I still use a couple of D3’s and they have been my work cameras for the last 10 years and they are excellent. I have never felt the need to upgrade as they do everything I need.
I bought my Nikon D3 about three years ago for €450! I asked the lady who was selling it if she would allow me to determine the shutter count by taking a photo and inserting the card into my laptop. (She didn't know how to do this!) Turns out the camera only had 12,000 clicks! It was PRISTINE! I still have it and I don't think I will ever sell it. I also have a D3X, a D4S and a D750, and although the latter two get most of the use these days, I still take out the D3 (and the D3X) every so often just to remind me what a wonderful classic the D3 series is. If you don't shoot video, the D3 is still an excellent all-round camera and produces beautiful images.
I have had mine for over 5 years. I bought it used and I no regrets. I have used it for car photography, gymnastics events, street photography in NYC and extremely low light conditions and it hasn't disappointed me at all. It's no wonder it's a work horse for the professionals.
Haha, nice! I'm using my D3 more than my Z6 at them moment. Something about how those cameras fit into the hand...something mirrorless cameras will never have.
@@BoostLeekdMedia Yes, most of the time when I do use my a7iii it is with adapted 50 year old manual focus Nikon glass. So much fun and man what results!
I have both D3 and D700 bought when I was shooting weddings and events, model portfolios and some street photography in NYC. Two great cameras sharing the same sensor.
The Nikon D3 is the Ferrari of all cameras... solid heavy body that fits perfect for the professional photographer enough said go out and find one...⚡💰⚡
I have one. I always used the D300. I have 4 D300 1 D300s. Got my first D3. Been looking for ever and found my 2nd one last week where I always get my cameras and shutter count was ONLY 323!!!!! NOT EVEN A SCUFF ON IT!! 😮😮😮
I recently bought a near mint D3 (18k shots at 500 buks): this rapresents my first full frame, and so, pro camera after many years with a D5100. This has been a HUGE step forward for me and makes me feel proud of its purchase every day more! I use it as a every day camera and mainly, as an astrophotographer, in nightscapes shots with a also brand new 20mm f/1.4 Sigma Art: best milkyway shots so far! Nothing to add. This line of cameras was/is called 'admiral' for one reason, and the D3 in particular, is the FIRST FX Nikon has ever made, the one that relaunched its brand in the market (in some serious difficulties, mainly due to the smisurated cameras sales of its 'ancestral enemy', aka Canon): term specifically coined by themselves to distinguish it from the previous DX format. This makes me feel like having a little piece of history of photography every time I have it in my hands... sure that for another 15 years and it'll be still a great camera, because it IS a great camera and, fortunally, its astonishing shots doesn't vanish with time! P.S. When I need to take a video, I use my smartphone - easy-peasy lemon squeezy ;)
I have had a D3 for years and still use it. Its's an absolute tank of a camera. I love the weight of it as well. All the best from Scotland for 2021. Thanks
I bought mine used with approx 7k shutter clicks, the camera is in great condition. I still use mine regularly and it works like a champ! The camera will take great photos and I have made images printed up to 16x20 with no issues.
It fits perfectly in my hand. I like solid and heavy cameras. I just recently bought D3s ( sold d810 ). Colors and tones from D3,D3s,D700 sensor are better than those from later , big megapixel cameras.
I own the Nikon D3 since 2008 and it works still perfect have around 789.877 clicks on it. Shoot it with the Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF and the Nikon AF DC 105mm f/2D. Have razor sharp pictures and like it better than my Nikon D4.
I own a D3, D4, D4s and D750! My favourites? D3 and D4s (for different reasons). I walk around with the D4s and D4 for weddings (I attach a 35mm 1.4 to one, and a 85mm 1.4 to the other), but for personal (non-commercial) use, I love to use my D3!
Bought my D3 used from an indoor photographer in 2012. It had about 50k clicks and was in perfect shape. Used it for couple of "jobs" as a student like party photography, etc. I bought a D600 some years later, but I never use it lol.
I bought one secondhand some years ago in very good condition, it was the camera that every press photographer had in his bag, in fact, any pro tog would be using for weddings, sport, just about any photographic assignment and still a fantastic camera..!! Stay safe Best regards from the UK.
I have the D3s and love it. I have newer model Nikons but this takes the cake. I got it pristine with only 14K clicks for $800. I also have a D700 that I favor also.
Dang! D3s for $800 is an awesome deal! My local camera store has had a used one in stock for literally $100 cheaper than a used D4. Not sure why but $800 for a D3s is a nice one! Thanks for sharing.
I think this is one of those cameras that changed the game and set the benchmark for the industry. In 2031 people will still be amazed at this camera's performance. I know the D1 was a milestone digital DSLR, but this Nikon D3 was their first full frame DSLR and it set the bar high for all other manufactures simply because of the results you get when in the right hands... what a tool...
IMO, the D3 changed the Nikon's fortune against Canon. Nikonians were left high and dry while Canon pumping out DSLR left and right until then. But the stars were aligned and Canon ran into issues with its dual pixel AF (hence, the 5D Mk II was released without new AF). With the D3, D300 and the lens trinity, Nikon was having its best time in the digital era. Canon owners had to wait to get 7D to match the D300 and some even adapted the 14-24 f/2.8 to the EF mount.
These cameras exceed what I was able to produce with 35mm. Having newer cameras is just for digital pixel peeping and maybe if you’re really into photo manipulation and cropping deep into a photo. If you print images this does the job. Makes great prints.
@@BoostLeekdMedia I also have my Z6 and mainly use it for portraits. Been monitoring ebay for a low shutter D3. It was posted for less than half a day and I snatched it. Hahaha. No regrets. Love it.
I use my D3 along side my main camera, a D4s for a lot of demanding sports and event work. If you need to shoot in low light, step up to a D4. I easily shoot at 12,000-20,000 iso on my D4s and barely even touch above 5,000 iso on my D3. If you only shoot in the day, get a D3! Entry level price to get a full frame pro body.
Four years ago, I went from a Nikon D7000 to a D3S. My work greatly improved, though the camera is heavy. D3/D3S is such a tank, thus reliable. 👍🏻 I’m switching to the Z system soon and it’ll be quite a leap!
Totally agree! I've had my Z6 for a little over 2 years now. Still love using it for my videos here. It's an awesome camera. But nothing beats the D3 (pro bodies) in your hands!
@Eric Parker From my experiences, the D3's DR isn't as good as the Z series but it's still really good for it's age. For wide angle shots, it's probably not going to be the best but there have been amazing examples on flickr too.
I saw a good deal on a used D7500 but the D3 peaked my interest immediately, especially like you said, for half the price too. Killer deal. I need to get my hands on the 80-200 2.8D, I remember using one a while back and it was pretty great!
This is a great option in 2021. The dynamic range isn’t as good as the modern cameras, but I view that as a plus because the images come out with good contrast. And the build quality is simply amazing.
Hi, I thank you from your impressions on Nikon D3. I had a Nikon D610, excellent camera but then I took the D3 ... love at first sight. Use with Nikon 24 70 f. 2.8 and Nikon 80 200 and D F.2.8. Made building in Japan, perfection. An enviable handle and solidity. A fantastic sensor that returns colors very similar to the rendering of the film. Images continue to amaze me every day. I found the camera definitive for me.
In regard to all the "is it still good in 2021" etc....if it was good at whatever year it was released than it should be good today All these cameras that made great images than will still do it today.
For me, a seller camera, a amateur photographer. I have ever used the Nikon d800, d810, d600, d610. Finally, the nikon d3x is alway on my bag. I like it. Many great photos was taken with it. Landscape, portrait...
My old friend D3 is a superb camera. The last couple of years, i didn´t shoot her much - maybe twice a year but it allready has a great performance. It is my 2nd backup-camera to my D4 and Z6. Last October i filmed a concert with booth cameras and took some low-light-shoots with the D3 during the gig. It´s an amazing camera despite of it´s age and had no problems to go up to 3.200 for clear and sharp pictures. Best greetings from Vienna/ Austria
Still got my D3 and a D750. The D3 is still lightning fast and I am also enjoying the fat sound of the shutter....it sounds like an SLR is supposed to sound for me. And its low light capabilities are still state of the art. Will not let it go....
