Customer Reviews for Nikon Inc. D3
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Nikon Inc. D3
Flagship pro D-SLR with a 12.1-MP FX-format CMOS sensor, blazing 9 fps shooting at full FX resolution and low-noise performance up to 6400 ISO.
Average Customer Rating:
(23 Reviews) 23
Rating Snapshot 23 reviews
5 stars
20
4 stars
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22 out of 23(96%)customers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for D3
Review 1 for D3
Overall rating
I've got the Reining champion of 35 mm cameras; the D3!
PostedApril 25, 2013
DickPhotog7
Location Melbourne, FL
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Sports
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I've owned the D3 (seems like forever?). Love springs eternally. Noise upon shutter release has not affected my results. I'm far away with the appropriate lens. I shoot fast action sports and environmental portraits. Feels as though the camera were made for my hands. We make a great team. Has a fantastically solid feel. The camera is the star of shooters at my sporting events. Have used in all sorts of non-perfect weather with outstanding results. I utilize many Nikon interchangeable lenses, very smoothly performed. If you know where the peak action spot is, and you focus there, you'll never miss it with this baby. The system also tracks action very well for me. Richard.
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+1point
Review 2 for D3
Overall rating
Sharpness Redefined
PostedApril 20, 2012
Chip
Location Eastern Kansas
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Semi-professional photographer
I have had my D3 now for a little more than a month and it has exceeded every expectation I ever had. My primary reason for adding this camera was to experience the FX format. The sharpness of the pictures, the high ISO range that is available, and the high frames per second make this an excellent camera for shooting fast action sporting events and young children. My D3 and D300 make an excellent team with a wide range of capabilities.
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+6points
Review 3 for D3
Overall rating
Got a full speed ahead flank
PostedOctober 12, 2011
Muallaf
Location Geoje, South Korea
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
- This DSLR is superb. I got mine in South Korea, though it was only 1422 times shutter counted. Still it is amazing. No scratch at all.
- My 'gunners' friends were trembling staring at my 'godzilla' D3. Hahaha.
- Simply matched with brand new AF-S 24-70 Nano tech.
- Thanks Nikon.
- My 'gunners' friends were trembling staring at my 'godzilla' D3. Hahaha.
- Simply matched with brand new AF-S 24-70 Nano tech.
- Thanks Nikon.
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+4points
Review 4 for D3
Overall rating
This camera is flawless !
PostedOctober 4, 2011
AnnieK
Location Aspen, Co
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
Having been a Nikon shooter for decades now I have to admit that EVERY camera Nikon comes out with is to me the "best". I never thought anything could touch the D2X, I feel that way about the D3....but now realize that when the D4 is announced it will surpass all others.
Great company...the BEST cameras!
Great company...the BEST cameras!
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+4points
Review 5 for D3
Overall rating
D3 is king
PostedSeptember 29, 2011
affinityseattle
Location Seattle, WA
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I'm a pro, here's my list of pros/cons
Pros: Best low light performance, but in terms of image quality and focus speed. I shoot 3200 frequently and am never bothered by the results. This quality opens a whole new world. Build is solid and ergonomic. The menu system is excellent (I've used competitor's quite a bit). Battery is great.
Cons: What's the point of low light shooting if you don't have some form of AF assist to grab correct focus? (it's missing) I've had a few issues where a 1/2 depressed lens release button 'releases' the lens. I like the dual CF card slot and was excited to use the mirroring mode, but found that the 2nd card doesn't actually mirror. When you delete a file off the primary card, it is not deleted off the 2nd card.
Overall, I love this camera. The DNR is average to good. My wish for the newer flagship models to have better dynamic range through sensor design not just better ADC chips. I also hope that Nikon builds in wireless RADIO TTL for Speedlight control. I also wish they'd add crosshatch AF assist to the body for quick, low-light focusing without a Speedlight attached. I do like the video mode trend and am looking forward to 1080p60 or even 120. My dream is a 3/4/5k raw format video mode so I can pull stills from the video stream ready for high-res printing.
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+7points
Review 6 for D3
Overall rating
PostedJune 21, 2011
Nikon2004
Location Afghanistan
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Sports
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
The best camera ever made, can't wait for Nikon to come out with something next
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0points
Review 7 for D3
Overall rating
Worth the wait
PostedApril 16, 2011
Britographer
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
This Nikon body was the first entry into the FX sensor, and it was definitely worth the wait. Here is a snippet of an article I wrote on it:
What I like about the D3:
FX full frame sensor that equates with returning the original angle of view to my wide-angle lenses.
Image quality. Oh, yeah.
