks to Nikon, and will be dropping some content on it soon. I don't like talking about gear until I'm really familiar with it.
I'm in agreement with you. My D3S produces some quite smooth looking images (very little noise) and I was expecting the Z9 to be miles better still. What I actually saw was noise levels that reminded me of the struggles I used to have with DX (D7000). Very surprising and at least makes me reassured that I needn't rush to try and change systems yet.
As far as "nifty-fiftys" go, nowadays you can find 1.8D or just 1.8AF lens for as low as 50 bucks in a good day, and this as absolutely awesome classic lens. I'm using D3's little brother D700, and thinking about buying a second one, while it still possible to find them in decent condition. These cameras are absolutely insane.
Nifty fifties are dirt-cheap which is awesome for photographers on a budget. And the D3 (and D700) are so cheap today too! What do you like to shoot primarily?
@@RunNGunPhoto well, when you dig into older mf-lenses they are all cheap, yet many of them still awesome :) Well I still learning, so I don't have clear favorites... Okay probably 300mm 4.5 Ai-s ED-IF paired with D700 delivers absolutely amazing outdoor portraits :) And old 50mm 1.4 Ai is really good, paired with D300 body, there is just something to this combo.
Hi there, What a wonderful video of nikon D3! I am looking to buy a camera,what would you recommend to me between a nikon d3 or a canon 5d mark ii? As you own both cameras,your recommendation will be really helpful for me. I shoot mainly outdoor and indoor portraits and do some food photography as well. Which camera is best for skin tones and rendering for portraits? Thank you very much Keep up the good content coming🙏🙏🙏
I do love the skin tones that the 5D Mark II produces. With a quality lens, I think I'd lean towards the Canon. The high megapixel count will help you as well!
@@RunNGunPhoto Thank you for your reply.I will go for canon 5d mark ii now,and may be look for canon 6d as well if i can get a good deal.I have read good review on a canon 6d as well for portraits,any experience using a canon 6d?
@@RunNGunPhoto True. There are some exceptions. My second hand D3x had only 8000 shutter clicks when I got it and came in almost mint condition. But indeed most are beat up and have high shutter counts.
@@Ton-x4r there are a few good ones on mpb and keh currently but in general i agree they are starting to become harder to find and will eventually rise in price, hopefully not but we will see
My main Nikon is still a D2Hs with 4mp. The output at 1600iso is better than a lot of other cameras. And it has a buffer of 40 RAWs. Not a lot of cameras has a buffer this size. And the output of the LBCAST sensor is unique. But yeah, i think it's time to upgrade seeing the prices have dropped significantly. Still debating on a D700 or D3(x,s). Each have a special plus 😂.
@@yeohi Maybe... I don't repair foggy LCDs for a living. Some people have the skills/tools to quickly disassemble and clean their own gear as well. Not me.
Need a compliment for my D610 (another bargain). Probably buying one this week from a reputable dealer. At less than $500, plan to use it for high school sports and backing up the 610 for real estate.
Classic Nikon DSLR are cheap today but not for long I predict. These are wonderfully made cameras equivalent to classical digital Leica in desirability for me.
It’s interesting to see photographers buying cameras that create larger and larger image files but printing sizes either remain the same. I’ll use wedding photography as an example: wedding albums are still the same size. Instagram pics are still the same size, etc. 🤔
You bring up a great point Mark! Needs of photographers don't always match the trends in the market. Many brands prey on our constant need for "bigger and better" instead of giving photographers what they ask for.
Thanks for this. I have a D3x and it is my go to camera doing well everything I need and little that I do not - like video! It can, like my D700 produce A3 prints which at a sensible viewing disance are indistinguishable from those of later cameras. Factor in the build quality and the reliability of the shutter plus the bargain price and the D3 series cameras take some beating. They were designed for pro use but were often bought by amateurs with deep pockets. These are the ones to go for! Check for great cosmetics, low shutter coiunt ad all the original packaging and acessories and you may pay a little more but the camera will outlast you. Batteries are third party but reliable and a charge gives you thousands of shots - oh an the Nikon charger takes two at once so you are never without a fully charged spare.
Thanks for watching Gareth! I've beat the hell out of my D3 and not one can tell -- it still looks brand new. I hope to pass it down to another photographer some day. Ahh yes, I love the double charger as well!!
Great review, but the Canon 5DII was not really in the same league as the D3/D3s etc, it was mostly compared to the D700, which also left it in the dust. The D3 line was a pro line, whereas the Canon 5D series was/is an advanced amateur camera. Now if you compared the D3 with Canon's 1D series, that would be more like for like.
Prosumer was Canon's tag for the 5D Mark II when I bought it in 2009 for $3000. The 5dii was by all definitions a pro camera, used by pros for decades now. Not something I'd hand off to a soccer mom, especially at that price. Sure the D3s added 720p video... but to say it was in some other league isn't accurate at all. I use the 5dmkii and D3 almost interchangeably. I should probably do comparison video.
Of course it is, the D3 series has the best colors of all full frame nikons, the raw files look fantastic with the film like quality, almost metallic. I have been shooting with the d700 and D3 before the D4 was announced and some of my published photos were taken with them. The secret sauce didn't reach the D4, unfortunately.
The D700 was the direct competitor to the Canon 5D series, the D3 was up against the Canon 1D Mark III. The D3/D3s is one of three integrated-grip cameras I have drooled over, along with the F5 and Z9. But for half the price, at the time the D700 made more sense for me than the D3.
@@RunNGunPhoto The D700 was the "mini D3", but a little slower because they had different mechanical shutters. Operationally, it is more like the D800 than the D750.
@@RunNGunPhoto I have a Nikon D700. While I would love to get a hold of a nice D3S I just couldn't justify the bulk for a majority of my shooting. The D700 when paired up with the MB-D10 battery grip and a Nikon EN-EL4 battery will allow the Nikon D700 to run at 8 frames per second continuous brining it within 1 fps of the D3/D3S. The colors on the D700 were also better than those of the D3/D3s.