Well said. The D3 is the FX, strong and well built Nikon, for photography with all the Nikon lenses range adaptable. He does every thing well, fast with reliability. The picture can be used in magazine and at a poster size. Use Tiff folders who are 36 Mo each. Not sure that Raw folder will open always in the app. Cropping forbidden of course : so only for photographer who know how to shoot at first. I love it.
Bought a second hand D3 last week, could not figure out how to put live view on, thank you to you I know now. It feels a fantastic now vintage camera that has come to a good home and will be looked after for sure. A great second camera to my nikon D 7100 😊📸
Bought my D3 earlier this month. I got it because it is a beautiful camera with 87 K on the shutter and built like a tank. The price I paid was half the price of a new Nikon DX camera but with a better battery and a built in motor drive. I've already put a thousand shots in bitter cold weather without a problem (especially in low light).
Whoa, nice! 87K shutters is pretty low too! Good to know it can handle the cold. I haven't brought mine out in the freezing temps yet. Glad to know yours is holding up 👍
I have a D3s I shoot street photography in NYC with it and it’s an incredible performer. The D3s was released in October of 2009 so it’s a couple of years newer than the original D3. I also have a D700 with battery grip and have shot paid events with it. I’m almost strictly street photography and own quite a few cameras including an original Sony RX1 with the optional EVF and a Fujifilm XH1, X-Pro 1, XT1 and X100s The camera I reach for for street photography the most out of those cameras is my D3s. I love how it feels. Just about ready to pull the trigger on a D4s but am keeping my D3s. A beautiful and timeless piece of art.
100% agreed. It's crazy to see how much a well-used D3s goes for now compared to just 5-7 years ago. I need to get my hands on the D3s and D3X! But then again, if a D4 comes for a good deal, it'd be a tough decision too!
Thank you for a great video review of the Nikon D3 it's nice to know that so many people out there really appreciate this brilliant camera, thank's again. Stay safe.
@@BoostLeekdMedia I charge my battery maybe once a year. It's honestly Crazy how good it is. Plus it doubles as a personal defense weapon if needed, lol.
It took excellent pictures in 2007. Still takes excellent pictures. Doesn't matter that much what camera you have, if you aren't a decent photographer.
Hope it is, just purchased mint condition D3, loved the feel of the camera in the hands and that it did not need a battery pack. Already have a couple of D800's and a D850 for pro use so this baby is for personal stuff! If it was pro camera then it is still a pro camera now.
I shot my 9 year old grand sons football game with my 15 year old D3 and 70-200 2.8 lens two days ago. Had to crop way in for th farther away plays but the resulting files still look amazing. I will Never sell this camera. Feels great in hand, fast focus and frame rate. Great camera for sports....STILL.
@@BoostLeekdMedia Well days in and i gotta say, big ISO improvement along with AF speed, FPS, non video (I dont need it so big plus), Bigger viewfinder. If I had to say, this older camera is better than what i had. (Obviously my own opinion for my own uses)
@@cameronadams3456 compared to the D7000, about how much better would you say the D3 handles low light situations? I have my D7000 up for sale at the moment and have been on the lookout for a D3S but there's far less of those for sale than the D3 (some of which are at quite tempting prices, though with higher shutter counts). I don't do video so wouldn't miss that functionality but ultimately I'm after something that won't get too rough when I push the ISO. The D7000 is lovely and clean during the day but at night it falls apart.
@@Willenium2k4 Week late but, i have gotten super clean images with ISO 6400, (with very little Post Production), but ive seen some nice photos taken to Hi-1. Its all about preferance. For me i wont go above 4000 unless i expect to do some quick post. 6400 to Hi-.3 is where i draw the line. Bottom line is. Its an amazing camera and hell of a lot better in terms of lowlight vs the D7000 (I dont think its opinion anymore...seriously) Small Edit: Id get the D3s, a bigger improvement in ISO performance vs the D3. Only reason i got the D3 vs the D3s was because with the images i was taking, i wasnt super worried about it. But now i wish i had bought it.
3:30 - Sigma F…ART … 😅 … Okay, now that I'm done laughing: After 15 years, this is 1½ _decades,_ this camera still goes for 1000.- - this tells you something. Cameras “nowadays” are made for a lot of reasons, actual photography seems to be a mere side note. The D3 laughs at this, for it is a camera to take pictures, no bullshit, no compromises. It is just as you said, if you ever held one, you know instantly: This is the real deal, this is not a bloggoscooter, this is not an unbox-reviewer or a featurette, this is a camera to take pictures. The images you get out of it are amazing. And since neither the laws of physics nor perception are going to change any time soon, these cameras will be in use likely for decades to come. Seriously.
I actually own 2 of the older versions of that camera. The H1 and the D2XS. The H1 is a sports photographer's dream, very fast, no shake. The D2XS is an upgrade to the D2X, the D2X originally had a few shortcomings and Nikon fixed those with the D2XS. I love them both and still use both of them when I need a no-nonsense workhorse to get the job done. Extreme heat and cold and blowing sand are some of the conditions they shine in. I'm currently looking for a D3X or D3XS to add to my camera arsenal. When it comes to collecting and actually using a TRUE PRO LEVEL camera, you can't go wrong with the NIKON FLAGSHIPS.
A relative had a D2x and when I had my hands on it, I HAD to get a pro body camera. Just feels super nice in the hands! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm still trying to get my hands on a the D2 bodies, haha!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Do you why the D2XS and D2X model bodies are so hard to find? Well, I used to do a lot of work with our US military families and when Gulf1 and Gulf2 photographers traveled with our troops they soon realized that other camera bodies did not hold up to the blowing desert sands (it's like powder). Since the D2X was built for NASA Space Travel the D2X bodies DID HOLD UP under the desert pressures! Wartime photographers bought them up in mass quality. Everyone was writing home and begging for their D2XS AND D2X models to be sent to them for use in the "sandbox". True enough, there now ya know😊🤗.
With Nikon releasing the DSLR sized mirrorless in 2020 I think with this old camera you can still intimidate normal people in the near future. I plan on getting this or the D3s for the main purpose of shooting in a much tougher conditions like rainy days.
I bought 2 D3 one week ago at 200€. 1 with a shutter count of 250.000 and the other 309.000. That high shutter count doesn't bother me. I got them cheap and I can play with them. The shutter can break tomorrow or after 400.000-500.000 or even more. Great camera which is underrated nowadays. The colors are amazing and it is pretty good working in Lightroom with those small files of a 12 MP camera
Great find for those prices. The D3 is such a tank and I'm so glad to see the high shutter count ones still being used! Just goes to show how well built they were after all of these years! And I totally agree with you about the colors as well. I love using mine :D Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video! I'm definitely grabbing a D3 in 2022! Have you ever replaced or repaired the shutter for it? What's your shutter count so far? I'm a bit worried because if the shutter ends up failing, I don't think there are a lot of places that can repair d3 right now. Let me know what you think! Thanks for the videos again.
Thanks for watching! I haven't replaced the shutter on my D3. It has a little over 154,000 shutters on it but it still works as it should. Love using mine when I can.
@@BoostLeekdMedia I was thinking of getting a used D3 with 150k sc too... would you recommend this? Owner says there is no issues, just some scratches and some loose rubber... What is the maximum shutter count that a D3 can actually do?
After seeing this video, I ordered a Nikon D3 (second hand). I can’t wait for it to arrive and I think this would be a good upgrade from my Nikon D7000 😍
Thanks for this video. I had the D3 years ago and sold it and have missed it since. No other camera has ever felt like this one in my hands. I might take a look for a good used version along with the Nikon 50mm 1.8 G. Thanks again.
Thanks for the video! I'm looking at a 3Dx for $600 with 40k clicks. I prefer the classic Bodies of the DSLR there's days. The battery life is a big factor for me
If buying a D3 remember that many had Press and other pro use and were hammered. Worth buying one bought by a wealthy amateur with all the packaging and supplied accessories in great cosmetic and really low shutter count. Yes they are out there but be patient.