Nikon metering and autofocus is terrific. The D3 will mount almost any Nikon lens made in the last 25 years.
Nikon flash technology is years ahead of Canon in my opinion.
Excellent battery life, and the batteries from my D2X and D3X interchange.
Comfortable ergonomics.
Controls (mostly) positioned where I expect them to be. Most shoots I do don’t require me to delve into the menus.
Image quality. Oh, yeah.
Nikon metering and autofocus is terrific. The D3 will mount almost any Nikon lens made in the last 25 years.
Nikon flash technology is years ahead of Canon in my opinion.
Excellent battery life, and the batteries from my D2X and D3X interchange.
Comfortable ergonomics.
Controls (mostly) positioned where I expect them to be. Most shoots I do don’t require me to delve into the menus.
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+1point
Review 8 for D3
Overall rating
No more deep thought
PostedApril 16, 2011
Old postcard guy
Location Boston, Ma.
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
years ago, I used a 4 x 5 view, a Weston meter and a black cloth, not to mention loading and unloading film holders every night- but that was very long ago
Now as a limited pro photog. I own this incredible D3, of one of the finest cameras ever made.
Almost just frame, point and shoot - yes there are settings to be concerned with, however this marvelous piece of technology does so very much for the holder. NIKON D3-none finer!!
Now as a limited pro photog. I own this incredible D3, of one of the finest cameras ever made.
Almost just frame, point and shoot - yes there are settings to be concerned with, however this marvelous piece of technology does so very much for the holder. NIKON D3-none finer!!
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0points
Review 9 for D3
Overall rating
Excellent, Versatile Camera Body
PostedApril 15, 2011
DSP
Location Cleveland, OH
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I do a variety of work ranging from fast paced event/ working /sports subjects to landscapes and products. Shooting environments range from in a studio to out into remote areas in all sorts of weather including heavy snow and rain. Through all of this the D3 works marvelously.
Continuous shutter and AF speeds make it a perfect sports body.
Its FX sensor's high ISO performance make it perfect for shooting weddings or other low, available light only.
12 megapixels gives you enough resolution to shoot commercially with it as well.
Ergonomics are fantastic. Adjustments can be made without leaving the viewfinder and your hands won't hurt from holding it all day.
Because it uses the Nikon F-mount you have access to a vast amount of lenses to meet any of your needs.
All of these qualities make it, the updated D3s, and the D700 the most versatile camera bodies on the market.
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+3points
Review 10 for D3
Overall rating
A real workhorse
PostedApril 14, 2011
Dan the photo man
Location Jacksonville, FL
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
The D3 is superior in quality to many newer competitors models offering higher mega-pixel counts.
Works consistantly, very dependable, a real workhorse! Easy to navigate, accessories work reliably, As a professional it makes perfect economic sense to depend on the best.
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0points
Review 11 for D3
Overall rating
Speed shooter
PostedFebruary 24, 2011
silver vett
Location Commerce Michigan
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I had to buy another D3 just for the speed shutter. I did not need a video camera.This is a fantastic camera. I will do anything you set it to do.Great Great shooter....I now own 2 D3 cameras with a D700 and a D200. Also a Nikkor 800mm,24-70 nikkor-70-200 lense-300mm manual focus lense-Nikon 2x entender-14-24 lense all f2.8 and a Mb10 power pack for the D700. What a perfect set of cameeras to shoot anything i want...Happy Camper. Alaska is my June trip ths year....
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+2points
Review 12 for D3
Overall rating
PostedDecember 29, 2010
Nikonstarter<3
Location mt. carmel, IL.
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Occasional user, memory keeper
Got this camera as a x-mas gift. It is an awesome camera, easy to use, great built-in features & great for a first time user. I highly recommend this camera for a beginner or a pro.
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+4points
Review 13 for D3
Overall rating
D3, the best Nikon I have ever owned
PostedDecember 1, 2010
bchalifour
Location Rochester NY
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
For its quality of image, its high ISO capacity, its protection against dust (except sensor) and water, the possibility to use a micro-Nikkor I bought in 1973, the D3 is the best Nikon I have ever owned. I have had and used Nikons cameras since 1973 (including the whole Fn range except for the F6), this is the camera that feels and performs the best wherever I go, from tropical rainforest to extreme cold, sports or photojournalistic photography to landscape... Its huge versatility makes it a formidable asset for the dedicated photographer.
Hoping for the next model to include a slightly higher pixel count (without curtailing the ISO/lack of noise capacity of the D3) and a sensor-cleaning possibility that does not require having to send the camera back to Nikon (for safety).
Thank you again Nikon!
