17 Years Later! Nikon D3 DSLR Review - Still Worth It in 2024?
Is the Nikon D3 Still Good? A throwback review to a first of its kind DSLR.
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In this video, we're looking at Nikon's first full frame DSLR, the D3, 17 years after its 2007 release. While it may only have a 12 MP sensor, this old dog has a few tricks up its sleeve still. There are faster, higher resolution cameras in 2024, but the D3 is still a legend in the right hands.
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Let me know your thoughts on my #NikonD3 #NikonD3Review #NikonDSLR and feel free to share any you may have in the Comments! Until next time, Get Out & Go Shoot!
*Is the Nikon D3 DSLR still worth using in 2024? What do you think?* Drop a comment and let me know!
Recently bought one. Still works amazing. Amazing review.
Just sold my D3 and bought second D700. D3 is an amazing camera but it's big and heavy so D700 was my go to camera.
Big fan of the old cameras. People get so tied up with gear that they miss the real deal breaker when it comes to photography: knowledge....
They're big, sturdy and reliable! I'm afraid to touch some of the new ones because they feel like cheap.
Old is gold! I shoot with a D700 and it is all the camera I need. The 12MP sensor makes images look uniquely special.
So true! I have yet to shoot on the d700. I’ll need to find one.
It is funny how you say "...it will be 17 years old...", goes to show how much technology has progressed and yet people still use film cameras from the 60s and 80s and so on. I think it is still relevant, it takes pictures and damn good pictures. If it was a professional camera in 2007, it still is now and I don't see why not keep using it. I have a D700 and still use it now. Great Video.
Exactly right! Some of the most iconic images were captured with lower resolution than a smartphone camera. We can’t blame the gear for bad shots!
@@RunNGunPhoto If a good photographer with a great eye can take the best photos with a very basic camera, you just don't need the bells and whistles to make you a better photographer. It is very obvious that the camera companies need to stay in business and make profits, so the amount of money spent on marketing is amazing.
So true! This is why I love throwback reviews of older gear. It helps teach that it's not all about the most expensive newest tech, to make a great shot.
I use a 1962 Nikon F lol just picked up a second Yashicamat 124G from the early 70’s. I grab my film camera more often than my mirrorless. My Z6ii feels soulless if that makes sense.
@@Miketothek666 Fully understand you. I still use my Nikon FE with some nice BW film.
Thanks for the video! I own a D3, D3s, D3x, D4s, 3xD700, and a few others. What is the he camera that I use the most? A D3. I use it more often than all my other cameras put together. I agree with you. A D3 is a go-anywhere-do-anything camera. The best sounding DSLR ever produced. And with respect to “only” 12MP: I have several 12x17 inch prints - and they are perfectly sharp. I would not hesitate to use a D3 for anything. It is a legendary camera, and will be as relevant in the next 17 years as it is now. It can easily be my one-and-only camera for life. Cheers from Canada!
Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have an awesome collection of Nikons! I used to have a D4s as well. It was good, just not super memorable.
Why do you prefer the D3 instead of the D3s ? I know the D3x has more megapixels and lower max high iso but the D3s seems to be better "on paper" than a D3, no ?
@@delowanfocus Primarily because I have a D3, and not a D3S :) But it's because Nikon made the D700 and D3 sensor, but not the D3s/x. Those were made by Sony and the color just isn't the same as the Nikon sensor. The D3 has a very distinct look that many photographers (including myself) absolutely love.
Thank you for sharing. Very nice video with good humours. 😀love the extra clips from 8:38, it shows how much effort you'v put to make a great video, which might inspire others as well. Very well done this episode. 😃
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! I like showing a bit more of myth personality in videos, as much as possible.
I still rock my D3s, absolute beast in low light
It's surprisingly nimble in low-light for an older camera!
D3 is built like a tank for sure.
Mine has certainly taken a heavy beating over the years. Wind, Snow, Rain, Heat... Still looks like new!
