Rex Photography

Is the Nikon D3 good for basic photography or just sports?

I'm shooting with a D80 right now and I understand the leap that is the D3. However, I want to shoot full-frame images and this is really my only option. I've been told by some photographers that the D3 is just a sports camera and will be useless for studio /outdoor artistic shots. What do you guys say?

Public Comments

1. Any DSLR is good for basic photography including the D3. Where the D3 scores for sports is the fast frame rate in continuous shooting, but as most sports photographers I know 'wait for the moment' that is not as useful as it might seem. The real beauty of the D3 spec is in the sensors low noise and wide tonal range which makes it perfect for any kind of photography. Chris
2. I think the D3 is probably the best camera that Nikon makes at this time, and it is good for everything. It has plenty of resolution for studio and artistic shots, and the reviews that I have read on this camera have all been great. I use a D300 as an all around camera in my studio and it handles everything great, and the D3 is supposed to be a step up from the D300.
3. D3 is full frame - full frame is better for everything. a
4. Have you seen Popular Photography's test on this camera? http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/5047/camera-test-nikon-d3.html
5. Huh? Why would someone say such rubbish to you? Get some new friends. If the D3 is good for sports then it is very good for everything else.
6. That's ridiculous, the D3 can be used for whatever you want it for. Just choose the lens that fits what you are shooting and you are good to go.
7. The D3 is simply the best pro digital camera Nikon ever made. dpreview.com said, "possibly the most compelling, capable and well-rounded professional digital SLR ever made." It even has a mode to create a 4:5 image ratio to mimic medium format cameras. This was done with the studio photographer in mind.