@@RunNGunPhoto The only downside to the camera is the base ISO is only 100-800, so I always use a flash & light bar, as far as the lens goes it's fantastic, even being 3.5-4.5, not having IBIS doesn't even matter, it's size & weight make it a very stable camera
I have my "Bed boy", shutter count says 1.6 million, but it works flawlessly. And i am a pro car&motor bike photographer. So, if you ask me, it is still worth...
I find these "Is X still worth it in 2024" videos (not this one specifically) to be a bit comical in general... a camera can be worth it no matter how old it is as long as it does what you need it to do, and perhaps if you're not printing (large). Even an old 12 or 16MP camera is plenty if you're posting online. If we figure that a 4k display is roughly 8.3 so let's say 9MP, any camera that has at least 9MP is probably going to be fine (of course this will limit how much you can crop but if you're just posting on FB or instagram, and not really printing, then it's fine). Plus, if you don't need some of the more advanced features like AF tracking then these cameras like the D3 or the original Sony a6000 for example, can still be worth it even today. A lot of the "worth" will depend on what you need to get out of the camera. And for those who like to talk about "usability" I'd say a camera is still usable until: (a) it no longer serves your needs (you need something it' cant provide, perhaps like resolution), or (b) it stops working (as it, in broke and cannot be, or is not worth fixing).
Thanks for watching! I absolutely agree with you 100%. That's why I make these videos, to show photographers that their gear is still good, even if it's 10+ years old. Everyone thinks they need the latest and greatest camera, which isn't the case 99.99% of the time.
Happy broke hobbyist photographer here. My dream lineup of cameras would be a 5d classic with a nifty fifty a Nikon d3 and a d850 any lens combo. I have the 5d classic no nifty fifty yet. Have seen the d3 as low as 350 US dollars the d850 as cheap as 900 US dollars.
@@RunNGunPhoto i had one i have a bad habit of buying a camera getting bored with it and getting rid of it for another one after watching a TH-cam review. Not blaming anyone but myself.
I see you're shooting on Fine. Switch to L, Basic, Optimal literally identical to Fine (fine does edit better). If you have about $50 bucks grab a D200 and compare it's jpeg fine to the D3 raw files you'll be surprised.
i own one and bought it with just 16,000 shutters . currently it has 17,000 clicks and the image quality color , dynamic range and that retro image feel is something most achieve by adding filters but with D3 you dont need that as its fantastic and built like a tank
Sooo many pros in the 2000s made a living with these cameras and equivalents. Good enough for a pro back then is more than good enough for 90% of the rest of us 😂
@@KK-no7be The D3 and D700 actually have the same Nikon sensor. (Some of the last Nikon bodies to have them before the switch to Sony sensors) That's why so many people love the color reproduction of these cameras!
You're absolutely right! That's why I love making videos about older equipment the like Nikon D3 or the Canon 5D. It's all about what the photographer is capable of. The camera just captures the photographer's vision.
I have commented above and totally agree with you, the number one photo which has brought me my best sales several 10k's of £ was on the D3 with the sensor cropped with the size of the file 2.75 Mb!
$300/$400 for the camera body plus another $300 for a lens. Since when has $600/$700 meant cheap? If you're going to give it to your college-student son/daughter give them a Sony Alpha 350 (or similar) with the kit lenses they came with for around $100-$150.
*Welcome to the hobby of Photography!* Where $300-400 for a camera body is INSANELY cheap. A Sony a350 and a kit lens doesn't produce the same results as a D3 & say a cheap nifty 50.
@@RunNGunPhoto Thankyou for welcoming me to the hobby of photography (which I've been doing since 1978). My comment was made in concern with the idea of gifting a $600 digital camera (body/lens) to a college student who may or may not lose interest after a month or two. If your circle of family and friends think six hundred dollars is 'insanely cheap' then we clearly come from different backgrounds. A Sony Alpha 350/kit is (in my opinion only) a good starting point from which to upgrade at a later date if the interest persists. Not forgetting of course that the Alpha system is also compatible with the excellent Minolta and Carl Zeiss lenses.
This was by no means a cheap student camera. lol. Even the serious new to photography will get spoiled when you move to a mainstream camera later. It’s like driving an old Mercedes S600. It’s old but it’s still an S class and it’ll be shellshock getting back into your 2024 Toyota You’d be proud to use it.
I had a D3... images not as good as D700... and images in D700 not as good as D600... better lowlight, resolution and dynamic range in D600... so get the D600!
Big fan of the old cameras. People get so tied up with gear that they miss the real deal breaker when it comes to photography: knowledge....
They're big, sturdy and reliable! I'm afraid to touch some of the new ones because they feel like cheap.
@@RunNGunPhoto There are still well built cameras out there but some are made for content creators where build quality isn't a priority.
I wouldn't recommend dropping any camera or exposing it to weather extremes if avoidable though. I have many cameras both old and new and as someone who started working with audio first and later adding photography to the mix I can say that photography gear is far more delicate than equipment designed for recording audio, especially good professional grade equipment which seems to be impossible to break. Some cameras can be very well built but they are designed to capture fine details in images and because of that they are delicate just like our eyes. As for DSLRs for beginners (which seems to be most people with a camera) I think a Nikon D70s or something similar like a D70, D80 or D90 are excellent. You get very capable cameras and have lots of money left to buy a good lens instead of many cheap ones. Your skills as a photographer and the quality of the lenses you use are the most important things.
Not to mention these old cameras are still extremely capable.
I bought my d300 for $150 and absolutely love love love it ! Built like a tank and produces beautiful images. Most of my lenses are also used. These older cameras were incredible then and that hasn't changed 🤷♂️
Old is gold! I shoot with a D700 and it is all the camera I need. The 12MP sensor makes images look uniquely special.