@@RunNGunPhoto D 3 Is an amazing beast. Have a 810 and 750 as the three I use the most.DX Camera is the D 90 love that.
@@outfield1988 Nice! I have an 810 (recent video on it) and used to have a 750 as well!
great video you really give the good points on it kinda sold me on getting one to add to my other dslrs...ive got a d1x i bought like 9 years ago..old then but takes lovely pics i just leave a 50mm on that...bought a d800 not to long ago and a d2x off mpb....just bought a d3 waiting for it to arrive......i remember these cameras when they were new and had no hope of ever buying so now love to pick one up
That's awesome that you got a D3 as well! They were so far out of my budget when they were new as well. I don't mind the wait at all, the D3 is still awesome to me! :)
Even though I own a D4 and a D5..I still use my D3 from time to time and no one ever complains of the results...
I've shot with the D4S and the D5 as well. Fantastic cameras! I'm glad the D3 still works, and gets the job done as well!
One of my favourite cameras ever,
It's a tank for sure!
As far as "nifty-fiftys" go, nowadays you can find 1.8D or just 1.8AF lens for as low as 50 bucks in a good day, and this as absolutely awesome classic lens. I'm using D3's little brother D700, and thinking about buying a second one, while it still possible to find them in decent condition. These cameras are absolutely insane.
Nifty fifties are dirt-cheap which is awesome for photographers on a budget. And the D3 (and D700) are so cheap today too! What do you like to shoot primarily?
@@RunNGunPhoto well, when you dig into older mf-lenses they are all cheap, yet many of them still awesome :) Well I still learning, so I don't have clear favorites... Okay probably 300mm 4.5 Ai-s ED-IF paired with D700 delivers absolutely amazing outdoor portraits :) And old 50mm 1.4 Ai is really good, paired with D300 body, there is just something to this combo.
All about the image, so flattering compared to a lot of modern cameras for sure ,
Exactly, I can put these images next to any modern camera and no one can tell the difference... Many say the D3 looks better!
Excellent video every word a gem. I had 2 x D200 (not very good) At this point as a professional photographer I saw many Pros leave Nikon for Canon. Without question the D3 and D3s saved Nikons reputation. So then moved on to 2 x D3 and couple of years Later 2 D3s I still use One of my D3s which has had more hits than the Beatles with a shutter count of over 920,000. Finally 2 x D5 (my favourites) and for classical concert work 2 x Z6II. I know of a few pros who had their D3 converted to Infrared camera by removing the camera's internal IR-blocking filter and adding IR filter to capture infrared light.
Thank you for the kind words Albert! Converting the D3 to IR is a great idea! Maybe I'll try that.
I don't own a D3 but I recently picked up a D5 and I'm truly amazed with its low light capability and speed. It's a technological marvel.
The D5 is a stellar DSLR as well. I used one awhile ago in the military. It was pretty great in low light for sure! What do you primarily shoot?
@@RunNGunPhoto I have a D3 and a D5.... Love 'em both...Solid bricks of Nikon goodness....
@@steveneppler5301 That's awesome! I loved my D5 when I had it. I've actually had 2 but didn't keep them long.
My favorite camera and most used
YES! The D3 is fantastic in skilled hands! What do you like to shoot?
Your D3 is sooooooo much like new !!!! damn !!!!
Less than 30K shutter actuations! It was in great shape when I bought it, and I've taken good care of it.
I shot NIKON for 23 years...the last body I shot on was the D4s back in 2020 before moving on to CANON and the 1DXMK3. I have found myself looking at these old NIKON D bodies as of late! I THINK I will get back on with NIKON by picking up one of these old D bodies...maybe a D5 if a good deal ever comes my way! Thanks for the upload!
I reviewed a D5 back in 2017 I think... great camera body, with some decent 4K video capabilities as well! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to Subscribe.
Just got a D3S and it's a great camera.