100% agreed, they were work horses but built like a tank as well. Mine has a little over 150,000 clicks on it and it still shows no signs of wearing out.
The D3 has been described as the best DSLR ever made. It is indestructible, a tank, a very heavy beast that can be bought very cheaply today. If you buy one know that you have in your hands one of the best, if not the best, Nikon made, regardless of age. Once you own one it's doubtful you'll want to part with it. I paid 600 dollars for mine with approx 45,000 clicks on it. For a camera that came out wit a price of 5k I'm a happy man😊
@@BoostLeekdMedia very low. It was like new when I bought it. They're tested to 350,000 clicks I believe, so 45,000 is nothing. I've gotta say it is a big beast and I do think about getting a new, smaller dslr but the quality of the build is sooo good and the quality of the photos with a semi decent lens is good enough for my needs. At 600 dollars it was a steal! Happy shooting!
I got mine a few years ago as I started to work as a second shooter for a wedding photographer, but the batteries it came with were on their last legs. I mainly use my D700 which is also an amazing camera. I have started to invest in newer batteries for my D3 so hopefully soon I will be using it a lot more now. I love the feel if the shutter it is a machine! Good video.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences! I need to get my hands the D700. I also love the handling and feeling of the D3 but somes, a D700 would alright too. haha.
@@BoostLeekdMedia yes the only thing about the D3 is that it can get heavy, you need the right strap to be able to handle it all day. The D700 is less taxing on the body. This being said I saw a petite wedding photographer using TWO D3s's that's hardcore!
@@erichartke4331 How time changes! I can shoot with my D3 all day long even I'm an old timer and a small person. Back then over four decades ago, I shot with 2 or more SLR that was similar to the size & weight of a D3 (Nikon F2A + Motor Drive + Battery Pack) in addition to an external hammerhead flash + lead acid battery pack. 🙂
@@scott-wright I have both the D3 and D700, if you want to save money buy a battery pact for d700, and the longer battery pact cover, and you have almost got a D3. Same shutter speed of 9 fps as to the D700`s 6fps, but the D3 is still the better of the two. Good Luck.
I still do have my D3 I brought in 2008 after my D1x in 2000 after long eight years … I have shot products today only in my studio … it’s great camera indeed … as I Nikon D 800 and I have fiujifim GFX 50S on top of that I have choose D3 for my today’s product catalog shoot … it’s wonderful still photography cameras in 2021 also …
@@BoostLeekdMedia Not only being use but, I am shooting assignments also for my client just because of appropriate numbers of pixels and great compression of pixels pitch provided wonderful images … I understand there are photographer who sale pixels and other sale images ….
Bought a D3 for $250 this yr that had 22k clicks with only one card slot working and found out that my auto focus lenses would drain the battery if I didn't remove lens after turning camera off...other than that it took great pics but was a pain. It made me look until I found a D700 with only 2k shutter count for only a hundred more than what I paid for the D3. Picked up a used battery grip and was able to use the D3 battery for my D700 along with the reg battery, gets me about 9FPS and is my favorite camera. I shoot as a second shooter part time for my wife's biz doing wedding, event & portrait. I still use (2) 610's and wife uses (2) D750's plus a D810. Really thought we were going to pull the trigger on getting the Z6II for her and the Z5 for me this year but gonna wait. I've got a lot of Nikon legacy Glass but one of my favorites is the Tamron 45mm that's on the D700 right now. How are you liking the 35mm 1.4? I want the Tamron 35 1.4 but figure I'm good with the 45, my wife uses my manual 28mm AIS 2.8 on the dance floor at weddings...drives me nuts but she grew up with film and can work a manual lens like nobody's business. Love the new tech but when something works it works and my wife taught me to shoot in manual which I thought was stupid but it's made it more an art than just a click of a button. Enjoyed the vid, didn't mean to be long winded. I also like shooting video and thought about the Z6 or Z6II for myself to do more hybrid shooting at weddings. I do a lot of behind the scene and B-roll stuff with go-pro and canon m-50 for wife's channels. Thanks again.
The Sigma 35 1.4 is incredible. I really like the 35mm focal length. It's sharp wide open and the AF on it is quite fast. I can see why a lot of photographers praise the 35mm 1.4 ART. Right now, it's either the 35 or the Tamron 45 that's just on my D3. I feel like the Tamron is too close to the 50mm focal length but it's definitely MUCH sharper than the Nikon 50mm 1.8G, and even sharper than the 50mm 1.4G too (at wide open aperture). Between the 2 lenses, I guess it just really depends on your style of photography but man, it would be hard to choose between both, haha. And wow! Shooting with a manual focus lens during a wedding IS intense! But she definitely has her shots down because I could not handle doing manual focus during an event like that. I totally agree that it definitely takes 'more' of the photography process than 'spraying & praying' to get those good shots. Right now, the Z6II seems to be a much better performer than the Z6. I love my Z6 but the Z6II is what the Z6 should have been. If you're on a budget, the Z6 is perfectly fine. I've used mine for 3 weddings in 2019 and it held up great. Still doing a bunch of videos with it too. Appreciate the feedback with your D3 and D700! You got a pretty nice deal for those cameras!!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Tamron is huge because of motor and VC compared to my fifty's and sometimes I think its slow to focus at events but I'm using D610's. I need to play around shooting at 35mm on my zooms more and compare between the focal lengths. She uses the 28mm 2.8 AIS for the reception part like the dance floor but also for the bouquet/garter toss...I asked her the settings and she shoots at F8 aperture, focus set on infinity, shutter speed set at 1/20 second with flash set at 1/8 power with a Godox mounted on camera for flash...said uses it for pretty much whole reception without issue. I almost bought the Z5 this year and was looking at the Z6 used but I was getting the FTZ discounted with the new Z5 for $50 which I def need...and it's got (2) card slots but Z6 had better specs especially for video. Z6II would be the way to go but I'm only second shooting and get the hand me downs...wife will get the newest first but she's in no rush with her gear she has now. That price on used Z6 or new Z5 is tempting compared to what we used to pay for a camera. Weddings were dead but have really picked up. We did a wedding where the venue included a photographer in the package and he had the latest mirrorless gear, bride said we blew his images out of the water.
Ive been thinking of getting this to use with my D600 feel like they can make a great combo with the d3 having great fps for photos. I have owned the d700 before and the sensor produces amazing images unlike any modern sensor i have seen makes me miss it.
Every time I scroll through my pic files, the D3 shots just stand out, even to people who could care less about cameras; and that's in a very large crowd of other camera bodies (film and digital) because I have GAS. I'm good for around two years in a system and then start to chase the next shiny or even classic "old" thing (Fuji, Canon, Ricoh, Bronica, Mamiya, Rollei, Nikon, Olympus), but the D3 is just not included in the culls. It's a one of a kind.
On reviews the D3 is penned for sports, photojournalist, action as the camera is blisteringly responsive in so many ways....but has anyone 🤔 considered buying a D3 for its shere shutter life? The shutter blade (When a shot is 🔥 fired) is a SAMURI sword drawn from its sheaf like a flash 'GUT SHING', and does sound like a machine 🔫 gun. Never mind a tank, it the HULK!!!
The ONLY thing the D3 lacks compared to newer models is the plus minus buttons for image preview zoom.. the push and wind to zoom is such a pain, eats up time and kills your shutter dial Screen on mine is giving up which also sucks during a bright day but it's still an amazing camera!
I believe it when they said this camera switched many loyal Canon users to Nikon since its release. In my opinion, the 1D Mark III left a lot to be desired especially after the AF issues that were going around that damaged their reputation before it got fixed. However, I am a 1D Mark IV owner and only wish I had a combination of a FF sensor and fast burst rate, but that’s been solved with newer, more expensive gear. Otherwise, I am not hesitant to spend my money on older, tried an true equipment. Spoiled myself a bit when I transitioned from my cheap and laughable T5i to the 1D and I won’t turn back, and I reckon anyone else in the Nikon system shouldn’t hesitate to do the same.
