Looking for some recommendations for a backup body for my d3, sorta low budget...
was thinking d2h maybe, any thoughts/recommendations?

any input much appreciated

I just picked up a D1X for $75... That low enough budget

d2h is excellent, you'll definetly feel the step down in image freedom, because of sensor resolution and ISO capability's but depending on what you shoot that may or may not be an issue. for around the same price the D200 is availible, only 2mp lower res, and a great low iso of 100. another note on d200- 5 fps V.s D2H's 8 and D3's 9-11, which also may effect your choice.

the fps and pro body draw me to the d2h...

ishootsports3 wrote:
the fps and pro body draw me to the d2h...

definetly, personally i don't think i'll ever buy another body that isn't pro level after useing them for awhile, even d300/700/200 W grip is still not the same. what do you mainly shoot? edit : read your user name HA!!

yep than definetly a D2h will fit your bill.

Love my D2H--they are going for 300-550 on ebay now! A steal at either end IMHO!
1200+ raw captures on an 8 Gb card too!

my thoughts is a back up body must not compromise the final product (if you are getting paid). If you personally feel the D2h is adequate for your use and you could seamlessly switch to it than it is an excellent choice...and having said all that anything is better than nothing... good luck

not getting pain a meaningful enough amount to justify more than a d2h, figure pro body feel and speed will be good in terms of going back and forth as will the similar layouts

Yeah, D2H, shoot RAW unless you're in daylight in which case JPEG will work just fine (I feel JPEG is okay till ISO400). The VF blackout time of 37ms makes it very responsive and fast (almost as fast as a D3 - though that still has the edge). Also you can share batteries between D2/D3 bodies, so I say, go for it. The D2Hs has better JPEG engine and better LCD screen, but the D2H is a steal at the used prices...

Avi B wrote:
Yeah, D2H, shoot RAW unless you're in daylight in which case JPEG will work just fine (I feel JPEG is okay till ISO400). The VF blackout time of 37ms makes it very responsive and fast (almost as fast as a D3 - though that still has the edge). Also you can share batteries between D2/D3 bodies, so I say, go for it. The D2Hs has better JPEG engine and better LCD screen, but the D2H is a steal at the used prices...


sounds good, i think ill look to pick one up
i shoot 8gb cards so it sounds like i should get a solid number of shots per card even shooting raw
do i need to be worried about the first shot thing

I got lucky on mine that it doesn't have that first shot problem. See if you can try it out first. Anyway, I think you'll love it for your needs. I'd love to see some shots when you do get it and shoot with it.

Back up? Another D3 is obvious choice. When you're being rushed your fingers already know where the buttons are. Your lenses will perform the same, also. If you're a wedding photographer that would also make doing post a bit easier as images from both bodies should be the same.


Kent in SD

I would prefer to use "2nd Body" instead of "Back up Body"..When you have D3 for your work every one understands the importance of the assignement. I wish there should be any compromise on the final result..So I would prefer to choose another D3 with same settings on both bodies..It may be hugh investment, but in log run it will serve you a lot...

Im thrilled and exceptionally lucky to have the d3, but i do not make enough from it to justify another nor can i swing one otherwise