So true! I have yet to shoot on the d700. I’ll need to find one.
@@RunNGunPhoto I use a D700 as well love it will buy another one as a backup
D700 is a unicorn camera
It is funny how you say "...it will be 17 years old...", goes to show how much technology has progressed and yet people still use film cameras from the 60s and 80s and so on. I think it is still relevant, it takes pictures and damn good pictures. If it was a professional camera in 2007, it still is now and I don't see why not keep using it. I have a D700 and still use it now.
Great Video.
Exactly right! Some of the most iconic images were captured with lower resolution than a smartphone camera. We can’t blame the gear for bad shots!
@@RunNGunPhoto If a good photographer with a great eye can take the best photos with a very basic camera, you just don't need the bells and whistles to make you a better photographer. It is very obvious that the camera companies need to stay in business and make profits, so the amount of money spent on marketing is amazing.
So true! This is why I love throwback reviews of older gear. It helps teach that it's not all about the most expensive newest tech, to make a great shot.
I use a 1962 Nikon F lol just picked up a second Yashicamat 124G from the early 70’s.
I grab my film camera more often than my mirrorless. My Z6ii feels soulless if that makes sense.
@@Mike_to_the_k Fully understand you. I still use my Nikon FE with some nice BW film.
Even though I own a D4 and a D5..I still use my D3 from time to time and no one ever complains of the results...
I've shot with the D4S and the D5 as well. Fantastic cameras! I'm glad the D3 still works, and gets the job done as well!
Thanks for the video! I own a D3, D3s, D3x, D4s, 3xD700, and a few others. What is the he camera that I use the most? A D3. I use it more often than all my other cameras put together.
I agree with you. A D3 is a go-anywhere-do-anything camera. The best sounding DSLR ever produced.
And with respect to “only” 12MP: I have several 12x17 inch prints - and they are perfectly sharp. I would not hesitate to use a D3 for anything.
It is a legendary camera, and will be as relevant in the next 17 years as it is now. It can easily be my one-and-only camera for life.
Cheers from Canada!
Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have an awesome collection of Nikons! I used to have a D4s as well. It was good, just not super memorable.
Why do you prefer the D3 instead of the D3s ? I know the D3x has more megapixels and lower max high iso but the D3s seems to be better "on paper" than a D3, no ?
@@delowanfocus Primarily because I have a D3, and not a D3S :)
But it's because Nikon made the D700 and D3 sensor, but not the D3s/x. Those were made by Sony and the color just isn't the same as the Nikon sensor. The D3 has a very distinct look that many photographers (including myself) absolutely love.
I have a D750, but for some reason I just love my D3. I think the chunky body and shutter sound just make it feel like I'm doing professional work - even if I'm not really.
@@RunNGunPhoto D3s has also Nikon's sensor, not Sony's. The last Nikon with Nikon (Panasonic) sensor is D4s. Greets!
I have many cameras, From Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad, Mamiya etc. And I still shoot with my D3 & D4 a lot, these camera's are tough, strong, durable and dependable. And the out put is still amazing even by todays standards.
Very true! I’m not sure cameras are made to the same standard today.
*Is the Nikon D3 DSLR still worth using in 2024? What do you think?*
Drop a comment and let me know!
Recently bought one. Still works amazing. Amazing review.
Just sold my D3 and bought second D700. D3 is an amazing camera but it's big and heavy so D700 was my go to camera.
What sensor type does it use?
The d1 still takes really good pictures at 2.7 megapixel I bought 1 brand new in 2000 5500 bucks I can buy them for 39 bucks now on eBay only thing about the old cameras they don't quite have as good of color as the new ones
@@atruceforbruce5388 Full frame 12.1 megapixel. The sensor is a Nikon NC81338L (found on the D3 and D700).
Thank you for sharing. Very nice video with good humours. 😀love the extra clips from 8:38, it shows how much effort you'v put to make a great video, which might inspire others as well. Very well done this episode. 😃
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! I like showing a bit more of myth personality in videos, as much as possible.
great video you really give the good points on it kinda sold me on getting one to add to my other dslrs...ive got a d1x i bought like 9 years ago..old then but takes lovely pics i just leave a 50mm on that...bought a d800 not to long ago and a d2x off mpb....just bought a d3 waiting for it to arrive......i remember these cameras when they were new and had no hope of ever buying so now love to pick one up
That's awesome that you got a D3 as well!
They were so far out of my budget when they were new as well. I don't mind the wait at all, the D3 is still awesome to me! :)
I got my first D3 in 2009 and then 1 year ago a 2nd one. Love them.
Wow, that's awesome!
I dropped my 7100 and you can’t even tell. These old Nikons are friggin tanks and I love them
That's absolutely true! My D3 has had the crap beaten out of it, and still looks new.
Great review.
I had an F5... same size... same brick... but brilliantly fast and top pro quality and really heavy. But it never let me down.
Ahhh the Nikon F5! Never used one, but I’d love to try it out!!
Just got mine a week ago for $350 with 17K shutter. Loved the straight out of camera shots. Color is spot on and no adjustments needed. My 1st full frame as well since ive been using D90 for 13 years.
Hey I still have my D90 too!
The D3 was also my biggest upgrade from that camera.
@@RunNGunPhoto yeah! Watched this vid a couple of times before getting it when i saw one up for sale with a pristine condition. ISO range was phenomenal and more than i need for both of my personal and pro work
Awesome! Get out and get some great photos this year!
Excellent video every word a gem. I had 2 x D200 (not very good) At this point as a professional photographer I saw many Pros leave Nikon for Canon. Without question the D3 and D3s saved Nikons reputation. So then moved on to 2 x D3 and couple of years Later 2 D3s I still use One of my D3s which has had more hits than the Beatles with a shutter count of over 920,000. Finally 2 x D5 (my favourites) and for classical concert work 2 x Z6II. I know of a few pros who had their D3 converted to Infrared camera by removing the camera's internal IR-blocking filter and adding IR filter to capture infrared light.