@@BoostLeekdMedia Well I recognized over the years that great cameras remain great cameras even decades after their release. Why should they become worse?
I own a Nikon D3x and a Nikon D3s both cameras both cameras are absolutely top image quality autofocus with a Nikon 105 1.4E just painting with light with the D3x. Also had a Nikon D4 and a Nikon D5 as well as a Nikon Z6 which were in no way better. The Nikon D3s is my camera for travel and motorcycle racing IDM always have it in my backpack on my motorcycle drives 297 KMH 100,000 km always with it never takes photos of what happens like on the first day in the same way as a Nikon D5, I fine-tune the image quality of the D3s D3x length improves. Especially in the dynamic range, the cameras easily beat a D5 ... D4 is not bad either, but I preferred the D3x to the D4.
Absolutely agree! I am currently touring Florida shooting Bass tournaments. The anglers gather before sunrise and into the "golden hour" for the Topwater bites. Then there's the evening tournaments that go into the late "blue hour" throughout darkness. Nothing out shines the D3s for this
1:05 - re. feel of a pro SLR in my hand: Yes, they feels great in the hand, but not so good on the shoulder! The better thing about the pro SLRs is the viewfinder. They're ALWAYS better than the amateur ones. 4:51 - re. my thoughts on the D3 in 2020: If you need a rugged body and you have the right lenses so that 12 MP is enough, it might be a good choice. I was shopping for a FF DSLR for around $500-600. I started looking at the D700, but for only $150 more, I could get the much more modern D610, with double the resolution, two stops more dynamic range and modern SD memory. I think the main reason to buy a D3 or D700 today is if you prefer the colors and contrast from the old sensor type. (which a lot of people do) It's also nice because since it limits us to 12 MP (which is all we need, unless we're doing ridiculous cropping) it keeps the file sizes reasonable. Even at 24 MP (which is not state-of-the-art any more) processing time is NOTICEABLY longer than 12 or 16 MP.
I almost bought the D610 when it was released but I could not handle the 'small' AF area. The AF area was a deal breaker for me. As great as the D610s were, it just didnt fit my needs. But I 100% agree with you. It's crazy how good the D3/D700 sensors were for their time. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the D3/D700!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Did you end up with a D750 then, or you're sticking with these older pro bodies? Does the D3/D700 have a wider AF sensor array than the D610?
@@Smaug1 i ended up getting the D750 at the time. I regrettably sold the D700 to get a 70-200 2.8. I think the D700/D3 does have a wider AF area. than thte D610.
@@BoostLeekdMedia If you rely on a wide AF area the SLRs are always a joke compared to a mirrorless body with an evf. The finders of the D750 and D610 are a joke compared to the pro bodies. Once your eyes are used to real viewfinders you don’t want to go back.
Dont perpetuate the misinformation about d lenses, d has nothing to do with autofocus its about sending distance info to the camera. You should have said it can use older AF lenses and the newer af-s or af-p lenses. Most d lenses are AF, but there are a handful of them that are af-s, whivh means they work with newer cameras like the 3x00, 5x00 and Z cameras (with the ftz). Overall good vid though man, thanks!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Yeah, it was either that or a really worn D3 w/ 76K shots and half the price. Thanks for your vid, I really love the quality of the camera.
I still use a couple of D3’s and they have been my work cameras for the last 10 years and they are excellent. I have never felt the need to upgrade as they do everything I need.
I bought my Nikon D3 about three years ago for €450! I asked the lady who was selling it if she would allow me to determine the shutter count by taking a photo and inserting the card into my laptop. (She didn't know how to do this!) Turns out the camera only had 12,000 clicks! It was PRISTINE! I still have it and I don't think I will ever sell it. I also have a D3X, a D4S and a D750, and although the latter two get most of the use these days, I still take out the D3 (and the D3X) every so often just to remind me what a wonderful classic the D3 series is. If you don't shoot video, the D3 is still an excellent all-round camera and produces beautiful images.
Well said!! Totally agree! Thanks for sharing! :D
Bought one in Nov 2021 in excellent condition for $715 with 36k shutter actuations.
I have had mine for over 5 years. I bought it used and I no regrets. I have used it for car photography, gymnastics events, street photography in NYC and extremely low light conditions and it hasn't disappointed me at all. It's no wonder it's a work horse for the professionals.
Love my D3 and D700, and use them even more than my Sony a7iii mirrorless!
Haha, nice! I'm using my D3 more than my Z6 at them moment. Something about how those cameras fit into the hand...something mirrorless cameras will never have.
@@BoostLeekdMedia Yes, most of the time when I do use my a7iii it is with adapted 50 year old manual focus Nikon glass. So much fun and man what results!
I have both D3 and D700 bought when I was shooting weddings and events, model portfolios and some street photography in NYC. Two great cameras sharing the same sensor.
I have been using my D700 more then my A7riii haha. I'm just using my A7r now for only landscapes.
I'm new to this body @boostlekd Media
Dude the colors are off the chain, got mine with like 1200 clicks on it and the body was 95%...Awesome camera anytime!
Wow! 1200 clicks! thats really low shutters. Awesome. And yeah, totally agree that the colors are crazy good!
@@BoostLeekdMedia d3x doesnt support video only d3s :)
The Nikon D3 is the Ferrari of all cameras... solid heavy body that fits perfect for the professional photographer enough said go out and find one...⚡💰⚡
I have one. I always used the D300. I have 4 D300 1 D300s. Got my first D3. Been looking for ever and found my 2nd one last week where I always get my cameras and shutter count was ONLY 323!!!!! NOT EVEN A SCUFF ON IT!! 😮😮😮
I recently bought a near mint D3 (18k shots at 500 buks): this rapresents my first full frame, and so, pro camera after many years with a D5100. This has been a HUGE step forward for me and makes me feel proud of its purchase every day more!
I use it as a every day camera and mainly, as an astrophotographer, in nightscapes shots with a also brand new 20mm f/1.4 Sigma Art: best milkyway shots so far!
Nothing to add. This line of cameras was/is called 'admiral' for one reason, and the D3 in particular, is the FIRST FX Nikon has ever made, the one that relaunched its brand in the market (in some serious difficulties, mainly due to the smisurated cameras sales of its 'ancestral enemy', aka Canon): term specifically coined by themselves to distinguish it from the previous DX format.
This makes me feel like having a little piece of history of photography every time I have it in my hands... sure that for another 15 years and it'll be still a great camera, because it IS a great camera and, fortunally, its astonishing shots doesn't vanish with time!
P.S. When I need to take a video, I use my smartphone - easy-peasy lemon squeezy ;)
I have had a D3 for years and still use it.
Its's an absolute tank of a camera.
I love the weight of it as well.
All the best from Scotland for 2021.
Thanks
100% agreed that it's a tank! Good to know you still have yours! Glad Nikon build these like a tank too!
I just got a D3 2nd hand. I love it too. Now saving for a D5
Nice!! I tried out the D5, and wow. I just wanted it then! haha. But I think the next Pro DSLR I might get my hands on is the D4! :D
Hey buddy's....I have offered 4 yrs old D3s Nd its 45k shuttercount would i buy tht for Wildlife...?
I bought mine used with approx 7k shutter clicks, the camera is in great condition. I still use mine regularly and it works like a champ! The camera will take great photos and I have made images printed up to 16x20 with no issues.
Good to know! And thanks for sharing!
It fits perfectly in my hand. I like solid and heavy cameras. I just recently bought D3s ( sold d810 ). Colors and tones from D3,D3s,D700 sensor are better than those from later , big megapixel cameras.
I own the Nikon D3 since 2008 and it works still perfect have around 789.877 clicks on it. Shoot it with the Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF and the Nikon AF DC 105mm f/2D. Have razor sharp pictures and like it better than my Nikon D4.
Did you change your shutter ? I have 2 D3 with 1 309.000 clicks and the other 250.000 clicks
Thanks... have owned the d700, d300, d60, d90 etc and now picked up the BEAST D3... still worth its weight in my bag!
