New D800 or second hand d3x?

James Clark

Senior Member
Ok so i'm looking to go full frame in the near future and have been looking about at the options around. The problem is that I have found a few relitively low shutter count D3x's about (round 35,000 shots) That are in the same price bracket as (the now reduced) D800. So which would be better to go for??
 

Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
It depends on what you want to do with it. If you are looking for higher res photos for say landscapes then I agree with FastGlass, the 800 wins hands down. If you want to shoot fast action sporting events then look into the D3x. Personally I think the D800 is a better all around choice.
 

James Clark

Senior Member
Well cheers skyLTD. I was looking for the opinion of people who have used both and not having my only useing a d3100 rammed down my neck like its a disability.
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
Ok so i'm looking to go full frame in the near future and have been looking about at the options around. The problem is that I have found a few relitively low shutter count D3x's about (round 35,000 shots) That are in the same price bracket as (the now reduced) D800. So which would be better to go for??

The high iso capability of the d3x was good during its time.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
The D3x would be a dreamboat for me - I love shooting action. Personally I have zero interest at this time in 36 MP files.

Buying a D3x would certainly lead to unacceptable lens lust - a 70-200 f2.8 VR would be mandatory.
 

James Clark

Senior Member
Actually have the cash aside for a tamron 70-200 f2.8 macro (I know it's got a longer name) also looking at getting a 24-70 f2.8 of some verity as soon as I sell or get a few more commissions. I've got 2 more in the pipe line in the next month and have sold a few of my pics that have paid for the new lens. Been doing quiet bit of dog photos and this is the reason I was wondering about by body upgrade. I don't know if the high ISO capabilitys of the d3 would be more beneficial in the long run.
 

photogramps

Senior Member
There are a few things to consider before choosing the D800, I have one and I have also had a D3 and a couple of D3S - the D800 is an ideal landscape/studio camera.

Pros:

It has a very high resolution so can provide high quality images.
Because of the large file size it is possible to crop considerably and still end up with a very good image.
The large file size allows a very large printing capability which can be useful when selling printed images, canvases etc.
Its low-light ability (ISO) is very good.
It is currently pretty latest technology.

Cons:

It demands good glass, it will show up any flaws in lenses much more so than other cameras.
Linked to the above any shortfall in technique will be exaggerated and can result in less sharp images.
The large files will make further demands on your PC and file storage, and the size or number of cards you use.
It has a low frame rate (though it can be increased slightly with a grip and crop mode).


The D3/D3S/D3X range is larger in the hand and some people like the feel and grip of the larger body - full 'Pro-spec' so a rugged option and with battery life second to none.
Of the three the D3S has the greatest low-light ability and is a superb camera with a high frame rate, both the D3 and D3S have 12MP resolution, which is in fact still brilliant for anything except perhaps very large prints - many Pros still use a D3S in preference to anything Nikon has yet tried to replace it with.
The D3X at 24MP and was again primarily designed as a studio camera so doesn't have anything like the same low-light ability of the D3S and has a lower frame rate.


I use a D4 and a D800 but if I was forced to chose between my D800 and a D3S I would take the D3S.

Much will depend on your available/intended quality lenses, your technique and most importantly what you intend to use it for.

Hope that helps :)
 
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James Clark

Senior Member
Thanks, that's the kind of answer I was looking for. I would in an idea world have both but as I'm just starting out, it's not going to happen. With what you have said, at present I feel a d3s would be a better all round option. I do take some landscape but it's not a direction I plan to head into full on. That would be more of a side line. I seam to be getting quite a lot of dog and family portraits, some of which are out door so hi ISO capability would be good to capture fast moving targets (dogs)
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Well, if it was me, I'd go for the D3x or D3s. The D800 is of course a great camera, no question...but I doubt you would really need 36MP.
 

theregsy

Senior Member
The high ISO of the D800 is better than the D3, as is the D700. Unless you are looking for Pro build quality then I would recommend the D800, apart from fps its better than the D3 in every aspect, I have shot landscapes, portraits, gigs and MotoGP with the 800 its all good. Very very good in fact, you don't need the high speed fps for any of it, the fact that you can crop a ridiculous amount out of a D800 image and still get something thats got more detail in it than a full D3 shot means a lot.
Moto GP Race-8005.jpg
 
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