Thank you for the kind words Albert!
Converting the D3 to IR is a great idea! Maybe I'll try that.
I remember when It came out and it was mind blowing camera(full frame ,51 point AF)and it felt great in hand.Back then its cost £3000 and it was way above my budget so went with D300 and loved it
Yes! It was such an huge step above the D90 I was using at the time.
I also have a D300 and love it as well. I'll do a throwback review on it soon.
@@RunNGunPhoto I believe D90 came later
@12125 You're right! The D80 was released in 2006, and then the D90 in 2008... Those two cameras and that period of time just kinda blend together in my brain lol
Legendary camera! DSLR forever!
100%
I don't own a D3 but I recently picked up a D5 and I'm truly amazed with its low light capability and speed. It's a technological marvel.
The D5 is a stellar DSLR as well. I used one awhile ago in the military. It was pretty great in low light for sure!
What do you primarily shoot?
@@RunNGunPhoto I have a D3 and a D5.... Love 'em both...Solid bricks of Nikon goodness....
@@steveneppler5301 That's awesome! I loved my D5 when I had it. I've actually had 2 but didn't keep them long.
All about the image, so flattering compared to a lot of modern cameras for sure ,
Exactly, I can put these images next to any modern camera and no one can tell the difference... Many say the D3 looks better!
Something to keep in mind with the D3. If and when you have an issue with it parts availability is basically obsolete meaning you can't get it repaired. No doubt a Legendary Camera! Thanks for sharing this video.
Grip, you brought up a fantastic point, which I've honestly never thought about! It's kinda sad to thank my old gear will be truly dead if anything catastrophic ever happens.
I have its baby brother: the D300. It's a crop sensor version of course, but it has quite a bit in common with both the D3 and the D700.
One of my favourite cameras ever,
It's a tank for sure!
my first digital SLR was a D70!
Heck yeah! It was a solid camera. I still have mine somewhere! I need to do a photoshoot with it.
i still to this day regularly shoot with my d70s that my dad gave me after he upgraded roughly 10 years ago. he bought the d70s brand new when it was released in 05-06? it is in absolutely immaculate condition but it certainly has had a very working life. they are built to be used though and not sit around for years on end
I shot NIKON for 23 years...the last body I shot on was the D4s back in 2020 before moving on to CANON and the 1DXMK3. I have found myself looking at these old NIKON D bodies as of late! I THINK I will get back on with NIKON by picking up one of these old D bodies...maybe a D5 if a good deal ever comes my way! Thanks for the upload!
I reviewed a D5 back in 2017 I think... great camera body, with some decent 4K video capabilities as well!
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to Subscribe.
I bought a D300 and 18-200 VR zoom for £250 a few years ago. It had less than 500 shutter count! Replaced the same combination I had from 2008 for several years and sold when I went full frame. . It’s great, still my favourite camera.
Great to hear! I have a D300 around here somewhere!
Great review. I picked up a D3 a few years ago for around $326 which I thought was a bargain. Shutter count was high at just over 198,000. Fairly responsive for a 2007 camera in my opinion and tough as hell.
Tough as a tank! I've put mine through a lot.
The D2H had a 4 megapixel chip, the D2X had a 12 MP Sensor.
Good to know Rick! Things always get a little confusing when Nikon adds the S or X designator and gives the camera a completely different sensor.
The D2X could have just been the D3... and D3X could have been the D4... etc.
I acquired a D3 a few months ago in 2024 along with the D2Xs, as along with my Fuji S5Pro, and Fuji XPro1 & XE1 in using adapters with my Nikkor Lenses, and to tell you the truth I am happy in what I am using, along with my Nikon All Manual Focus NIKKOR Lenses, and also I have a few of AF Nikkors lenses as well - Any Questions since I have been doing photography since 1972 as been using Nikons as well, and since All my gear are USED that I have no problem in using, and Yes my D3 is heavy, but so is my D2Xs, and My Nikon F with the F36 drive, and my Nikon F2 with a MD3 Drive, but I am use to it. Since I have been shooting with film all my life that I adapted from Film to Digital with the knowledge from shooting film to Digital, so I do not need new books on shooting digital from film, and I would NOT DROPPED IT as only an Asshole would do that just to Show off when he or she are pleasing with the term that I called it Chick Bait bullshit in saying Higher Pixels give you a better photo, in which that is WRONG!!
Just bought a low shutter count D3. It’s still a beast if you know what you are doing.
Absolutely! What's the shutter count on your D3?
@@RunNGunPhoto around 13k. Still looks brand new and I paid around 400 EUR
Wow! That's fantastic! Your D3 has a long life ahead of it.
@@RunNGunPhoto let’s hope so because I love the files 🙏
@@villegas24 What do you primarily shoot with your D3?
I bought my first digital camera around 2002. It was the Fuji S1 which took Nikon lenses. I think it sold for around $2,000 back then but felt like a plastic toy camera and shot jpeg only. I always shot with Dx cameras until 2018 when I bought a D3 FOR $700. What a difference. The D3 is a joy to shoot with. And still in 2024 I use it for professional work. Weddings, corporate meetings and events, interiors, and more. Clients never ask about megapixels and unless one is printing larger than 20x30, or shooting super low light without a flash, then there’s really no need for an upgrade.
It's hard to argue with the quality of the photos it produces; it's a workhorse of a camera.
The color from this sensor is phenomenal, and as long as the mechanics keep going, I'll keep using mine as well!
I have this camera and the D700. Still shoot with them. Color rendition is awesome.
It absolutely is! I heard it's because Nikon changed their color science in the following cameras.
@@RunNGunPhoto I beleive the D700 and D3 had sensors by Panasonic. Then Sony took over.
@edc5338 interesting, I wasn’t aware of that.
