I currently have a Canon 7D Mark II camera that I use for wildlife/bird photography. It is a hobby and I am not as good as everyone on here, but I am trying to get better. I have an opportunity, from a friend who bought it new, to buy her Nikon D3 for a little bit of nothing along with multiple lenses. I know the D3 is older and that is fine, but I have always thought it would be interesting to “play” around with the Nikon brand. I know I would not be comparing apples to apples but thought it would be an entry into the Nikon world. Any thoughts on this particular camera even though it is older? Am I crazy to be dabbling with two different brands? Like I said, I like wildlife/bird photography if this helps with information. Thank you kindly for any thoughts.
Dabbling is great! Don’t be surprised if you’re frustrated by the different button/dial layout though!
Especially with wildlife and moving targets where your speed to get the image matters, that’s going to be a struggle.
On the other hand, you might find something you love about that system.
No harm exploring, and it sounds like you’ve got a chance to do it without a huge investment.
I dont know anything about the D3 though sorry. Do the lenses provide something “new” for you?
Yea Matt, I figured there would be a learning curve, so I am fine with that. I am not sure which lenses she has yet, but she said she has a number of them so am excited to see which ones.
Thanks for your input even though you aren’t familiar with that particular camera. I think I will take the leap and have fun learning something new.
The D3 was a great body. Although the MP is “low” compared to modern standards, what you get is (what I like to call) “fat” pixels. That sensor will do a great job in low-light situations, possibly surpassing some modern sensors. The body will be a tank compared to 7D, but I think you might get spoiled by full frame. Beware.
Thanks Gary for the information. That is funny about “beware” of getting spoiled with full frame. That is partly why I was interested when my friend offered it…the full frame comparison. I did notice that the body was very large and weighed more. I will know tomorrow what she is asking for it with all the lenses included and make my decision then. Again, thank you very much for your input.