I shoot sports and pet portraits. I previously owned a 1d Mark III and just recently sold it so switch to Full Frame, and my best options seem to be Nikons. I am deciding between a D3 and a D700. I have some questions:
1. Is there a huge difference between 8FPS and 9FPS? My 1d did 10, will 8 FPS seem slow to me on the D700?
2. Coming from a professional body, would the D700 feel sturdy enough for me?
3. The D3 has a 100% viewfinder as did my 1d. Is the 95% viewfinder frustrating to use if you've used 100% before?
4. What is your preference for those who have used both?
My answer is - go to your local camera shop and handle a D3 and D700. Throw a memory card in there and fire off a few rounds to see if 8fps is slow to you.
D700s are rarely in stock and D3's can't be had new anymore and none of the local places have used ones. I would obviously try and use the cameras if I had the option but I don't.
I can't compare the two. I own a D700 with a "motor" attachment and in the few times I've needed speed, it seemed adequate. The bigger issue is buffer overrun, when the computer has to catch up with processing and storage. This is especially true in RAW. In terms of ruggedness, it is sealed, similar to the D3 and feels very solid and heavy in my hands. The motor attachment actually helps me even more in terms of steadying the rig; having a vertical shutter release button on the mount is helpful as well.
I'd probably save they money and go with a D700. (I have owned a D3, and have shot with a D700) The buffer is slightly better with the D3, but not significant. Full frame, 14bit raw, you can shoot 16 frames with the D700 and 17 frames with the D3 before the buffer is full (at 8 / 9 fps) Both drop to 2fps after the buffer is full. The difference between 8 and 9fps is not significant. Although it is fun shooting in DX mode at 11fps with the D3.
Also - you will need the battery pack and an EN-EL4 battery in order to get 8fps in the D700. It doesn't work with just an extra EN-EL3 battery. (although I think I read somewhere there's a hack for that)
I don't think 95% view finder is a big issue. It gives you slightly more than you see, so if you have to you can crop a bit.
The D3 is a little smaller and lighter than the D700 with the battery pack, and it'll feel just as solid as the D3.
@sudweeks The funny thing is there is very little price difference nowadays. I can get a used D3 for $2500 whereas a new D700 + Grip + extra battery is actually almost the exact same price.
@bradleynovak - I haven't looked at prices in a while. I guess then go with the D3 and get your dual CF card slots and 11fps in DX mode. I loved my D3, it was a great camera.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Also - you will need the battery pack and an EN-EL4 battery in order to get 8fps in the D700. It doesn't work with just an extra EN-EL3 battery. (although I think I read somewhere there's a hack for that)
I don't think 95% view finder is a big issue. It gives you slightly more than you see, so if you have to you can crop a bit.
The D3 is a little smaller and lighter than the D700 with the battery pack, and it'll feel just as solid as the D3.
Hope that helps.
-Josh
Your explanations did help thank you very much.