The D700 has the same sensor as the D3 but Nikon retweaked the 12 Mpx sensor in the D700 to give it a unique look when it came to its colour science. I never shot a D3 but nearly all shooters say the D700 has better colours than the D3. I have a D700; I'll never need to get anything else better!
@pjc3163 According to Nikon, they have identical sensors. The sensor didn’t change until the D3S and D3X when Nikon used Sony sensors.
Don't have that one but the D3s and D3x. Great stuff from back then.
It will aways be a classic!
Hi Great camera I had two of the D3s sold one, it waas a mistake. now looking for another D3s with low shutter count . Bought mine with 6k clicks that was on both cameras
Oh wow! Well I’m glad you kept one at least!
I still rock my D3s, absolute beast in low light
It's surprisingly nimble in low-light for an older camera!
bought d3s in 2012 for 5k i never felt more guilty to spend so much but ironically after so many years i no longer think of the money spent but how i ended up with one of best nikons ever ever made period 🙌👏
Definitely one of my favorite sensors! I think one of the last made by Nikon until the Z8/Z9? I might be wrong about that.
I bought a D700 in 2008 and a D3 a few months later. They use the same fabulous sensor but the D700 viewfinder showed 95% of the image. It also had one card slot.
My D200 was sold, my D300, D800 and Z7 rest comfortably in my equipment closet.
Do you still have your D700 and D3?
@ - They are all I use.
@@lescobrandon3047 Good to hear! I still love using my D3! (and my old Canon 5D Mark II!)
Very nice video, thank you. Just a small observation- Canon answer to the D3 series was the 1d. It had the d and the ds models
Wasn't the Canon 1D released in 2001? Almost 6 years before the Release of the D3?
I saw a few pictures that were taken with this camera and they were outstanding. The price is super good too.
Absolutely! I can't imagine the price will get much lower than this!
D3 is built like a tank for sure.
Mine has certainly taken a heavy beating over the years. Wind, Snow, Rain, Heat... Still looks like new!
@@RunNGunPhoto D 3 Is an amazing beast. Have a 810 and 750 as the three I use the most.DX Camera is the D 90 love that.
@@outfield1988 Nice! I have an 810 (recent video on it) and used to have a 750 as well!
既にD700を持っていました。
中古カメラ屋さんで安くなったD3を発見じした。
後日そのD3を買いました。
D700とD3はほとんど中身が同じと知りつつ買いましたが、10年使ったD700よりもD3が好きになりました。
D3のファインダーが素晴らしくて1枚ごとに写真を撮る楽しさでいっぱいになります。
D3だとピントの山が明確に見えるので、マニュアルのレンズを倉庫から引っ張り出しました。
最高のカメラです。
The D3 with a solid nikon lens will always yield some fantastic results! I love the look and feel of older manual focus lenses.
It's an amazing Camera I love the sound of its Shutter, absolute Bad Boy.
That huge clunk of the shutter and mirror always sound good!
I liked this video, but am curious about a few things. Why don't you use the secondary (vertical) shutter release when the camera is turned on its side? Also, I thought it was common knowledge that the 5D2 was competing against the D700, what is the thought process behind the idea that it was actually competing against the D3? The primary competitor to the D3 would have been the 1Ds Mark III, right?
I'm personally not a fan of the vertical grip shutter release. Not ever camera has one, so it's muscle memory to use the primary.
Just had mine out yesterday. It's a very cool camera.
Indeed! :)
Just got a D3S and it's a great camera.
The D3S was a great bump in Megapixels. However that came at the expense of Nikon's sensor being replaced with a Sony sensor, and the lost of the "special" D3 color science.
The D3 is a beast. I have 2 D3 with high shutter count and they are working flawlessly : 311K and 251K. Even if I have today a Z6, I use them sometimes because the autofocus is so good, great image quality even with 6000 iso, great to work with 12MP raw files, work with all of my F mount lenses contrary to the Z6, the battery never dies, OVF is nice to use sometimes instead of a screen.
Wow over a million shots between the two!! 🤘🏻 that’s awesome.
I love my Z6 as well. 👍
My favorite camera and most used
YES! The D3 is fantastic in skilled hands! What do you like to shoot?
My D3 is still being used to-day, I like to get things right in camera, so it's quite low on clicks....about 20,000 the last time I checked. To me it's a legend I would never sell it, I have the original battery and a third party battery. I have always been happy with it.....
Getting the shot 99% right in camera is absolutely the way to go. With that shutter count on your D3, it has many years left to go!
BTW ... there is a built in vertical grip in D3 .... reminding you as you are still shooting with the main shutter release button in the video :)
Thanks, I actually prefer the primary and use it intentionally. There's also not a secondary joystick to control focus points when using the vertical grip.
There's nothing like it. It's the best feeling, best sounding camera machine I own. I pair mine with the 28-105mm and some old e-series lenses and it's just magic.
Yes! The clack of the shutter is an amazing sound that was lost with mirrorless.
Yes it does. I love shot with it.
Isn't it awesome! What do you like to shoot?
Unpopular opinion but I think the D3 (D3s specifically) produces better images than the Z9. The Z9 does seperate colors better. However image for image at proper viewing distances I find myself choosing the D3 over the Z9 in multiple comparison test which is sorta surprising. If money was no option I'd get the Z9. Funny tho, it actually weights more than both the D3 and D3s 😅 You really can just buy any pro or semi pro camera sence 2005 and you'd be good to go with some good glass and spare batteries.
Interesting... I haven't heard that opinion before.
I had both the D3 and the Z8 at this portrait photoshoot. I'll have to compare the two side-by-side.
@@RunNGunPhoto I think people still need more time with the Z9. That or people really need to use the S line lenses. Someone on dpreview did a comparison of the D3s and Z9. I'll have to read through it. Someone also did a D3 vs Z9 comparison too I have yet to read. Resolution aside there's something wrong with these new cameras IQ. I wonder if full frame is maxed out and it's due to the pixels being too small.
