Tired of waiting on a D400, D3x or D800

framer

I've been in need of a second body for some time. I've been using a D3s as my main and a D2hs as my 2nd but I just don't get the quality I want from the old D2hs. I've been waiting for a D400 for years like most of you but am getting an itch to get it replaced soon. My choices are D3, D3s, D3x, or a D800. I can get a D3 for about what I would expect a D400 to be priced new. Being I was wanting to get a bit more reach from my 400 2.8 I might step it up to the D3x or the D800. Another D3s is really not needed, a used D3x is cheaper.

I have seen some 40 x 60 inch images from a D3x that were beyond good.

No, I will not get a D7100.

Your thoughts,

framer

PB_PM

The D3x is not exactly a high ISO champ, so if you are looking for an improvement in that area, the D3 or D800 are a far better choice.

framer

I have a D3s for high ISO and speed, I'm looking at quality more that speed for that 2nd body.

Golf007sd

@framer: Hay there, I would highly recommend the D800. Mount your 400 2.8 on it and go to town.

Ironheart

D300s if you want DX. I'm thinking about grabbing a refurb from the Nikon store.

framer

D300s would be useable but I would be looking to replace it in 6 months. I want something that I will use for 5+ years.

Ironheart

I'm also getting tired of waiting for the D400, but I want to stick with DX. I figure I can sell the D300s when the D400 finally arrives. Yeah, I'll take a hit, but stil get out cheaper than a D800.

sevencrossing

I have never used a D3x
but apart for fps the D800 cannot be faulted
if you are after quality you will not regret a D800, it is gob smacking amazing

Photobug

All these great comments about the D800. But what about the slow number of frames per second and you shoot some wild life and a some birding? 4 FPS is slow when you look at what the D300 does.

PB_PM

Any of them will be, the D2Hs shoot at 8FPS, so aside from the D3, all are slower. Framer already said speed is not a requirement anyway.

kyoshinikon

U S E D D700...

ads

I got a used D3x not long ago - the picture quality is amazing. The controls of the D3x are virtually identical to the D3s which would make it completely intuitive to swap between bodies. D3x also uses the same battery as the D3s which would be very handy, especially if you travel.

The D800 is a great camera as long as you have a pc that is up to scratch - 36mp files may slow your workflow considerably otherwise.

But really both will take amazing shots, plenty of extremely happy D800 users out there - hard to go wrong either way...

catfish

D300s would be useable but I would be looking to replace it in 6 months. I want something that I will use for 5+ years.

The Nikon refurbished store has a sale on everything right now the D800 was $2159 but at the moment it shows out of stock, they do have the D300 for $950 no D300s though.

framer

I got a used D3x not long ago - the picture quality is amazing. The controls of the D3x are virtually identical to the D3s which would make it completely intuitive to swap between bodies. D3x also uses the same battery as the D3s which would be very handy, especially if you travel.

The D800 is a great camera as long as you have a pc that is up to scratch - 36mp files may slow your workflow considerably otherwise.

But really both will take amazing shots, plenty of extremely happy D800 users out there - hard to go wrong either way...

You sir make a strong case for a D3x, I had not considered the battery or the exact handling issues. I have several extra batteries and also an F6, D3s and D2hs all using compatible batteries and charger. I have a lot too consider.

framer

scoobysmak

I do see having the exact same controls and batteries being a bonus but would want the ability to shoot autofocus at f8, I would go for the D800.

TaoTeJared

D800's files are better than the D3x and is almost at the same build quality. The ability to crop with so much detail is amazing.

If you are looking at a D3, A D700 with grip is cheaper and essentially the same thing. I have the grip (D300 is the same) and have been watching the price drops to have one of these as a back up camera.

ads

You sir make a strong case for a D3x, I had not considered the battery or the exact handling issues. I have several extra batteries and also an F6, D3s and D2hs all using compatible batteries and charger. I have a lot too consider.

framer

My brother in law is a wedding photographer, he shoots a D3s for low light and a D3x for portraits etc. Hired a D800 as a possible replacement for the D3x and said that for him the ease of using 2 bodies that were identical and only needing one type of battery for events outweighed the extra megapixels (I was considering a D800 as well). He obviously does a LOT of shooting though and obviously your mileage may vary. He also mentioned the processing time as an issue, but ultimately wasn't the deal breaker.

For me I only have 1 body so the controls weren't an issue. However the cold temp ability and battery capacity of the D3 series was a definite plus. Was shooting in the Tetons in winter with my old body and batteries were only lasting about 30 mins in the cold!

Have you thought of hiring one or both for a day? Shooting them back to back may make it an easier decision...

framer

After thinking about this over the weekend I'm getting more interested in the D3x than any other body.

1- I'm upping the quality on what I have.

2- The batteries @ charger are the same. Nothing extra to carry.

3- Controls 99.5% the same between bodies.

4- The usability time frame would exceed even a D400 coming out today.

Nothing is perfect except the camera the US government bought and stuck in that Satellite.

framer

PB_PM

Seems logical if you are willing to pay the price for it, even if newer cameras are better and less expensive.

sevencrossing

in the in the UK a D3x is more than twice the price of a D800
what can you get one for, your side of the pond

framer

Used 3100 - 3300 USD

sevencrossing

not sure If you do professional work
If you do and it is a choice between new and S/H
I would go for new

nikclick

Launch of P7800 gives a clear guess that there might be a lower model than current DX line up to both D5200 & 3200. Something similar to
Canon EOS 100D but with a good EVF which could make it more compact than EOS 100D. Seeing the LV AF performance of the new Sony A3000 , I guess this new compact DSLR will be using same 20MP sensor & the D400 too will be having same 20MP sensor. I don't think Nikon will replace the current line up with EVF as beginners like to use OVF.. The question is how will they implement it ? Translucent technology ??? Any ways if successfully implemented , well have a very small DX camera. But i really wish Nikon just put this 20MP sensor on the P7800. Will wait & See

nikclick

Wildest guess : if this 20Mp sensor can AF continuous on LV , when used in D400 , it should directly compact with the current Canon 700D or the rumored 7DII

framer

Of all my equipment I bought over 40 year 80+% was used.

not sure If you do professional work
If you do and it is a choice between new and S/H
I would go for new

I don't see the relationship between buying new/used and doing professional work.

Ironheart

I think it is the ability to get a warranty on the new gear that would be attractive if you were running a business.