D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

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Archive 2008 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

allstarimaging
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p.1 #1 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

Hello,
For those of you who have both cameras or have shot with both I'd like to hear your take on image quality from ISO 100-400 with the D3 v the D300. I have the D3 and recently shot with the D300 and felt that the image quality from the D300 in the ISO 100-400 range was outstanding. I'm thinking of getting a D300 as a backup for the smaller body. Aside from the crop factor I really didn't see much of a difference between the test shots I did with the 24-70 lens from 100-400 ISO If you have both I'd like to hear your take on the two regarding IQ from 100-400 ISO.
Thank you.
Jack

Edited on Jul 12, 2008 at 12:54 AM

Jul 12, 2008 at 12:52 AM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #2 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

The difference is so negligible as to be mostly non existent at those ISO's. Your eyes were telling you the truth.

Edited on Jul 12, 2008 at 02:57 AM

Jul 12, 2008 at 02:57 AM

Chris Langer
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p.1 #3 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

This is probably why the D300 is such an amazing camera for its price. I am still astounded by its quality everyday and still can't fathom its features. I haven't used a D3 extensively but my D300 does my photography justice again and again. I couldn't be happier with such a great camera!

Chris

Jul 12, 2008 at 03:04 AM

AZRich
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p.1 #4 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

I must agree.

Two purchases I have made since 2003 that I feel I got more than my money's worth are- the D300, and my Honda Hybrid Civic.

Maybe even the quad Intel Mac I have as a close third.

Also- the D200 was in this category until the D300 came along. To me they both are/were amazing value for the money spent. The performance per penny can not be matched. Easy for me to say, I haven't shot anything else besides the D300, D200, D2x and some Fujis!

Somewhere there is a nice chart that will prove your observations accurate. I'm sure it'll get posted here.

If you fear the crop sensor may be an issue, then wait for the D700. I suspect it will be the perfect backup for the D3 as it has the identical sensor. I'm contemplating one as a shock to my system. Something to get me out shooting people and landscapes. I live in a place that has plenty of beauty for both

Rich

Jul 12, 2008 at 06:43 AM

Chris Dees
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p.1 #5 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

I find the D3 has the edge but it's very small.
You only see this pixelpeeping at 100%.
In the D3 there's some more detail in the shadows and I find the image a little more clear.
Again, the differences are very small.
I have no problem using the bodies side by side (e.g. at weddings)

Jul 12, 2008 at 09:05 AM

fkhfineart
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p.1 #6 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

if you dont modify the image (pull up shadows, or correct underexposure for example) the difference on paper is none even without noise reduction used.

Jul 12, 2008 at 09:27 AM

traveler
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p.1 #7 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

Er well.....I"m not sure I can agree with these statements. When I post processed my NEF images taken in Southern Utah (very bright conditions) indeed the D300 provided well if not near perfect exposures. However, there WAS noise in the sky (often reported) and I zapped it in NX easily and painlessly. In a few cases the shadows revealed a bit of noise but easily handled once again. The D300 has brought the ability to create a file where any noise present could be easily and nondestructively addressed. The D200....NOT. As for the differences between the D3/D700 output and the D300's is that EVEN at low iso's it not present the mid tone or sky noise the D300 DOES. It's not a big deal really. I was actually amazed that in smaller sized (below 8x10) even ISO3200 looked amazing on a D300, not so on a D200. The detail is at least retained. Noise isn't altogether absent, but it is as I said before, more easily addressed.

You certainly can't get around those large pixel wells for gathering light and minimizing noise. For many the D300 will remain a perfect solution. I've lusted over the idea of shooting more in available light, so for me the move to the D700 is a logical one. Either way the new D series cameras sure did bring some new ability to the table...

Jul 12, 2008 at 04:51 PM

cencored
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p.1 #8 · D3 v D300 ISO 100-400

That is great to hear, the D300 is up there with the best of the best and I would not want to miss it anymore.

Jul 13, 2008 at 08:57 PM

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