So I have a predicament, which isn't a bad one to have I suppose. I picked up a D3s this morning and now I'm not sure which camera to keep. My main area of interest is street photography, but I do candids and some landscapes as well. The majority of my candid shots are indoors, so the D3s obviously has the advantage there. I don't print anything bigger than 8x10, so I'm not sure I need the 36mp of the D800. I do like the dynamic range of the D800 though. So I guess the question is, based one what I shoot, what would be the better camera for my needs? I'm going to do an engagement shoot for some friends on Friday, and I'll be using the D3s to see how it does.
Up to ISO 12,800 the D800 is the best overall camera for IQ. If you don't shoot above that or need the unique features of the D3s (FPS, buffer depth, integrated grip, smaller files) then the D800 is your camera.
whmeltonjr wrote:
So I have a predicament, which isn't a bad one to have I suppose. I picked up a D3s this morning and now I'm not sure which camera to keep. My main area of interest is street photography, but I do candids and some landscapes as well. The majority of my candid shots are indoors, so the D3s obviously has the advantage there. I don't print anything bigger than 8x10, so I'm not sure I need the 36mp of the D800. I do like the dynamic range of the D800 though. So I guess the question is, based one what I shoot, what would be the better camera for my needs? I'm going to do an engagement shoot for some friends on Friday, and I'll be using the D3s to see how it does. ...Show more →
Two things to consider: for street photography, the D800 is the winner. Smaller is better.
The other thing, with regarding the high ISO noise performance of each: you might find that, at the resolutions you're printing at, for practical purposes, the higher noise in the D800 files at a given ISO aren't really a factor at all.
Owned them both. Both are nice cameras. The D800 was a little too cramped for my liking and the file size slowed down my workflow, but I adjusted to these problems. You will find things you like in both cameras and you too will adjust to the camera you buy, I moved on to the D4 and I'm very happy.
Best of both worlds would be keep both cameras. Just remember, what we shoot today may not be what we shoot tomorrow. Changing photographic interest is a good way to get out of photo ruts.
Tough decision, hope you are happy with your final decision.
James R wrote:
Owned them both. Both are nice cameras. The D800 was a little too cramped for my liking and the file size slowed down my workflow, but I adjusted to these problems. You will find things you like in both cameras and you too will adjust to the camera you buy, I moved on to the D4 and I'm vary happy.
Best of both worlds would be keep both cameras. Just remember, what we shoot today may not be what we shoot tomorrow. Changing photographic interest is a good way to get out of photo ruts.
Tough decision, hope you are happy with your final decision.
I would love to own both, unfortunately that's not an option. This is just a hobby for me. The ergonomics and file size of the D3s are certainly advantageous, but I can handle the D800 in both regards.
I own both and am only letting the D3s go to upgrade to the D4. To reiterate others ... they are two different beasts. If I had to pick one it would be the D800 due to size only. It's simply easier to pack and carry, but I would miss the pro body for times when size did not matter. For street photography I would think the D800 much easier to handle.
whmeltonjr wrote:
Size is not a concern to me really.
Sell them both and get a D4 I've seen a few here for sale for some pretty cheap prices. I guess a few rich people buy and dump... I personally find the D4 if you can live with the larger body the best, D600 with 24Meg is really nice for those that need more pixels. Frankly D800 is kind of like a Suburban or M/AMG/S4 much more car/camera than 99% of people need but buy to have the best...
I had the same dilemma, ended up with a D3s. I never really understood the size argument, its not like we're carrying cinderblocks here. To me, the ergonomics and handling of the D3s/pro bodies are absolutely perfect and the best possible. I wouldn't mind using the D800, but I wish the D800 came in a pro (full size) body. Now that I've experienced it, you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming away from pro body ergonomics. I'm even willing to pay more for it.
There's just something special about the way a D3s or D4 fits in the hand. Using a gripped D800/D700/D600/etc. just isn't the same...
KibblesNbitz wrote:
I had the same dilemma, ended up with a D3s. I never really understood the size argument, its not like we're carrying cinderblocks here. To me, the ergonomics and handling of the D3s/pro bodies are absolutely perfect and the best possible. I wouldn't mind using the D800, but I wish the D800 came in a pro (full size) body. Now that I've experienced it, you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming away from pro body ergonomics. I'm even willing to pay more for it.
There's just something special about the way a D3s or D4 fits in the hand. Using a gripped D800/D700/D600/etc. just isn't the same......Show more →
there is just something special about the D800 files, the D3s and D4 just arnt the same.
Ill take image quality over slightly better ergonomics every day of the week. Ergomonics are subjective anyway and the Gripped D800 feels very similar to my D3, IQ however isnt, its plain to see.
Regarding the D800 DR. If you are at ISO 1600 or above most of the time, the D3s is the same or better (chart here, or see dxomark).
For me, I would lean towards the D800 for the body size alone (otherwise the D3s), but as yourself and others have commented that may not be a consideration depending on the photographer. So in the balance reading all your comments my vote would be the D3s.
Found the D800 hard to get used to after using my D3 for four years. However, once I adjusted to the D800 I now much prefer it over the D3 and the IQ is amazing.
My preference is to use the D800 unless the shot requires high ISO while data retention is needed in poorly lit or dark subjects. The D800 loses its resolution advantage as the details get buried in noise, and the D3s retains more usable DR at high ISO.
Someone mentioned the size advantage of the D800 for street photography. Just a guess, but I'd say that it's better because it is less conspicuous. That will depend somewhat on what lens you use.
If you use live view then I think the D800 wins because it doesn't operate the mirror so much when shooting, causing less vibration. However, if you need to underexpose for whatever reason then the D800 LV image will look darker on the screen, which is a nuisance.
I'm definitely keeping my D3s as well as the D800 but my D700 will go because it has neither the D3s advantages nor the D800 advantages. One day I night get a D5 to replace the D3s but I'll skip the D4.
Just remember, what we shoot today may not be what we shoot tomorrow. Changing photographic interest is a good way to get out of photo ruts. 
I've seen a few here for sale for some pretty cheap prices. I guess a few rich people buy and dump... I personally find the D4 if you can live with the larger body the best, D600 with 24Meg is really nice for those that need more pixels. Frankly D800 is kind of like a Suburban or M/AMG/S4 much more car/camera than 99% of people need but buy to have the best...