Starting again; 1D4 vs. D3s

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martyp

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Marty
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Previously I had a 1D3, 24-105L f/4, 70-200 f/2.8 and 35 f/2. Basically just looking to get back to that again in the next few months.

I loved the 1D3 but since I'm able to start from scratch I want to get the best option possible so looking at the Canon 1D4 and Nikon D3s.

I know the 1DX and D4 are coming out soon but at £5,300 & £4,800, I could get a 1D4 or D3s w/24-70 for a tad less!

Now, I shoot a little bit of everything; landscapes, portraits, pets, events, sports and cars and both of these cameras will be perfect for that really.


Just looking at the pros and cons of each including glass, I made a little list and the Nikon D3s is coming out on top. Mainly for the FX sensor, cleaner high ISO performance and ergonomics.


Just one niggle I have is it feels silly to get a D3s just as the D4 is going to take over it. On the flip side, the extra entry fee for it just isn't worth it for my needs (no interest in video, 12MP is plenty and D3s ISO is already insane) and with good used D3s' going for just under £3k grabbing a new one for a few hundred more before it disappears with a 2yr warranty is a tad more sensible long term.


So please, talk me into or away from it!! :help:

TIA
 
I'd say go for it! Just because the D4 is cresting the horizon doesn't stop the D3s being one of the finest DSLR's ever produced.
 
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Looks like you've made your mind up on brand. If you've got the dosh and it's what you want go for it. TBH, you can't go much wrong with either brand IMHO.
 
I'm not totally discounting the Canon either though, just a shame I need the 17-40 for getting the most from landscapes - albeit only getting to 21mm. 16MP offers more cropping, I loved the 1D3 so it would be like an old glove.

I think deep down I'd probably always be craving for the 1DX - won't have that problem going with the D3s as like I said the D4 doesn't appeal that much to me.

Both of them are brilliant choices, just feel the D3s perks above the Canon in some respects...
 
Just a thought...

Have you considered a 2 body solution?

If you were happy with the 1DMkIII, you could get one of those and a 5DMkII for less than the cost of a decent nick used MkIV (ie about £2400-2500).
 
What about a 1Ds III? Full frame and the same handling as the 1DIII you had.
 
Mark; I did originally think of a two body solution (5D2 & 7D/1D3) however I prefer having just primary body. However, on the Canon side a used 5D is a excellent purchase for an excellent FF backup body.

Tobers; the 1Ds3 is more of a studio camera and the files are just quite simply huge. I am also looking to buy new, not sure if the 1Ds3 is still available but it would be around the 1DX just now anyway.

Thanks for the two suggestions though, but I think its a 1D4 or D3s choice for me.
 
You can get a good Nikon D3s for £2500 off a certain auction website.The prices have dropped since the announcement of the D4 (which does not seem that much of an improvement).
 
martyp said:
with good used D3s' going for just under £3k grabbing a new one for a few hundred more before it disappears with a 2yr warranty is a tad more sensible long term.
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Indeed it is - £3289 new is the lowest I've found and that does seem good compared to the extra couple of grand for an 'iffy' (IMO) D4.
 
Calumet are selling of their remaining stock of D3s for 3100 - think they may well be ex demo though......But very clean and low ish shutter count with a 2 year warranty...may be worth a call...
 
Well, the D3s was the choice.

Got everything all together yesterday. D3s (from Wilkinson Cameras), 24-70 (from Jessops, with free lens cleaning stuff) and two 8Gb SanDisk 400x CFs (from Amazon).

IMG_0002.jpg


Absolutely over the moon with it, although no idea on how to use it - way different from Canon menus! Just need a half decent bag now. Then next on the list is a 50 1.4 and the 70-200... :naughty:

Thanks again for the input guys! :thumbs:
 
martyp said:
although no idea on how to use it
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It will be fine once you have worked out where to put the film .... :D

Nice bit of kit :thumbs:

May be worth having a look at Ken Rockwells guide on the D3, whilst I would not advocate some of the "Vivid" settings he likes, he does a good job of explaining where things are in the menu, and what they actually do. LINK
 
Thanks Jim, I shall!

Martyn, I managed to squeeze a cut section of film in front of the sensor, but the photos come out black? :D Can't say I'm a fan of KR but that guide was pretty helpful, specifically the plain english custom function explainations!

Lol, thankfully not!! I am tempted just to throw a 70-200 on it but so far resisting! :D
 
martyp said:
Can't say I'm a fan of KR but that guide was pretty helpful, specifically the plain english custom function explainations!
Click to expand...

Taken with a pinch of salt he is fine, he does a good job of putting stuff into plain English ... his guide on Nikon off camera flash control is first class, and puts the instruction book to shame.
 
martyp said:
Well, the D3s was the choice.

Got everything all together yesterday. D3s (from Wilkinson Cameras), 24-70 (from Jessops, with free lens cleaning stuff) and two 8Gb SanDisk 400x CFs (from Amazon).

IMG_0002.jpg


Absolutely over the moon with it, although no idea on how to use it - way different from Canon menus! Just need a half decent bag now. Then next on the list is a 50 1.4 and the 70-200... :naughty:

Thanks again for the input guys! :thumbs:
Click to expand...


Did you buy all this new!
 
Nice one. Welcome to the dark side. You just need a plain strap to not advertise what you're carrying around your neck.
I can recommend Optek. Might be some TP ones for sale.
 
Kestral; yeah all new for full warranties - just in case!

Thanks Trevor, good to see another convert who is enjoying it. I had an Optech Pro on my 1D and a Rapid Strap 7. Might go for the RS-Sport but the Optech is a good strap...
 
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