It really is!
I own a D3, D4, D4s and D750! My favourites? D3 and D4s (for different reasons). I walk around with the D4s and D4 for weddings (I attach a 35mm 1.4 to one, and a 85mm 1.4 to the other), but for personal (non-commercial) use, I love to use my D3!
Thanks for sharing!
Any difference btw D4 and D4S ??
Bought my D3 used from an indoor photographer in 2012. It had about 50k clicks and was in perfect shape. Used it for couple of "jobs" as a student like party photography, etc. I bought a D600 some years later, but I never use it lol.
There was a six month worldwide shortage when it was launched and I finally able to buy one in 2008. Love it and still using it.
Wow. Didn't know. Seems similar to what's happening now. Good to know you're still using yours.
The D3 and D3S are legendary like the D700. I have the D3X(not legendary), which I love, but my D700 is my go to. The D3 does feel the best.
I bought my D3 second hand and love it ,feels amazing to handle its a beast . Best wishes from the UK
Great to hear! Love how it feels in my hands too!
Loving my D3 paired with the old Nikkor 20-35mm f2.8d lens.
oooh! Nice combo! I really need to get my hands on that lens.
@@BoostLeekdMedia you should try it out. For a longer reach the 35-70mm f2.8d is also a must have. I do street so at the moment I dont need it😁
I bought one secondhand some years ago in very good condition, it was the camera that every press photographer had in his bag, in fact, any pro tog would be using for weddings, sport, just about any photographic assignment and still a fantastic camera..!! Stay safe Best regards from the UK.
Nice! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the D3! Great to know you're still using yours!
I have a nikon d3 and it is absolutely fantastic!
It's my backup camera for events. Never lets me down! :D
I have the D3s and love it. I have newer model Nikons but this takes the cake. I got it pristine with only 14K clicks for $800. I also have a D700 that I favor also.
Dang! D3s for $800 is an awesome deal! My local camera store has had a used one in stock for literally $100 cheaper than a used D4. Not sure why but $800 for a D3s is a nice one! Thanks for sharing.
@@BoostLeekdMedia I also got a new battery and charger with it.
Great video , I bought mine 2yrs ago unboxed for £500 with a shutter count of under 5000 , absolutely love it !!!!
Great to hear!
I think this is one of those cameras that changed the game and set the benchmark for the industry. In 2031 people will still be amazed at this camera's performance. I know the D1 was a milestone digital DSLR, but this Nikon D3 was their first full frame DSLR and it set the bar high for all other manufactures simply because of the results you get when in the right hands... what a tool...
Totally agree. Even today, I can see why the D3 was PRAISED by most photographer. It definitely feels like it was ahead of it's time.
IMO, the D3 changed the Nikon's fortune against Canon. Nikonians were left high and dry while Canon pumping out DSLR left and right until then. But the stars were aligned and Canon ran into issues with its dual pixel AF (hence, the 5D Mk II was released without new AF). With the D3, D300 and the lens trinity, Nikon was having its best time in the digital era. Canon owners had to wait to get 7D to match the D300 and some even adapted the 14-24 f/2.8 to the EF mount.
🥰
These cameras exceed what I was able to produce with 35mm. Having newer cameras is just for digital pixel peeping and maybe if you’re really into photo manipulation and cropping deep into a photo. If you print images this does the job. Makes great prints.
100% agreed. It's insane how good the camera is to this day. I can see why it was praised so much when it was released.
Got my D3 online with less than 25K shutter clicks. I primarily use it for wildlife photos. I love the sound of that shutter when shooting.
Nice! Pretty low shutters for a D3! After using my Z6, it's nice to hear a 'real' shutter, haha!
@@BoostLeekdMedia I also have my Z6 and mainly use it for portraits. Been monitoring ebay for a low shutter D3. It was posted for less than half a day and I snatched it. Hahaha. No regrets. Love it.
I use my D3 along side my main camera, a D4s for a lot of demanding sports and event work. If you need to shoot in low light, step up to a D4. I easily shoot at 12,000-20,000 iso on my D4s and barely even touch above 5,000 iso on my D3. If you only shoot in the day, get a D3! Entry level price to get a full frame pro body.
100% agreed! It's pretty insane how well of a performer the D3 is too!
Four years ago, I went from a Nikon D7000 to a D3S. My work greatly improved, though the camera is heavy.
D3/D3S is such a tank, thus reliable. 👍🏻
I’m switching to the Z system soon and it’ll be quite a leap!
Totally agree! I've had my Z6 for a little over 2 years now. Still love using it for my videos here. It's an awesome camera. But nothing beats the D3 (pro bodies) in your hands!
@Eric Parker From my experiences, the D3's DR isn't as good as the Z series but it's still really good for it's age. For wide angle shots, it's probably not going to be the best but there have been amazing examples on flickr too.
Buying a used D3 for half the price of a new D7500 is a no brainer. My 80-200 f2.8 D is a joy to use on this camera.
I saw a good deal on a used D7500 but the D3 peaked my interest immediately, especially like you said, for half the price too. Killer deal. I need to get my hands on the 80-200 2.8D, I remember using one a while back and it was pretty great!
I still have use and love my D3s never lets me down. The feel and look of a pro nikon is hard to beat
100% agreed! I love the pro bodies in my hand!
This is a great option in 2021. The dynamic range isn’t as good as the modern cameras, but I view that as a plus because the images come out with good contrast. And the build quality is simply amazing.
Agreed. Even for it's age, I thought the DR was better than expected too. It's crazy how good the D3 was when it was released.
You can feel the quality in the shutter compared to recent cameras..they don't build as good nowadays.
Hi, I thank you from your impressions on Nikon D3. I had a Nikon D610, excellent camera but then I took the D3 ... love at first sight. Use with Nikon 24 70 f. 2.8 and Nikon 80 200 and D F.2.8.
Made building in Japan, perfection. An enviable handle and solidity. A fantastic sensor that returns colors very similar to the rendering of the film. Images continue to amaze me every day. I found the camera definitive for me.
Thanks for sharing! Totally agree about the colors in the D3!
I bought one last year. Awesome camera. 12mp is more than enough for most applications. Just love it.
Nice! Totally agree that it's an awesome camera.
ce l'ho da sempre e ci ho lavorato per anni come professionista...nonostante le entry level, è ancora con me e non la lascerò mai. è indistruttibile
In regard to all the "is it still good in 2021" etc....if it was good at whatever year it was released than it should be good today
All these cameras that made great images than will still do it today.
Agreed!
The D series from Nikon, D3,4,5
are machines, special for fast things, that’s make them special about it!
agreed! Plus, I love how they're built too!
@@BoostLeekdMedia yes that’s why they are machine’s “full body”
Love to see that you are enjoying it!
I've watched this video about 5 times because I'm so exited managed to get my d3 with 38,000 shutter actuation for £440 so exited 😍
Nice!! Thanks for watching! Enjoy your D3! I loooove using mine :D
@@BoostLeekdMedia are you able to make a video on working the settings as there is nothing on RUclips thankyou for your reply
For me, a seller camera, a amateur photographer. I have ever used the Nikon d800, d810, d600, d610. Finally, the nikon d3x is alway on my bag. I like it. Many great photos was taken with it. Landscape, portrait...
Thanks for sharing!
My old friend D3 is a superb camera. The last couple of years, i didn´t shoot her much - maybe twice a year but it allready has a great performance. It is my 2nd backup-camera to my D4 and Z6. Last October i filmed a concert with booth cameras and took some low-light-shoots with the D3 during the gig. It´s an amazing camera despite of it´s age and had no problems to go up to 3.200 for clear and sharp pictures. Best greetings from Vienna/ Austria
Whoa! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the D3. It's such a beast for it's age!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Yeah, for sure. I love her :-)
I love my D3 in a studio situation. The built in PC socket is a feature I use all the time.
Still got my D3 and a D750. The D3 is still lightning fast and I am also enjoying the fat sound of the shutter....it sounds like an SLR is supposed to sound for me. And its low light capabilities are still state of the art. Will not let it go....