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+5points
Review 14 for D3
Overall rating
The perfect digital solution
PostedNovember 10, 2010
ExtremeWeatherPhotographer
Location Sharon, CT
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
Full frame with huge pixels makes this camera the perfect companion to my F6. My digital assignments don't require huge files, this is why the D3 works great for those projects that need fast turnaround. The 8.4 pixel pitch means no diffraction and loss of image quality at f16.0. I make 24" x 36" prints with beautiful details and color. Will I upgrade to the D3x? At this time I don't need that much in a digital body, but I do know the pixel pitch is 5.9 and I would still be able to maximize depth of field if I wanted to step up to 24mp. This picture was taken with an old 1980's era Nikkor lens, the 28 f3.5 at f16.0 and is one of my biggest sellers.
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+6points
Review 15 for D3
Overall rating
Wow! Awesome Camera!
PostedAugust 12, 2010
AIP Dave
Location Western Michigan
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
We own 4 of the Nikon D3! We use them day in and day out for our Wedding Photography and Portrait Business and they always perfom great! All of the important controls, (ISO, White Balance, Flash Controls, High Speed Mode, Custom Function) are all easily accessable and intuitive to find and use. The 3" Screen cannot be underestimated, I originally saw it as a somewhat silly upgrade, but it has made a huge difference in conveying to us what we are capturing while we are shooting! Once you use these LCD's you cannot go back to anything else! The color is vibrant, accurate and sharp. You can easily and accurately determine correct focus and depth of field due to the high level of detail that these exception LCD's offer. The images are clear and crisp beyond belief! And don't let the "mere" 12mp fool you! The high level of quality that comes from the sensor and processor makes this camera perform well above what you would expect from 12mp! We regularly print crystal clear, beautiful 20x30 inch metallic prints without ANY worry of resolution! Resolution is more than adequate. We regularly shoot at 3200 ISO and below and the images are very usable, even for our high end wedding clients. I use 1600 ISO without even thinking twice and get wonderful images where often the noise in the image cannot even be seen. I love the Vivid Mode on these Cameras and I often use Custom Sepia Tones and Black and White Mode and they work quite well. The autofocus is spot on, even when shooting very dimly lit wedding receptions! I love the second shutter button on these cameras too! I very frequently shoot using the vertical grip and find a huge advantage in comfort, (which makes a big difference shooting a 10 hour wedding day), stabililty and intuitive control of the camera. I could go on and on about this camera, it really is awesome!
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+13points
Review 16 for D3
Overall rating
Work Horse
PostedAugust 3, 2010
m. bertrand
Location Washington, DC
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
The D3 is never not hanging on my shoulder. I am street photographer and this baby performs! She has never let me down. My only complaint is some of the rubber padding is separating looks bad but she stills performs.
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+1point
Review 17 for D3
Overall rating
Changed the Photography World
PostedJuly 31, 2010
CCP
Location Tampa, FL
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
The D3 changed everything for me as a wedding and portrait photographer. Amazing speed and low light capabilities. The best investment I have ever made!
Share:
-1point
Review 18 for D3
Overall rating
Phenominal Camera
PostedJuly 30, 2010
Vapor
Location Fond du Lac, WI
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I usually wait for a year before purchasing a new release, but when I read about this model I new it was going to be the one time I purchased right away. I received mine shortly after it was out and I have not been sorry. This camera has impressed me in every way possible, from its high frame rate, its incredible exposure and color accuracy, to its clean high ISO settings. I am fussy about my photographs, and this camera makes me look even better. The files print well, and enlargements are most impressive. The camera is shaped well, and very comfortable to hold and shoot. The controls are well placed. The user interface is quick and easy to move through and when I am working, I find myself mindlessly making changes to my camera, allowing me to concentrate on my subject.
I have had the D1 line, the D2 line, and this camera is light years beyond them.
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+2points
Review 19 for D3
Overall rating
Simply the Best
PostedJuly 30, 2010
NikonShooter
Location Ranshaw, PA
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I don't have a single negative thing to say about this camera - it exceeds every detail in the product description - I have read some owners complaining or wishing it had a "sensor-cleaner", but this is not something that concerns me in the least...
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+1point
Review 20 for D3
Overall rating
The Best camera, Ever!
PostedJuly 20, 2010
Mongo
Location Atlanta GA
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
Words fail to express the incredible experience that shooting with this camera offers. From its incredible color to its noiseless chip. We routinely print 48"x60" prints straight out of this camera. Its high ISO ability alone is worth the price. This camera is better then the venerable F3HP, which I still own.
Share:
+2points