@@dct124 Quite interesting, I haven't run into that issue yet. I've been shooting with the Z8 for a little over a month, thanks to Nikon, and will be dropping some content on it soon. I don't like talking about gear until I'm really familiar with it.
I'm in agreement with you. My D3S produces some quite smooth looking images (very little noise) and I was expecting the Z9 to be miles better still. What I actually saw was noise levels that reminded me of the struggles I used to have with DX (D7000). Very surprising and at least makes me reassured that I needn't rush to try and change systems yet.
You've all got me thinking I need to do a comparison between by Z8 and D3! Maybe even a D850?
As far as "nifty-fiftys" go, nowadays you can find 1.8D or just 1.8AF lens for as low as 50 bucks in a good day, and this as absolutely awesome classic lens.
I'm using D3's little brother D700, and thinking about buying a second one, while it still possible to find them in decent condition. These cameras are absolutely insane.
Nifty fifties are dirt-cheap which is awesome for photographers on a budget. And the D3 (and D700) are so cheap today too!
What do you like to shoot primarily?
@@RunNGunPhoto well, when you dig into older mf-lenses they are all cheap, yet many of them still awesome :)
Well I still learning, so I don't have clear favorites... Okay probably 300mm 4.5 Ai-s ED-IF paired with D700 delivers absolutely amazing outdoor portraits :) And old 50mm 1.4 Ai is really good, paired with D300 body, there is just something to this combo.
I use a D3 as my #1 camera. Fantastic still in 2024. I use it with Voightländer Ultron and Nokton lenses for the ultimate color rendition.
Wow, I'd love to see some shots from those lenses and the D3!
Ultimate is subjective
Everything is subjective.
Hi there,
What a wonderful video of nikon D3!
I am looking to buy a camera,what would you recommend to me between a nikon d3 or a canon 5d mark ii?
As you own both cameras,your recommendation will be really helpful for me.
I shoot mainly outdoor and indoor portraits and do some food photography as well.
Which camera is best for skin tones and rendering for portraits?
Thank you very much
Keep up the good content coming🙏🙏🙏
I do love the skin tones that the 5D Mark II produces. With a quality lens, I think I'd lean towards the Canon. The high megapixel count will help you as well!
@@RunNGunPhoto Thank you for your reply.I will go for canon 5d mark ii now,and may be look for canon 6d as well if i can get a good deal.I have read good review on a canon 6d as well for portraits,any experience using a canon 6d?
@@RunNGunPhoto thanks a lot again!
Yes both are great cameras!
You're welcome! :) Don't forget to Subscribe!
Had mine for many many years. Shutter quit on me around 1.3 million actions.
Holy cow, that's a heck of a life! I hope mine lives that long.
These cameras have almost disappeared from the secondhand market. I self have the D3s and D3x. They feel still great.
Once folks buy them, they keep them!
We know we'll never see another one in good condition. :)
@@RunNGunPhoto True. There are some exceptions. My second hand D3x had only 8000 shutter clicks when I got it and came in almost mint condition. But indeed most are beat up and have high shutter counts.
@@Ton-x4r there are a few good ones on mpb and keh currently but in general i agree they are starting to become harder to find and will eventually rise in price, hopefully not but we will see
What storage card do you use/ recommend for the d3?
I shoot these cards exclusively and never had a problem: amzn.to/3ZityxG
64GB should be plenty to last you many shoots.
Your D3 is sooooooo much like new !!!! damn !!!!
Less than 30K shutter actuations! It was in great shape when I bought it, and I've taken good care of it.
I fully agree. I own a D700 (same sensor) and D3x but I prefer the D700 at all. Crisp an three-dimensinonal immages that others not produce.
I hear so many good reviews about the d700!
The D700 is a fantastic camera, I have 2 you should buy one.
My main Nikon is still a D2Hs with 4mp. The output at 1600iso is better than a lot of other cameras. And it has a buffer of 40 RAWs. Not a lot of cameras has a buffer this size. And the output of the LBCAST sensor is unique. But yeah, i think it's time to upgrade seeing the prices have dropped significantly. Still debating on a D700 or D3(x,s). Each have a special plus 😂.
The D700 and D3 are loved so much because Nikon made the sensor. The D3(S/X) sensors were made by Sony, and the color wasn't as nice to many people.
@@RunNGunPhoto good to know. Then it will be a dilemma between the D700 and D3. 😂 Or maybe I'll buy both... Hey they are not 5k $ anymore !!
Haha I can't even argue with that logic!
I have a brand new D3s with only 8k on the shutter!!!
Wow! That's amazing! Where did you get that?
@@RunNGunPhoto my local camera store had been searching for me and finally got lucky. Original box, never owned.
That's awesome, I'm super jealous!
Still using mine.
Love it!
Can the D3 record video? If so do you by chance know the maximum resolution? 1080p? 720p? Thanks in advance!
I don't believe it does. Even if it did, there are so many cameras out there better suited for that.
@ thanks for the response. I’ve got an FX3 and Arri so agreed.
Ahh yes, you're lightyears ahead of the D3 in terms of video haha
Got mine for 400 . Just needed to fix the foggy lcd.
That's awesome! I wonder if a camera shop could do that for cheap?
@@RunNGunPhoto You're dreaming.
@@yeohi Maybe... I don't repair foggy LCDs for a living. Some people have the skills/tools to quickly disassemble and clean their own gear as well. Not me.
Need a compliment for my D610 (another bargain). Probably buying one this week from a reputable dealer. At less than $500, plan to use it for high school sports and backing up the 610 for real estate.
You'll love the D3, far less noisy than the D610.
Classic Nikon DSLR are cheap today but not for long I predict. These are wonderfully made cameras equivalent to classical digital Leica in desirability for me.
I love that they're becoming more affordable. There's almost no excuse not to create great photographs today.
Nikon is king in my opinion.