Nice! I don't think I'll let mine go anytime soon. The D3 just feels super nice in the hands.
D3 was the beginning of Nikon DSLR Flagship and now it hsa become a legend
100% agreed. Thanks for sharing! :D
Well said. The D3 is the FX, strong and well built Nikon, for photography with all the Nikon lenses range adaptable. He does every thing well, fast with reliability. The picture can be used in magazine and at a poster size. Use Tiff folders who are 36 Mo each. Not sure that Raw folder will open always in the app. Cropping forbidden of course : so only for photographer who know how to shoot at first. I love it.
Thanks! Agreed 100% with what you said :D
Quality never goes out of style!
Bought a second hand D3 last week, could not figure out how to put live view on, thank you to you I know now. It feels a fantastic now vintage camera that has come to a good home and will be looked after for sure. A great second camera to my nikon D 7100 😊📸
Glad I could help! Nice combo with your D7100!
@@BoostLeekdMediaThank you, definitely a nice double act 😊📷
Still shooting my D3s its doing fine. Not really thought about needing to upgrade.
Bought my D3 earlier this month. I got it because it is a beautiful camera with 87 K on the shutter and built like a tank. The price I paid was half the price of a new Nikon DX camera but with a better battery and a built in motor drive. I've already put a thousand shots in bitter cold weather without a problem (especially in low light).
Whoa, nice! 87K shutters is pretty low too! Good to know it can handle the cold. I haven't brought mine out in the freezing temps yet. Glad to know yours is holding up 👍
Ais 28mm, 50mm and 105mm, 💕
AF D 24mm, 35mm and 85mm, 💕
I love my Nikon D3, it have 29,000 shots, it's how new!, 💕
I have a D3s
I shoot street photography in NYC with it and it’s an incredible performer.
The D3s was released in October of 2009 so it’s a couple of years newer than the original D3.
I also have a D700 with battery grip and have shot paid events with it.
I’m almost strictly street photography and own quite a few cameras including an original Sony RX1 with the optional EVF and a Fujifilm XH1,
X-Pro 1, XT1 and X100s
The camera I reach for for street photography the most out of those cameras is my D3s.
I love how it feels.
Just about ready to pull the trigger on a D4s but am keeping my D3s.
A beautiful and timeless piece of art.
100% agreed. It's crazy to see how much a well-used D3s goes for now compared to just 5-7 years ago. I need to get my hands on the D3s and D3X! But then again, if a D4 comes for a good deal, it'd be a tough decision too!
Thank you for a great video review of the Nikon D3 it's nice to know that so many people out there really appreciate this brilliant camera, thank's again. Stay safe.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!
The thing I love about the Nikon D3 is that the battery lasts forever. I can leave it in my bag and know it's gonna be ready to go when I need it.
Totally agree. Thanks for sharing. Glad to know another D3 is still being used!
@@BoostLeekdMedia I charge my battery maybe once a year. It's honestly Crazy how good it is. Plus it doubles as a personal defense weapon if needed, lol.
I still loving my d3s very much
Using it for portrait and event
My sony a7r2 for oversea usage
Nice!! Would love to get my hands on the D3s! Good to know you're still using it!
I just bought one today 30k shutter count and I love it
Whoa, low shutters too! Nice purchase!
It took excellent pictures in 2007. Still takes excellent pictures.
Doesn't matter that much what camera you have, if you aren't a decent photographer.
D3 is an awesome camera. A true photographers camera.
Hope it is, just purchased mint condition D3, loved the feel of the camera in the hands and that it did not need a battery pack. Already have a couple of D800's and a D850 for pro use so this baby is for personal stuff! If it was pro camera then it is still a pro camera now.
I shot my 9 year old grand sons football game with my 15 year old D3 and 70-200 2.8 lens two days ago. Had to crop way in for th farther away plays but the resulting files still look amazing. I will Never sell this camera. Feels great in hand, fast focus and frame rate. Great camera for sports....STILL.
Nice! Appreciate you for sharing! I really need to try mine out for sports soon. Good to hear it still holds up! :D
I Bought My D3 In 2007 And It Still Works Like The Day I Got It . ITS A Beast 😊
whoa! That's awesome! thanks for sharing. Glad to know your D3 is still a beast!
Got a D3 thats coming in the mail on tuesday, more hyped for the D3 then my D7000
Nice!! Let me know what you think about it :D Enjoy it!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Well days in and i gotta say, big ISO improvement along with AF speed, FPS, non video (I dont need it so big plus), Bigger viewfinder. If I had to say, this older camera is better than what i had. (Obviously my own opinion for my own uses)
@@cameronadams3456 Thanks for giving an update.
@@cameronadams3456 compared to the D7000, about how much better would you say the D3 handles low light situations? I have my D7000 up for sale at the moment and have been on the lookout for a D3S but there's far less of those for sale than the D3 (some of which are at quite tempting prices, though with higher shutter counts). I don't do video so wouldn't miss that functionality but ultimately I'm after something that won't get too rough when I push the ISO. The D7000 is lovely and clean during the day but at night it falls apart.
@@Willenium2k4 Week late but, i have gotten super clean images with ISO 6400, (with very little Post Production), but ive seen some nice photos taken to Hi-1. Its all about preferance. For me i wont go above 4000 unless i expect to do some quick post. 6400 to Hi-.3 is where i draw the line.
Bottom line is. Its an amazing camera and hell of a lot better in terms of lowlight vs the D7000 (I dont think its opinion anymore...seriously)
Small Edit: Id get the D3s, a bigger improvement in ISO performance vs the D3. Only reason i got the D3 vs the D3s was because with the images i was taking, i wasnt super worried about it. But now i wish i had bought it.
3:30 - Sigma F…ART … 😅 … Okay, now that I'm done laughing: After 15 years, this is 1½ _decades,_ this camera still goes for 1000.- - this tells you something. Cameras “nowadays” are made for a lot of reasons, actual photography seems to be a mere side note. The D3 laughs at this, for it is a camera to take pictures, no bullshit, no compromises. It is just as you said, if you ever held one, you know instantly: This is the real deal, this is not a bloggoscooter, this is not an unbox-reviewer or a featurette, this is a camera to take pictures. The images you get out of it are amazing. And since neither the laws of physics nor perception are going to change any time soon, these cameras will be in use likely for decades to come. Seriously.
I actually own 2 of the older versions of that camera. The H1 and the D2XS. The H1 is a sports photographer's dream, very fast, no shake. The D2XS is an upgrade to the D2X, the D2X originally had a few shortcomings and Nikon fixed those with the D2XS. I love them both and still use both of them when I need a no-nonsense workhorse to get the job done. Extreme heat and cold and blowing sand are some of the conditions they shine in. I'm currently looking for a D3X or D3XS to add to my camera arsenal. When it comes to collecting and actually using a TRUE PRO LEVEL camera, you can't go wrong with the NIKON FLAGSHIPS.
A relative had a D2x and when I had my hands on it, I HAD to get a pro body camera. Just feels super nice in the hands! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm still trying to get my hands on a the D2 bodies, haha!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Do you why the D2XS and D2X model bodies are so hard to find? Well, I used to do a lot of work with our US military families and when Gulf1 and Gulf2 photographers traveled with our troops they soon realized that other camera bodies did not hold up to the blowing desert sands (it's like powder). Since the D2X was built for NASA Space Travel the D2X bodies DID HOLD UP under the desert pressures! Wartime photographers bought them up in mass quality. Everyone was writing home and begging for their D2XS AND D2X models to be sent to them for use in the "sandbox". True enough, there now ya know😊🤗.
I got my D3 last year from 2nd hand group, it's around USD $400 in Hong Kong, condition is good, i think is around 80% New.
Nice!!
With Nikon releasing the DSLR sized mirrorless in 2020 I think with this old camera you can still intimidate normal people in the near future.
I plan on getting this or the D3s for the main purpose of shooting in a much tougher conditions like rainy days.
