rbranan
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 p.1 #3 · My Canon to Nikon Heroes | |
richard
tons of stuff here about folks who switched, so you can get varied opinions. i did and here is a summary of my view on it. You can go to my website to see what type of stuff i shoot:
1) Yes, the D3 is a better camera than the MK3. It works better in low light (I shoot lots night baseball, NFL, NHL, etc). The camera really focuses and my success rate is higher. My MK3's had focus issues in certain situations that cost me images--especially on warm days shooting MLB. I just couldn't trust it. I remember reviewing images from the MK3's and seeing a good number being off or soft. Now, I am amazed that i can pull so many "as is" and transmit them quickly from the D3's. Saves tons of time on deadline.
2) Everything is 'backwards' on Nikon so I miss just being able to blindly swap lenses, knowing where the switches are etc. But you get used to it and this fades as an issue.
3) Nikon prices their long lenses REAL high. This is almost a deal breaker. If you want to buy a 400 2.8 or longer in addition to a full complement of shorter lenses, be prepared to ask the government for a bail-out loan. The Canon long glass is every bit as good and cost quite a bit less. However, Nikon does have a few amazing lenses: 200 2.0, 200-400 (below), the new 500 4.0. IF the MK3 was a great camera (it isn't), then no one would switch.
4) the 200-400 is a wonderful lenses. some argue it isn't as sharp or quick as a 400 2.8, but i disagree. if you use it for daytime events, it equals the prime. i know several guys who shot at Beijing and swear by the 200-400, even in low light venues. i really hesitated at first given that my canon 400 2.8 was my 'primary' sports lens, but have grown to really love this one--it is also much easier to carry around or take on a plane. I have shot the Nikon 400 2.8 VR and it is great too.
5) NPS is good--and don't charge like CPS is now starting to do for their different levels of service.
6) my Nikon's have been reliable. i mention this since i went through a lot of problems with the D2H which caused my switch to Canon years ago. many of my associates still refuse to shoot nikon due to all the issues they had in the past with them--but these guys are still shooting Mark 2's and did not move to the 3.
7) don't forget the D3 is full frame--so your long lenses will become 30% shorter. this is good and bad depending on what you shoot. there is a great article on sportsshooter written by one of the sports illustrated photographers where he mentions this as an advantage for his work. so if your are 'used' to shooting film and knowing how to use each optic length, you are in luck. also the 70-200 VR vignettes so keep an eye on nikon issuing a replacement.
8) good luck.
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I figured you took the frequently given advice of 'get out and shoot' a bit too literally and disappeared for weeks! 
