9.30.07- 225,000 D3 Page Views and Counting!!!

Startled, flabbergasted, blown away... just a few ways to describe how I feel about the reaction to my post on my experience using the D3. When Nikon asked me to be the first wedding photographer in the world to test out their new flagship camera, the Nikon D3,  I had no idea that the interest in this camera would be this huge. Since my post last Monday, more than 190,000 people have logged on to my blog in an effort to view the first wedding photographs shot with this incredible new camera.

I wish I could reply to each one of the thousand emails and comments, but that would be impossible due to the sheer numbers, not to mention the fact that I don't speak Japanese, Chinese, Italian, or any of the other dozen languages I'd need to reply in! Your comments regarding my work are both inspiring, and humbling. I just want to sincerely thank those who took the time to communicate with me. I can tell you that the folks at the Nikon corporation are beside themselves with excitement with the release of this revolutionary technology. They're reading your comments and taking notice of everyone's reaction to this camera. There's never been a better time to be a Nikon shooter and it's exhilarating to be a Nikon spokesperson. Photoplus East in New York City is going to be an absolute blast!

For those who've asked for high resolution images, I'm sorry that I wasn't permitted to post these yet, but you can view some terrific images HERE. As you'll see, the Nikon D3's ISO performance is astonishing.

However, I'd like to point out that it's important not to let the high ISO performance completely overshadow the other incomparable features of this camera. The autofocus, metering system, auto white balance, dynamic range, and several other improvements, are all aspects that shouldn't be overlooked.

Once again, thank you to all who've taken the time to respond. I just wish I was able to speak all of the various languages! If you're looking for the original post of the wedding images, scroll down, they're still here! Hopefully, you'll continue to visit my blog on occasion to see what I've been up to! Please say hello at Photoplus East if you're there!

Comments

[Neysa Ruhl]

Hey Cliff!!! Funny thing, but I just got an email from another photographer telling me to check out these images that some guy was showing from the D3. I clicked on the link ... and HEY I KNOW THAT GUY! That's Cliff!!

I didn't realize you had a blog! I'll have to check in now and then to see how you're doing. Glad you are enjoying your new toy! That picture of you - you look like a child on Christmas morning!

I'm a little jealous, but I'm on the list for the D300! It isn't the D3, but it's better than what i have now AND it has the CMOS sensor which I've been dying to try out.

I know you are super busy. I just wanted to stop in and say hi. I hope all is well with you. One of these days when things slow down a bit, I'll have to tell you about the workshop I went to.

Neysa

[Paul Vincent]

Hello Cliff, Im Paul, wedding photographer here in the Philippines. Really jealous you got to try the D3. Hoping I could get 1 too if budget permits. Im just wondering, have you tried it with the a DX lens? Can you make a comparison image taken from a d2xs and the d3. Im also using d2xs and a 17-55mm 2.8 dx. Im just wondering how will it affect the image if the lens will be used in d3 dx mode. I really want to get one when it comes out. It just bothers me so much how the d3 will perform in dx mode. And during dx mode its only 5mp only, thats a bummer...due to my limited budget i wont be able to purchase the 17-35mm 2.8. I have asked how much this lens would cost in an official dealer here (COLUMBIA PHILIPPINES) and they said its 127,350.00 pesos or 2,550 dollars!!! Does this lens costs this much there? I think they are way overpricing the lens since they know it will be in demand once the d3 comes out.

Anyway thank for the time in reading this and hoping you could post some images of the 17-55mm 2.8 dx lens from d2xs and d3.

Happy shooting dude.

Paul Vincent

[Matthew Saville]

If Nikon is watching, allow me to put forth my genius idea: (Canon reps who may be spying, DO NOT READ THIS!)

Just the other day I was shooting with my D200 and I had an epiphany. I was changing some of the settings and I thought "ahh this is awesome, I can use both control dials to do two different things, all at once!" (for example dialing in the WB preset AND the +/- fine-tuning at the same time by turning the command and sub-command dials, respectively...)

...Then I went to change my ISO, and noticed that I only used one command dial to do this, of course. Dang, that sub-command dial is just sitting there, useless! I KNOW! IT SHOULD TURN ON AUTO-ISO! SWEET!! GENIUS!!!

Of course this would be disable-able via a custom function, so I don't go bumping the ISO to auto right as I'm getting ready to shoot nature. But it would definitely be how I set up my low-light and wedding ceremony menu banks.

At LEAST, auto-ISO should be an option for the Func. button, At the very least...

So, am I on to something big here? In my opinion, auto-ISO is going to become a bigger and bigger player in the exposure department now that with the likes of the D3 you can shoot from ISO 100-800 and barely see a difference in quality. I think it would be a shame to leave the setting access buried in a menu for too much longer!

Take care,
=Matt=

[Eric Farewell]

Matt's onto something there, that would be a great help!
I can't wait for my D3... :-D

[Eyan]

Wonder if Nikon will let you test drive the D300 next :-)

[tony]

your work is stunning, like the D3

For the love of god, please get some pics with the D300, i cannot find any and really need to know what the ISO performance is like

thanks