I bought 2 D3 one week ago at 200€. 1 with a shutter count of 250.000 and the other 309.000. That high shutter count doesn't bother me. I got them cheap and I can play with them. The shutter can break tomorrow or after 400.000-500.000 or even more. Great camera which is underrated nowadays. The colors are amazing and it is pretty good working in Lightroom with those small files of a 12 MP camera
Great find for those prices. The D3 is such a tank and I'm so glad to see the high shutter count ones still being used! Just goes to show how well built they were after all of these years! And I totally agree with you about the colors as well. I love using mine :D Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video! I'm definitely grabbing a D3 in 2022!
Have you ever replaced or repaired the shutter for it? What's your shutter count so far?
I'm a bit worried because if the shutter ends up failing, I don't think there are a lot of places that can repair d3 right now.
Let me know what you think! Thanks for the videos again.
Thanks for watching! I haven't replaced the shutter on my D3. It has a little over 154,000 shutters on it but it still works as it should. Love using mine when I can.
@@BoostLeekdMedia I was thinking of getting a used D3 with 150k sc too... would you recommend this? Owner says there is no issues, just some scratches and some loose rubber... What is the maximum shutter count that a D3 can actually do?
After seeing this video, I ordered a Nikon D3 (second hand). I can’t wait for it to arrive and I think this would be a good upgrade from my Nikon D7000 😍
Nice! Hope you enjoy it! I love how it feels in my hands!
I have a Nikon D3 with a sigma 150-600 sport for my wildlife photography and it is awesome.
I bought a Nikon D700, and well its amazing!!
Very nice!
I can’t believe the price still is pretty good for a 15 year old camera. They definitely hold there value
Thanks for this video. I had the D3 years ago and sold it and have missed it since. No other camera has ever felt like this one in my hands. I might take a look for a good used version along with the Nikon 50mm 1.8 G. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching!
I still have mine... and will never let it go. Ever.
Nice!!
I am taking a D3s used in 2022, for about 600$
Thanks for the video! I'm looking at a 3Dx for $600 with 40k clicks. I prefer the classic Bodies of the DSLR there's days. The battery life is a big factor for me
Thanks for watching! That's an awesome deal !
If buying a D3 remember that many had Press and other pro use and were hammered. Worth buying one bought by a wealthy amateur with all the packaging and supplied accessories in great cosmetic and really low shutter count. Yes they are out there but be patient.
100% agreed, they were work horses but built like a tank as well. Mine has a little over 150,000 clicks on it and it still shows no signs of wearing out.
Excellent, thanks for sharing. I'm using those older bodies much more now than I was 5 or 6 years ago. Nikon D3x also does not shoot video, btw.
You're right about the D3x not doing video. Thanks!
The D3 has been described as the best DSLR ever made. It is indestructible, a tank, a very heavy beast that can be bought very cheaply today. If you buy one know that you have in your hands one of the best, if not the best, Nikon made, regardless of age. Once you own one it's doubtful you'll want to part with it. I paid 600 dollars for mine with approx 45,000 clicks on it. For a camera that came out wit a price of 5k I'm a happy man😊
Nice! Thanks for sharing! Your D3 has pretty low shutters too.
@@BoostLeekdMedia very low. It was like new when I bought it. They're tested to 350,000 clicks I believe, so 45,000 is nothing. I've gotta say it is a big beast and I do think about getting a new, smaller dslr but the quality of the build is sooo good and the quality of the photos with a semi decent lens is good enough for my needs. At 600 dollars it was a steal! Happy shooting!
I got mine a few years ago as I started to work as a second shooter for a wedding photographer, but the batteries it came with were on their last legs. I mainly use my D700 which is also an amazing camera. I have started to invest in newer batteries for my D3 so hopefully soon I will be using it a lot more now. I love the feel if the shutter it is a machine! Good video.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences! I need to get my hands the D700. I also love the handling and feeling of the D3 but somes, a D700 would alright too. haha.
@@BoostLeekdMedia yes the only thing about the D3 is that it can get heavy, you need the right strap to be able to handle it all day. The D700 is less taxing on the body. This being said I saw a petite wedding photographer using TWO D3s's that's hardcore!
@@erichartke4331 How time changes! I can shoot with my D3 all day long even I'm an old timer and a small person. Back then over four decades ago, I shot with 2 or more SLR that was similar to the size & weight of a D3 (Nikon F2A + Motor Drive + Battery Pack) in addition to an external hammerhead flash + lead acid battery pack. 🙂
I have a d700 I love. I’ve always wanted a d3, wondering if you think it’s worth me getting one ?
@@scott-wright I have both the D3 and D700, if you want to save money buy a battery pact for d700, and the longer battery pact cover, and you have almost got a D3. Same shutter speed of 9 fps as to the D700`s 6fps, but the D3 is still the better of the two. Good Luck.
I still do have my D3 I brought in 2008 after my D1x in 2000 after long eight years … I have shot products today only in my studio … it’s great camera indeed … as I Nikon D 800 and I have fiujifim GFX 50S on top of that I have choose D3 for my today’s product catalog shoot … it’s wonderful still photography cameras in 2021 also …
Whoa! Nice! Good to know another D3 is still being used. Thanks for sharing!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Not only being use but, I am shooting assignments also for my client just because of appropriate numbers of pixels and great compression of pixels pitch provided wonderful images … I understand there are photographer who sale pixels and other sale images ….
2023 and I still shoot w/ my D3 all the time.
Nice!! Thanks for sharing! I'm still using mine as much as I can :)
I use D3x Since 2007..thats awesome mate, ... sure !, for 2021 , in case you keen to use as webcam you may install Sparko Cam .mate..
Thanks for the info!
I added you into my Nikon D3S playlist. Good Video.
Appreciate it! Thanks!!
I bought one yesterday, based on your video.
Great to hear! Enjoy it!
Bought a D3 for $250 this yr that had 22k clicks with only one card slot working and found out that my auto focus lenses would drain the battery if I didn't remove lens after turning camera off...other than that it took great pics but was a pain. It made me look until I found a D700 with only 2k shutter count for only a hundred more than what I paid for the D3. Picked up a used battery grip and was able to use the D3 battery for my D700 along with the reg battery, gets me about 9FPS and is my favorite camera. I shoot as a second shooter part time for my wife's biz doing wedding, event & portrait. I still use (2) 610's and wife uses (2) D750's plus a D810. Really thought we were going to pull the trigger on getting the Z6II for her and the Z5 for me this year but gonna wait. I've got a lot of Nikon legacy Glass but one of my favorites is the Tamron 45mm that's on the D700 right now. How are you liking the 35mm 1.4? I want the Tamron 35 1.4 but figure I'm good with the 45, my wife uses my manual 28mm AIS 2.8 on the dance floor at weddings...drives me nuts but she grew up with film and can work a manual lens like nobody's business. Love the new tech but when something works it works and my wife taught me to shoot in manual which I thought was stupid but it's made it more an art than just a click of a button. Enjoyed the vid, didn't mean to be long winded. I also like shooting video and thought about the Z6 or Z6II for myself to do more hybrid shooting at weddings. I do a lot of behind the scene and B-roll stuff with go-pro and canon m-50 for wife's channels. Thanks again.
The Sigma 35 1.4 is incredible. I really like the 35mm focal length. It's sharp wide open and the AF on it is quite fast. I can see why a lot of photographers praise the 35mm 1.4 ART. Right now, it's either the 35 or the Tamron 45 that's just on my D3. I feel like the Tamron is too close to the 50mm focal length but it's definitely MUCH sharper than the Nikon 50mm 1.8G, and even sharper than the 50mm 1.4G too (at wide open aperture). Between the 2 lenses, I guess it just really depends on your style of photography but man, it would be hard to choose between both, haha.
And wow! Shooting with a manual focus lens during a wedding IS intense! But she definitely has her shots down because I could not handle doing manual focus during an event like that. I totally agree that it definitely takes 'more' of the photography process than 'spraying & praying' to get those good shots.