Definitely a strong competitor! I'm excited to see what 2024 brings!
It’s interesting to see photographers buying cameras that create larger and larger image files but printing sizes either remain the same. I’ll use wedding photography as an example: wedding albums are still the same size. Instagram pics are still the same size, etc. 🤔
You bring up a great point Mark! Needs of photographers don't always match the trends in the market.
Many brands prey on our constant need for "bigger and better" instead of giving photographers what they ask for.
Thanks for this. I have a D3x and it is my go to camera doing well everything I need and little that I do not - like video! It can, like my D700 produce A3 prints which at a sensible viewing disance are indistinguishable from those of later cameras. Factor in the build quality and the reliability of the shutter plus the bargain price and the D3 series cameras take some beating. They were designed for pro use but were often bought by amateurs with deep pockets. These are the ones to go for! Check for great cosmetics, low shutter coiunt ad all the original packaging and acessories and you may pay a little more but the camera will outlast you. Batteries are third party but reliable and a charge gives you thousands of shots - oh an the Nikon charger takes two at once so you are never without a fully charged spare.
Thanks for watching Gareth! I've beat the hell out of my D3 and not one can tell -- it still looks brand new.
I hope to pass it down to another photographer some day. Ahh yes, I love the double charger as well!!
I have D3 for a long time, one day morning it stop working, NPS said Motherboard gone, no spare available. now resting in a corner as an antique ,,sad
Wow that's crazy! I've never heard of that happening!
Yes it is!!!
💪
Thanks for watching!
Great review, but the Canon 5DII was not really in the same league as the D3/D3s etc, it was mostly compared to the D700, which also left it in the dust. The D3 line was a pro line, whereas the Canon 5D series was/is an advanced amateur camera. Now if you compared the D3 with Canon's 1D series, that would be more like for like.
Prosumer was Canon's tag for the 5D Mark II when I bought it in 2009 for $3000.
The 5dii was by all definitions a pro camera, used by pros for decades now. Not something I'd hand off to a soccer mom, especially at that price.
Sure the D3s added 720p video... but to say it was in some other league isn't accurate at all.
I use the 5dmkii and D3 almost interchangeably. I should probably do comparison video.
i bought it used and still earn money from it... it has beautiful color and easy to edit raw.
Thanks for sharing your story :)
Of course it is, the D3 series has the best colors of all full frame nikons, the raw files look fantastic with the film like quality, almost metallic. I have been shooting with the d700 and D3 before the D4 was announced and some of my published photos were taken with them. The secret sauce didn't reach the D4, unfortunately.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Richard! I agree that the D4S I used to have didn't quite have the same feel as the D3.
I think the D3 colours are up there with the Canon 1Ds mark ii: filmic and really, really lovely.
@@The_golden_charlie I think filmic is a great word to use! The Colors from my 5D Mark II are the same style. Almost a vintage feel.
So this is why I always use Nikon D3😉
What do you photograph with your d3?
@@RunNGunPhoto Animals and portraits are the majority
Awesome! That's exactly what I use my D3 for! Dog & human portraits haha
@@RunNGunPhoto Haha, we think the same thing and use it the same way, my friend！
@@SonJnGuHua Love it!
I still use D3s, D810 and even D90
All are still great cameras! I have a D810 and D90 as well!
The D700 was the direct competitor to the Canon 5D series, the D3 was up against the Canon 1D Mark III. The D3/D3s is one of three integrated-grip cameras I have drooled over, along with the F5 and Z9. But for half the price, at the time the D700 made more sense for me than the D3.
I hear a lot about the D700 but haven't used it. I've shot on the D610, D750, D800, D810, D850, etc.... but no D700 unfortunately.
@@RunNGunPhoto The D700 was the "mini D3", but a little slower because they had different mechanical shutters. Operationally, it is more like the D800 than the D750.
Yeah I heard they had the same sensor! I'll try to get my hands on one... one of these days....
@@RunNGunPhoto I have a Nikon D700. While I would love to get a hold of a nice D3S I just couldn't justify the bulk for a majority of my shooting. The D700 when paired up with the MB-D10 battery grip and a Nikon EN-EL4 battery will allow the Nikon D700 to run at 8 frames per second continuous brining it within 1 fps of the D3/D3S. The colors on the D700 were also better than those of the D3/D3s.
Still using a D2x with 35-70
That lens is a classic! I bet it still takes amazing pictures.
@@RunNGunPhoto The only downside to the camera is the base ISO is only 100-800, so I always use a flash & light bar, as far as the lens goes it's fantastic, even being 3.5-4.5, not having IBIS doesn't even matter, it's size & weight make it a very stable camera
I might have to do a review on that 35-70 lens!
I have my "Bed boy", shutter count says 1.6 million, but it works flawlessly. And i am a pro car&motor bike photographer. So, if you ask me, it is still worth...
Wow, that's amazing! That camera is a workhorse!
@@RunNGunPhoto Yes, I would say so, at least in my experience.
@@alexugljesic It's a tank! Mine has been beat up and is still doing great.
I find these "Is X still worth it in 2024" videos (not this one specifically) to be a bit comical in general... a camera can be worth it no matter how old it is as long as it does what you need it to do, and
perhaps if you're not printing (large). Even an old 12 or 16MP camera is plenty if you're posting online. If we figure that a 4k display is roughly 8.3 so let's say 9MP,
any camera that has at least 9MP is probably going to be fine (of course this will limit how much you can crop but if you're just posting on FB or instagram, and not really printing,
then it's fine). Plus, if you don't need some of the more advanced features like AF tracking then these cameras like the D3 or the original Sony a6000 for example, can still be
worth it even today. A lot of the "worth" will depend on what you need to get out of the camera. And for those who like to talk about "usability" I'd say a camera is still usable until:
(a) it no longer serves your needs (you need something it' cant provide, perhaps like resolution), or (b) it stops working (as it, in broke and cannot be, or is not worth fixing).