The D3S was a great bump in Megapixels. However that came at the expense of Nikon's sensor being replaced with a Sony sensor, and the lost of the "special" D3 color science.
Great review. I picked up a D3 a few years ago for around $326 which I thought was a bargain. Shutter count was high at just over 198,000. Fairly responsive for a 2007 camera in my opinion and tough as hell.
Tough as a tank! I've put mine through a lot.
my first digital SLR was a D70!
Heck yeah! It was a solid camera. I still have mine somewhere! I need to do a photoshoot with it.
I remember when It came out and it was mind blowing camera(full frame ,51 point AF)and it felt great in hand.Back then its cost £3000 and it was way above my budget so went with D300 and loved it
Yes! It was such an huge step above the D90 I was using at the time. I also have a D300 and love it as well. I'll do a throwback review on it soon.
@@RunNGunPhoto I believe D90 came later
@12125 You're right! The D80 was released in 2006, and then the D90 in 2008... Those two cameras and that period of time just kinda blend together in my brain lol
I bought a D300 and 18-200 VR zoom for £250 a few years ago. It had less than 500 shutter count! Replaced the same combination I had from 2008 for several years and sold when I went full frame. . It’s great, still my favourite camera.
Great to hear! I have a D300 around here somewhere!
The D2H had a 4 megapixel chip, the D2X had a 12 MP Sensor.
Good to know Rick! Things always get a little confusing when Nikon adds the S or X designator and gives the camera a completely different sensor. The D2X could have just been the D3... and D3X could have been the D4... etc.
Don't have that one but the D3s and D3x. Great stuff from back then.
It will aways be a classic!
Still using mine.
Love it!
I liked this video, but am curious about a few things. Why don't you use the secondary (vertical) shutter release when the camera is turned on its side? Also, I thought it was common knowledge that the 5D2 was competing against the D700, what is the thought process behind the idea that it was actually competing against the D3? The primary competitor to the D3 would have been the 1Ds Mark III, right?
I'm personally not a fan of the vertical grip shutter release. Not ever camera has one, so it's muscle memory to use the primary.
The D3 is a beast. I have 2 D3 with high shutter count and they are working flawlessly : 311K and 251K. Even if I have today a Z6, I use them sometimes because the autofocus is so good, great image quality even with 6000 iso, great to work with 12MP raw files, work with all of my F mount lenses contrary to the Z6, the battery never dies, OVF is nice to use sometimes instead of a screen.
Wow over a million shots between the two!! 🤘🏻 that’s awesome. I love my Z6 as well. 👍
Hi there, What a wonderful video of nikon D3! I am looking to buy a camera,what would you recommend to me between a nikon d3 or a canon 5d mark ii? As you own both cameras,your recommendation will be really helpful for me. I shoot mainly outdoor and indoor portraits and do some food photography as well. Which camera is best for skin tones and rendering for portraits? Thank you very much Keep up the good content coming🙏🙏🙏
I do love the skin tones that the 5D Mark II produces. With a quality lens, I think I'd lean towards the Canon. The high megapixel count will help you as well!
@@RunNGunPhoto Thank you for your reply.I will go for canon 5d mark ii now,and may be look for canon 6d as well if i can get a good deal.I have read good review on a canon 6d as well for portraits,any experience using a canon 6d?
@@RunNGunPhoto thanks a lot again!
Yes both are great cameras!
You're welcome! :) Don't forget to Subscribe!
BTW ... there is a built in vertical grip in D3 .... reminding you as you are still shooting with the main shutter release button in the video :)
Thanks, I actually prefer the primary and use it intentionally. There's also not a secondary joystick to control focus points when using the vertical grip.
im really struggling to figure out if i want to sell my d3 to help in upgrading my gear to a sony mirrorless camera. This video makes me want to hold onto it because it was my first full frame, ugh, such a hard decision!
you won't get a ton of money for the D3, so I'd just recommend keeping it at this point. I think you'll regret selling it.
