Have an opportunity to purchase a used D3 with 30k clicks and upgraded memory buffer
for $2200. I know the camera is in ex condition. Thoughts? Based on my research on here and ebay an excellent price but thought i would double check here as well.
I think $2200 is a premium price unless it's in mint condition and under 10k. I saw some go here for $1900 in mint condition and for $1300 in acceptable working condition.
Maybe it's just me because I own a D3, but I think that is an excellent price for a low mileage D3.
Considering the buffer upgrade and what D3s's are going for, $2200.00 would seem to me a fair price.
D3 and D800 are two different animals as far as I can tell and I wouldn't compare them pricewise.
Just shows that it pays to wait "if you can".
The D3 sold new for about $5000
I sold mine for $3000 two years ago.
If you can get really good one for under $2000 it is a really good deal.
They are built like a tank and made to last forever.
How does a D3 compare to the D700 though (iso performance-wise)? Haven't had the chance to hold one but holding a D2x in my hands felt amazing! I also have been seeing the prices on them drop close to the D700's.
2of9 wrote:
How does a D3 compare to the D700 though (iso performance-wise)? Haven't had the chance to hold one but holding a D2x in my hands felt amazing! I also have been seeing the prices on them drop close to the D700's.
ISO performance is essentially the same. Same sensor and same processing engine gives pretty much identical output. The D3 has clear edge in handling. Faster fps, shorter shutter blackout, feels much better in the hand than the D700+grip, dual CF slots, better weather-proofing. There's a lot to love about the D3, but if your looking for an edge over the D700 in ISO performance, you'll have to move up to the D3s.
ScottSchupbach wrote:
Maybe it's just me because I own a D3, but I think that is an excellent price for a low mileage D3.
Considering the buffer upgrade and what D3s's are going for, $2200.00 would seem to me a fair price.
D3 and D800 are two different animals as far as I can tell and I wouldn't compare them pricewise.
2of9 wrote:
How does a D3 compare to the D700 though (iso performance-wise)?
D700 pluses:
-Self cleaning sensor
-D3 attracts more dust
-Exactly same sensor as D3, and treats signal exactly the same
-Slightly lower cost
-LCD protective cover supplied
-Uses same battery, grip as my two D300
-Almost exactly same controls as D300
D3 pluses:
-Dual CF slots
-More ergonomic w/ built-in grip
-Longer battery life
-Faster frame rate (9fps)
-100% viewfinder
-300k rated shutter vs 150k for D700
-More better weathersealing
-Better AF in low-light
-No stupid pop-up flash. I gaffer tape mine down on the D700 because it tends to pop up at the most inopportune times.
Nikon_14 wrote:
D700 pluses:
-Self cleaning sensor
-D3 attracts more dust
-Exactly same sensor as D3, and treats signal exactly the same
-Slightly lower cost
-LCD protective cover supplied
-Uses same battery, grip as my two D300
-Almost exactly same controls as D300
D3 pluses:
-Dual CF slots
-More ergonomic w/ built-in grip
-Longer battery life
-Faster frame rate (9fps)
-100% viewfinder
-300k rated shutter vs 150k for D700
-More better weathersealing
-Better AF in low-light
-No stupid pop-up flash. I gaffer tape mine down on the D700 because it tends to pop up at the most inopportune times.
I would go for a D3 with the Buffer Upgrade over a D800 any day. BUt it depends on your usage. I am a pro and shoot everyday. Right now, my D3 has over 375k actuations and it is my "go to" camera over my D3s. The only negative, to me, is the D3 is a dust magnet (it doesn't have the self clean that the D700 does-not sure if the 800 has it)
NikonDeb wrote:
I would go for a D3 with the Buffer Upgrade over a D800 any day. BUt it depends on your usage. I am a pro and shoot everyday. Right now, my D3 has over 375k actuations and it is my "go to" camera over my D3s. The only negative, to me, is the D3 is a dust magnet (it doesn't have the self clean that the D700 does-not sure if the 800 has it)
Deb quote<<<
I had two D3 bodies one of them had the buffer upgrade and it was not faster plus I got very few extra shots.
It also had over 375k shots but only needed cleaning a few times
even when using the 80-400 (dust pump) for MotoCross.
All I can think of is that you must be letting in dust when changing lens,
and now you knock it off with in camera cleaning.
I am not knocking the D3, but I would take a D3s, D800 or D4 over it any day.. ...Show more →
Best of luck with the counter offer, I don't think it's a bad price but you might be able to do better and think 2000 would be a great deal. I just paid $1950 for a mint one with under 10k and some extras. It is an awesome camera and well worth it.