Right now, the Z6II seems to be a much better performer than the Z6. I love my Z6 but the Z6II is what the Z6 should have been. If you're on a budget, the Z6 is perfectly fine. I've used mine for 3 weddings in 2019 and it held up great. Still doing a bunch of videos with it too. Appreciate the feedback with your D3 and D700! You got a pretty nice deal for those cameras!!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Tamron is huge because of motor and VC compared to my fifty's and sometimes I think its slow to focus at events but I'm using D610's. I need to play around shooting at 35mm on my zooms more and compare between the focal lengths.
She uses the 28mm 2.8 AIS for the reception part like the dance floor but also for the bouquet/garter toss...I asked her the settings and she shoots at F8 aperture, focus set on infinity, shutter speed set at 1/20 second with flash set at 1/8 power with a Godox mounted on camera for flash...said uses it for pretty much whole reception without issue.
I almost bought the Z5 this year and was looking at the Z6 used but I was getting the FTZ discounted with the new Z5 for $50 which I def need...and it's got (2) card slots but Z6 had better specs especially for video. Z6II would be the way to go but I'm only second shooting and get the hand me downs...wife will get the newest first but she's in no rush with her gear she has now. That price on used Z6 or new Z5 is tempting compared to what we used to pay for a camera. Weddings were dead but have really picked up. We did a wedding where the venue included a photographer in the package and he had the latest mirrorless gear, bride said we blew his images out of the water.
Great video. I just ordered a D3 yesterday so I am quite excited to try it out when it arrives.
Nice!!! Its such a capable camera. I love having it in my hands. Hope you enjoy your D3!
My last DSLR was the D90 so I'm stuck back in the day when the D3 was the shit. I kinda want one now because its been years since I had one.
I think the D3 is still pretty under rated, especially if you're just sticking to photography. I miss my D90! I need to get my hands on one.
Ive been thinking of getting this to use with my D600 feel like they can make a great combo with the d3 having great fps for photos. I have owned the d700 before and the sensor produces amazing images unlike any modern sensor i have seen makes me miss it.
D600 and D3 combo would be excellent. Can't go wrong with having those 2 for sure!
Every time I scroll through my pic files, the D3 shots just stand out, even to people who could care less about cameras; and that's in a very large crowd of other camera bodies (film and digital) because I have GAS. I'm good for around two years in a system and then start to chase the next shiny or even classic "old" thing (Fuji, Canon, Ricoh, Bronica, Mamiya, Rollei, Nikon, Olympus), but the D3 is just not included in the culls. It's a one of a kind.
Totally agree!
On reviews the D3 is penned for sports, photojournalist, action as the camera is blisteringly responsive in so many ways....but has anyone 🤔 considered buying a D3 for its shere shutter life? The shutter blade
(When a shot is 🔥 fired) is a SAMURI sword drawn from its sheaf like a flash 'GUT SHING', and does sound like a machine 🔫 gun. Never mind a tank, it the HULK!!!
Totally agree about the sound of the shutter, haha! Thanks for sharing!
The ONLY thing the D3 lacks compared to newer models is the plus minus buttons for image preview zoom.. the push and wind to zoom is such a pain, eats up time and kills your shutter dial
Screen on mine is giving up which also sucks during a bright day but it's still an amazing camera!
Oh maaan, 100% agreed. It's insane they did that. That's D200 tech right there! Haha!
I believe it when they said this camera switched many loyal Canon users to Nikon since its release. In my opinion, the 1D Mark III left a lot to be desired especially after the AF issues that were going around that damaged their reputation before it got fixed. However, I am a 1D Mark IV owner and only wish I had a combination of a FF sensor and fast burst rate, but that’s been solved with newer, more expensive gear. Otherwise, I am not hesitant to spend my money on older, tried an true equipment. Spoiled myself a bit when I transitioned from my cheap and laughable T5i to the 1D and I won’t turn back, and I reckon anyone else in the Nikon system shouldn’t hesitate to do the same.
Totally agree. It's pretty crazy that these older Pro DSLRs still hold their ground today.
@@BoostLeekdMedia Well I recognized over the years that great cameras remain great cameras even decades after their release. Why should they become worse?
Absolutely LOVE all the D3 series. I've tried lots of later Nikons but I just don't like them as much.
I LOOOVE using mine whenever I can. Love how it feels in my hands.
I'm a wedding photographer and It is still my primary camera....It's built like a tank.
I own a Nikon D3x and a Nikon D3s both cameras both cameras are absolutely top image quality autofocus with a Nikon 105 1.4E just painting with light with the D3x. Also had a Nikon D4 and a Nikon D5 as well as a Nikon Z6 which were in no way better. The Nikon D3s is my camera for travel and motorcycle racing IDM always have it in my backpack on my motorcycle drives 297 KMH 100,000 km always with it never takes photos of what happens like on the first day in the same way as a Nikon D5, I fine-tune the image quality of the D3s D3x length improves. Especially in the dynamic range, the cameras easily beat a D5 ... D4 is not bad either, but I preferred the D3x to the D4.
Whoa, thanks for sharing! I really need to get my hands on the D3s soon. I've heard so many good things about the D3s.
Nothing tops the D3s for low light... literally shoot in pitch black! Been a night photographer for 20yrs+
Absolutely agree! I am currently touring Florida shooting Bass tournaments. The anglers gather before sunrise and into the "golden hour" for the Topwater bites. Then there's the evening tournaments that go into the late "blue hour" throughout darkness. Nothing out shines the D3s for this
just got a D3s for 300$ - looks great
NICE! That's an amazing deal for the D3s! Thank you for sharing!
I love myNikon cameras❤️
1:05 - re. feel of a pro SLR in my hand: Yes, they feels great in the hand, but not so good on the shoulder! The better thing about the pro SLRs is the viewfinder. They're ALWAYS better than the amateur ones.
4:51 - re. my thoughts on the D3 in 2020: If you need a rugged body and you have the right lenses so that 12 MP is enough, it might be a good choice. I was shopping for a FF DSLR for around $500-600. I started looking at the D700, but for only $150 more, I could get the much more modern D610, with double the resolution, two stops more dynamic range and modern SD memory.
I think the main reason to buy a D3 or D700 today is if you prefer the colors and contrast from the old sensor type. (which a lot of people do) It's also nice because since it limits us to 12 MP (which is all we need, unless we're doing ridiculous cropping) it keeps the file sizes reasonable. Even at 24 MP (which is not state-of-the-art any more) processing time is NOTICEABLY longer than 12 or 16 MP.
I almost bought the D610 when it was released but I could not handle the 'small' AF area. The AF area was a deal breaker for me. As great as the D610s were, it just didnt fit my needs.
But I 100% agree with you. It's crazy how good the D3/D700 sensors were for their time. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the D3/D700!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Did you end up with a D750 then, or you're sticking with these older pro bodies? Does the D3/D700 have a wider AF sensor array than the D610?
@@Smaug1 i ended up getting the D750 at the time. I regrettably sold the D700 to get a 70-200 2.8.
I think the D700/D3 does have a wider AF area. than thte D610.
@@BoostLeekdMedia If you rely on a wide AF area the SLRs are always a joke compared to a mirrorless body with an evf. The finders of the D750 and D610 are a joke compared to the pro bodies. Once your eyes are used to real viewfinders you don’t want to go back.
Love my D3.Use it for sports.Great camera.Sadly now i have a 70-200 f2.8 lens stuck on it which is a pain
Ah, hopefully you can get it out. But at least you have a 70-200 2.8! Thats an awesome lens.
Dont perpetuate the misinformation about d lenses, d has nothing to do with autofocus its about sending distance info to the camera. You should have said it can use older AF lenses and the newer af-s or af-p lenses. Most d lenses are AF, but there are a handful of them that are af-s, whivh means they work with newer cameras like the 3x00, 5x00 and Z cameras (with the ftz). Overall good vid though man, thanks!
Dope vid! I recently picked up a D3s in mint condition w/ 1,900 shutter actuations for 1k!
Nice grab!! That's super low shutter for a D3s too!
@@BoostLeekdMedia Yeah, it was either that or a really worn D3 w/ 76K shots and half the price. Thanks for your vid, I really love the quality of the camera.