My D3 is still being used to-day, I like to get things right in camera, so it's quite low on clicks....about 20,000 the last time I checked. To me it's a legend I would never sell it, I have the original battery and a third party battery. I have always been happy with it.....
Getting the shot 99% right in camera is absolutely the way to go. With that shutter count on your D3, it has many years left to go!
Yes it is!!!
💪 Thanks for watching!
Unpopular opinion but I think the D3 (D3s specifically) produces better images than the Z9. The Z9 does seperate colors better. However image for image at proper viewing distances I find myself choosing the D3 over the Z9 in multiple comparison test which is sorta surprising. If money was no option I'd get the Z9. Funny tho, it actually weights more than both the D3 and D3s 😅 You really can just buy any pro or semi pro camera sence 2005 and you'd be good to go with some good glass and spare batteries.
Interesting... I haven't heard that opinion before. I had both the D3 and the Z8 at this portrait photoshoot. I'll have to compare the two side-by-side.
@@RunNGunPhoto I think people still need more time with the Z9. That or people really need to use the S line lenses. Someone on dpreview did a comparison of the D3s and Z9. I'll have to read through it. Someone also did a D3 vs Z9 comparison too I have yet to read. Resolution aside there's something wrong with these new cameras IQ. I wonder if full frame is maxed out and it's due to the pixels being too small.
@@dct124 Quite interesting, I haven't run into that issue yet. I've been shooting with the Z8 for a little over a month, thanks to Nikon, and will be dropping some content on it soon. I don't like talking about gear until I'm really familiar with it.
I'm in agreement with you. My D3S produces some quite smooth looking images (very little noise) and I was expecting the Z9 to be miles better still. What I actually saw was noise levels that reminded me of the struggles I used to have with DX (D7000). Very surprising and at least makes me reassured that I needn't rush to try and change systems yet.
You've all got me thinking I need to do a comparison between by Z8 and D3! Maybe even a D850?
Nikon is king in my opinion.
Definitely a strong competitor! I'm excited to see what 2024 brings!
I fully agree. I own a D700 (same sensor) and D3x but I prefer the D700 at all. Crisp an three-dimensinonal immages that others not produce.
I hear so many good reviews about the d700!
The D700 is a fantastic camera, I have 2 you should buy one.
Just bought a low shutter count D3. It’s still a beast if you know what you are doing.
Absolutely! What's the shutter count on your D3?
@@RunNGunPhoto around 13k. Still looks brand new and I paid around 400 EUR
Wow! That's fantastic! Your D3 has a long life ahead of it.
@@RunNGunPhoto let’s hope so because I love the files 🙏
@@villegas24 What do you primarily shoot with your D3?
There's nothing like it. It's the best feeling, best sounding camera machine I own. I pair mine with the 28-105mm and some old e-series lenses and it's just magic.
Yes! The clack of the shutter is an amazing sound that was lost with mirrorless.
My main Nikon is still a D2Hs with 4mp. The output at 1600iso is better than a lot of other cameras. And it has a buffer of 40 RAWs. Not a lot of cameras has a buffer this size. And the output of the LBCAST sensor is unique. But yeah, i think it's time to upgrade seeing the prices have dropped significantly. Still debating on a D700 or D3(x,s). Each have a special plus 😂.
The D700 and D3 are loved so much because Nikon made the sensor. The D3(S/X) sensors were made by Sony, and the color wasn't as nice to many people.
@@RunNGunPhoto good to know. Then it will be a dilemma between the D700 and D3. 😂 Or maybe I'll buy both... Hey they are not 5k $ anymore !!
Haha I can't even argue with that logic!
Had mine for many many years. Shutter quit on me around 1.3 million actions.
Holy cow, that's a heck of a life! I hope mine lives that long.
I have this camera and the D700. Still shoot with them. Color rendition is awesome.
It absolutely is! I heard it's because Nikon changed their color science in the following cameras.