Thanks for watching!
I absolutely agree with you 100%. That's why I make these videos, to show photographers that their gear is still good, even if it's 10+ years old.
Everyone thinks they need the latest and greatest camera, which isn't the case 99.99% of the time.
I dropped my D700 yesterday and ruined it. I have a D3 on the way. Nice review.
Sorry to hear that William! You'll definitely enjoy the D3!
B & H currently has two D700’s in their used section.
Happy broke hobbyist photographer here. My dream lineup of cameras would be a 5d classic with a nifty fifty a Nikon d3 and a d850 any lens combo. I have the 5d classic no nifty fifty yet. Have seen the d3 as low as 350 US dollars the d850 as cheap as 900 US dollars.
I have a 5D Mark II which I love as well. Paired with a 50mm prime lens, it's amazing.
@@RunNGunPhoto i had one i have a bad habit of buying a camera getting bored with it and getting rid of it for another one after watching a TH-cam review. Not blaming anyone but myself.
I think we all go through that stage. The key is to find something you enjoy shooting with, and keep it for a long time haha
I see you're shooting on Fine. Switch to L, Basic, Optimal literally identical to Fine (fine does edit better). If you have about $50 bucks grab a D200 and compare it's jpeg fine to the D3 raw files you'll be surprised.
I flipped on RAW + Large JPEG Fine to throw some quick JPEGs to my model that night.
The D3 will still do a great job and no doubt very robust camera from NIkon
100% It is a tank. Robust is a great word to describe the D3.
Still worth? Yes!
Absolutely! Nearly 2 decades later. :)
i own one and bought it with just 16,000 shutters . currently it has 17,000 clicks and the image quality color , dynamic range and that retro image feel is something most achieve by adding filters but with D3 you dont need that as its fantastic and built like a tank
That's a super low shutter-count Nikon D3 -- that's awesome!
It's definitely a tank! :) I hope you enjoy it.
@@RunNGunPhoto yes its like a low mileage S class Mercedes 😂
haha good analogy!
I still use my D90. LOL
I still have my D90 too! I'm going to make a video on it soon!
Sooo many pros in the 2000s made a living with these cameras and equivalents. Good enough for a pro back then is more than good enough for 90% of the rest of us 😂
Absolutely right! The resolution is plenty good for web publication.
Had 3 d3's 3 d700's.... Great cameras. Batteries however... Thats another story.
I will say my D3 batteries doesn't last very long anymore. They die quickly if you accidentally leave the camera on in the bag too...
I'm going to regret clicking on this video.
Haha let me know what you think! I'm always open to feedback!
@@RunNGunPhoto It's because I'll end up buying one!
Haha, I do love my D3! You can get a killer deal on that or a D700.
@@RunNGunPhoto I bought a D700 last week after watching videos about it! Nice camera, just wish it had 2 card slots.
@@KK-no7be The D3 and D700 actually have the same Nikon sensor. (Some of the last Nikon bodies to have them before the switch to Sony sensors)
That's why so many people love the color reproduction of these cameras!
why you compare it to 5D not 1D?
Because the Canon 1D was released in 2001 and only has a 4 MP sensor.
Making great fotos does not include the very newest eqipment.
You're absolutely right! That's why I love making videos about older equipment the like Nikon D3 or the Canon 5D. It's all about what the photographer is capable of. The camera just captures the photographer's vision.
I have commented above and totally agree with you, the number one photo which has brought me my best sales several 10k's of £ was on the D3 with the sensor cropped with the size of the file 2.75 Mb!
$300/$400 for the camera body plus another $300 for a lens. Since when has $600/$700 meant cheap? If you're going to give it to your college-student son/daughter give them a Sony Alpha 350 (or similar) with the kit lenses they came with for around $100-$150.
*Welcome to the hobby of Photography!* Where $300-400 for a camera body is INSANELY cheap.
A Sony a350 and a kit lens doesn't produce the same results as a D3 & say a cheap nifty 50.
@@RunNGunPhoto Thankyou for welcoming me to the hobby of photography (which I've been doing since 1978). My comment was made in concern with the idea of gifting a $600 digital camera (body/lens) to a college student who may or may not lose interest after a month or two. If your circle of family and friends think six hundred dollars is 'insanely cheap' then we clearly come from different backgrounds. A Sony Alpha 350/kit is (in my opinion only) a good starting point from which to upgrade at a later date if the interest persists. Not forgetting of course that the Alpha system is also compatible with the excellent Minolta and Carl Zeiss lenses.
D3s way better in Low Light. The D3s holds up to D4 and D4s.
That would make a lot of sense with the improved sensor!
This was by no means a cheap student camera. lol.
Even the serious new to photography will get spoiled when you move to a mainstream camera later.
It’s like driving an old Mercedes S600. It’s old but it’s still an S class and it’ll be shellshock getting back into your 2024 Toyota
You’d be proud to use it.
*Not "was"... IS.*
It *IS* currently an inexpensive camera that a student, hobbyist, or pro can pick up today and get great results.
I had a D3... images not as good as D700... and images in D700 not as good as D600... better lowlight, resolution and dynamic range in D600... so get the D600!
Really? The D700 and D3 have the same sensor.
No, dont buy no D3 in 2024, 2025 or any other year. And that goes for the D700 too.
Trying to keep them for yourself, I see.
Stocking up to buy some and resell them in 2035?
@@SkylerKing haha that's exactly what I was thinking!
@@RunNGunPhoto youd be a right pillock if you did. the dslr i would consider buying is the d850.
@castieldiallo2945 the D850 isn't exactly inexpensive.
That aside, your work doesn't necessitate a D850.
for beginner with this brick? seriously?😂
I had one as a beginner. It's a great camera.
yea the d2 to d3 was such a massive jump in technology, i dont think there is a bigger jump between two models of any company really
Absolutely right! I'd love to see upgrades that big between versions today.