Nikon D3x arrived
Friday, January 2, 2009 at 01:52PM 
The joy of a child receiving an unexpected gift (a new playset)
Nikon D3x, 85mm f/1.4, 1/250 @ f/2.8, ISO 200
I have been shooting around with the D3x for the past couple of days, and there is much for me to learn about Nikon digital SLR's, for sure. As a very broad statement, the files look very similar to those from my 1DsMk3 camera bodies (I will be selling two of them if you are interested in buying one). The noise is not objectionable until you get to ISO 3200, and even then you can still work with noise reduction tools to get it back in check.
I have not had the chance to take a meaningful landscape or nature photograph yet, and I haven't had the chance to print anything off. My goal is to always be able to produce the largest prints possible, as I often sell 20x30, 24x36 and perhaps 30x45" prints. After using the Canon 1DsMkIII, the Canon 5DMkII, the Sony A900 and now the Nikon D3x, I can tell you that there is nothing to not like about any of these cameras. We all have different requirements in a camera, and budget is usually a large part of the selection of a camera. I am in the process of selling all of my Canon gear, which is freeing up some funds for me to buy exactly what I need for my camera gear. I had accumulated some lenses and other accessories from Canon that weren't used very much, and my new system is going to be lean and mean and with purpose.
I have also tried out some Sony gear lately, and there may be some Sony gear in my bag very soon, as well.
Reader Comments (5)
I see the swingset/playhouse got assembled! Enjoyed the conversation today. Looking forward to more discussions in the new year.
Great image. Very excited about the D3x -- although I'm still looking forward to the more in-depth review of the Sony A900!
Andy, I am currently torn between the Canon 5DII and the Sony a900. Its very hard to tell from the web-posted photos, but there seems to be a more filmic quality to the a900 images while the Canon seems to have a more digital look. The D3x is more pricey than I need as a serious amateur. Am I seeing things or is there a genuine IQ difference as noted?
Happy New Year!
Michael, I would think of a camera purchase as a purchase into an entire system, and the lenses, flash units and accessories should also be taken into consideration. Do you want video? Which system has the lenses that fits your shooting style today? Tomorrow? I don't think you can go wrong with either one, actually. I certainly enjoyed my time with the Sony A900, and the 5DMkII has some great features like high definition video.
Thanks Andy. Other than missing a tilt-shift lens in the Sony line-up, both systems have what I need. Michael Reichmann (my other favorite photographer's site in addition to yours) noted that you felt that there was something different about the a900 noise that rendered images more film-like. Have you seen something like this with 5dII? As an old film guy, that look is preferable for me.
Thanks and keep up the great work!