@@RunNGunPhoto I beleive the D700 and D3 had sensors by Panasonic. Then Sony took over.
@edc5338 interesting, I wasn’t aware of that.
The D700 has the same sensor as the D3 but Nikon retweaked the 12 Mpx sensor in the D700 to give it a unique look when it came to its colour science. I never shot a D3 but nearly all shooters say the D700 has better colours than the D3. I have a D700; I'll never need to get anything else better!
@pjc3163 According to Nikon, they have identical sensors. The sensor didn’t change until the D3S and D3X when Nikon used Sony sensors.
I have a brand new D3s with only 8k on the shutter!!!
Wow! That's amazing! Where did you get that?
@@RunNGunPhoto my local camera store had been searching for me and finally got lucky. Original box, never owned.
That's awesome, I'm super jealous!
So this is why I always use Nikon D3😉
What do you photograph with your d3?
@@RunNGunPhoto Animals and portraits are the majority
Awesome! That's exactly what I use my D3 for! Dog & human portraits haha
@@RunNGunPhoto Haha, we think the same thing and use it the same way, my friend！
@@user-yx5gf1mw7l Love it!
Got mine for 400 . Just needed to fix the foggy lcd.
That's awesome! I wonder if a camera shop could do that for cheap?
The D3 will still do a great job and no doubt very robust camera from NIkon
100% It is a tank. Robust is a great word to describe the D3.
Happy broke hobbyist photographer here. My dream lineup of cameras would be a 5d classic with a nifty fifty a Nikon d3 and a d850 any lens combo. I have the 5d classic no nifty fifty yet. Have seen the d3 as low as 350 US dollars the d850 as cheap as 900 US dollars.
I have a 5D Mark II which I love as well. Paired with a 50mm prime lens, it's amazing.
@@RunNGunPhoto i had one i have a bad habit of buying a camera getting bored with it and getting rid of it for another one after watching a KZhead review. Not blaming anyone but myself.
I think we all go through that stage. The key is to find something you enjoy shooting with, and keep it for a long time haha
I see you're shooting on Fine. Switch to L, Basic, Optimal literally identical to Fine (fine does edit better). If you have about $50 bucks grab a D200 and compare it's jpeg fine to the D3 raw files you'll be surprised.
I flipped on RAW + Large JPEG Fine to throw some quick JPEGs to my model that night.
Heck yeah it is. I am going for the D3s. I am a Canon 1DX and Sony a7iii shooter. I am a systems shooter, but the D3s has my attention for its 1DX competitor. These pro bodies will shoot into the million shutter count. Insane build. Insane weight, be sure that is okay with you. 3 pounds before a lens. My Sonys keep me happy on the event shooter, I have 2 of them. The Nikon D7100, 3200,90, 200, and they were fun. The camera is you. Pro bodies mean made for the deadline, made for abuse, made for no excuses. Priced that way when new. My 1DX still rocks today. My Canon keeper. I have have history with Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic. My trick with the Sonys get a battery grip for long lenses. Make life nicer. My 1DX I use when the weather sucks, need the battery to last a year before the charge. Still can get batteries easy for it. The EF mount as the Sony E mount, and Nikon F mount, well supported by 3rd party. Yeah the D3s is my last camera for the collection if I don't do something else.
Thanks for sharing your experience and tips! The Canon 1DX is an absolute best of a camera. I actually have a Nikon D1 around here somewhere as well....
I would love a D1 just for its historical thing. May buy one broken as my convo piece on my desk. I love legacy as a collection.
I so as well. I'm not 100% sure if it works... I haven't tried it in years.
