By Chris Martin
Chris is a professional photographer based in Southampton, UK. He runs his own business, Chris Martin Photography, offering a number of photographic services to clients in the area including wedding, press, commercial and sports photography.
Nikon D3 Review
What more can I say? My D3 captured the image that won me the 2009 MPA UK Event Photographer of the Year title!
I bought a D3 shortly after the launch and have never regretted it. It has never let me down and has been used in all sorts of weather all over Europe. It has survived at the hands of airport security and baggage handlers and just keeps on going. The build quality is second to none and the image quality is up there with the best too.
I use the D3 both outdoors at sporting events and also in the studio and it is equally at home in either situation. It has the weight to keep it steady for smooth shutter releases at slow shutter speeds and gives me a certain level of confidence in its abilities. I also like to take photos at rock concerts and the D3 has the most amazing low light performance imaginable. I believe the D3S is even better but I have not had the opportunity to test one. The D3 is the first DSLR I have owned that I haven’t had the urge to upgrade.
Other features I would be lost without are the DX crop mode for sports shooting which still produces a 7MP file and the ability to load a picture control to match the colour output to the D2X which I also own. The latter in invaluable at weddings as is the ability to save to two CF cards simultaneously giving you and instant backup.
The ergonomics and handling of the camera are very much a personal thing but for me everything falls into place nicely and the menus are intuitve. I’d say, if you get a chance to try one then do so. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Current Nikon D3 best price
