Nikon D3 (body only)

10/10 Nikon D3 - Full Featured DSLR

youdontknow90309 - 07/15/09

I have been a working "semi" professional photographer for the past five years, and began shooting seriously in 1992. I have had a healthy variety of both film and digital SLR cameras. I have used Canon, Nikon, and Minolta. I have used proprietary accessories, as well as generic. My purpose of this review is to share my opinions of the D3, without "bashing" other manufacturers, consideration of price, or how "current" the technology is considered. This camera typically appeals to photographers that need a rugged camera that is more resistant to environmental exposure, that prefer individual function buttons, or a very responsive and accurate auto- focus system. Picture quality is largely dependent on the operator of the camera. If your technique is adequate, so will be the quality of the photographs. Battery life is excellent, and exceeds expectations. The ability to control the camera's behavior is largely programable in the menu system, and it's media ports (USB, CF, etc) is more than adequate for functionality. For special needs, upgrades can be purchased to record GPS coordinates, as well as to transfer images over a wireless network as you are shooting. Most importantly, this camera "does it's job". It can perform and deliver as needed, and will not deter a photographer from an extensively creative shot. (yes - self timer, shutter curtain, etc). I have used it for portraits, weddings, sports, macro, and wildlife photography. Suffice to say, this camera does not fall short in any category. At the end of the day, the person that applies their time developing their ability (versus reading reviews, buying new equipment, etc) will have the better photographs. For those who are gear junkies, this is one seriously thrilling camera!