I find these "Is X still worth it in 2024" videos (not this one specifically) to be a bit comical in general... a camera can be worth it no matter how old it is as long as it does what you need it to do, and perhaps if you're not printing (large). Even an old 12 or 16MP camera is plenty if you're posting online. If we figure that a 4k display is roughly 8.3 so let's say 9MP, any camera that has at least 9MP is probably going to be fine (of course this will limit how much you can crop but if you're just posting on FB or instagram, and not really printing, then it's fine). Plus, if you don't need some of the more advanced features like AF tracking then these cameras like the D3 or the original Sony a6000 for example, can still be worth it even today. A lot of the "worth" will depend on what you need to get out of the camera. And for those who like to talk about "usability" I'd say a camera is still usable until: (a) it no longer serves your needs (you need something it' cant provide, perhaps like resolution), or (b) it stops working (as it, in broke and cannot be, or is not worth fixing).
Thanks for watching! I absolutely agree with you 100%. That's why I make these videos, to show photographers that their gear is still good, even if it's 10+ years old. Everyone thinks they need the latest and greatest camera, which isn't the case 99.99% of the time.
Of course it is, the D3 series has the best colors of all full frame nikons, the raw files look fantastic with the film like quality, almost metallic. I have been shooting with the d700 and D3 before the D4 was announced and some of my published photos were taken with them. The secret sauce didn't reach the D4, unfortunately.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Richard! I agree that the D4S I used to have didn't quite have the same feel as the D3.
I think the D3 colours are up there with the Canon 1Ds mark ii: filmic and really, really lovely.
@@The_golden_charlie I think filmic is a great word to use! The Colors from my 5D Mark II are the same style. Almost a vintage feel.
The D700 was the direct competitor to the Canon 5D series, the D3 was up against the Canon 1D Mark III. The D3/D3s is one of three integrated-grip cameras I have drooled over, along with the F5 and Z9. But for half the price, at the time the D700 made more sense for me than the D3.
I hear a lot about the D700 but haven't used it. I've shot on the D610, D750, D800, D810, D850, etc.... but no D700 unfortunately.
@@RunNGunPhoto The D700 was the "mini D3", but a little slower because they had different mechanical shutters. Operationally, it is more like the D800 than the D750.
Yeah I heard they had the same sensor! I'll try to get my hands on one... one of these days....
@@RunNGunPhoto I have a Nikon D700. While I would love to get a hold of a nice D3S I just couldn't justify the bulk for a majority of my shooting. The D700 when paired up with the MB-D10 battery grip and a Nikon EN-EL4 battery will allow the Nikon D700 to run at 8 frames per second continuous brining it within 1 fps of the D3/D3S. The colors on the D700 were also better than those of the D3/D3s.
Making great fotos does not include the very newest eqipment.
You're absolutely right! That's why I love making videos about older equipment the like Nikon D3 or the Canon 5D. It's all about what the photographer is capable of. The camera just captures the photographer's vision.
I have commented above and totally agree with you, the number one photo which has brought me my best sales several 10k's of £ was on the D3 with the sensor cropped with the size of the file 2.75 Mb!
D3s way better in Low Light. The D3s holds up to D4 and D4s.
That would make a lot of sense with the improved sensor!
i own one and bought it with just 16,000 shutters . currently it has 17,000 clicks and the image quality color , dynamic range and that retro image feel is something most achieve by adding filters but with D3 you dont need that as its fantastic and built like a tank
That's a super low shutter-count Nikon D3 -- that's awesome! It's definitely a tank! :) I hope you enjoy it.
@@RunNGunPhoto yes its like a low mileage S class Mercedes 😂
haha good analogy!
why you compare it to 5D not 1D?
Because the Canon 1D was released in 2001 and only has a 4 MP sensor.
No, dont buy no D3 in 2024, 2025 or any other year. And that goes for the D700 too.
Trying to keep them for yourself, I see.
Stocking up to buy some and resell them in 2035?
@@SkylerKing haha that's exactly what I was thinking!
@@RunNGunPhoto youd be a right pillock if you did. the dslr i would consider buying is the d850.
@castieldiallo2945 the D850 isn't exactly inexpensive. That aside, your work doesn't necessitate a D850.