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Nikon D3 First Test - Oct 10 / 2007
Results based on pre-production products that do not reflect final production quality and / or performance standards.
Below are some images created yesterday with the pre-production Nikon D3.
As the firmware is still at an early stage, I decided to leave the full quality testing & review comments for later, and concentrate on the new metering features, high ISO capability, and general image quality observations.
*General Details - All images were photographed in JPG Fine with D-Lighting enabled on Low & Sharpness on 0, using the Nikkor VR 70-200 f2.8 and the new Nikkor 14-24 f2.8 lens. Enhancements are to personal preference for added impact in presentation. Exif info has been removed by request, but exposure info provided below each image.
Downloads are full res, with no sharpening applied, converted to sRGB & saved at JPG 8 for obvious bandwidth considerations. This will give you an idea of the stunning inherent image quality available even at this pre-production stage!
* Downloads are for personal viewing only, and not for reposting or redistribution, all rights reserved.
You are welcome to post links to this page :-)
First of all, the image quality is fantastic, and my unofficial observation would say that you get two stops more dynamic range, and +5 stops extended ISO capability... 1600 ISO could easily be the "new 200", which really opens up the location possibilities!
Nikon has provided controls for D-Lighting and extended personal tonality controls, and this is easily one of the strongest features of the D3, and yet somewhat overshadowed by the discussion of the tremendous High ISO. Couple that control with the deadly accurate and intuitive metering matrix and you have a tremendous leap forward for exposing possibilities.
This is beyond zone system comparisons, custom ICC's and personal curve preferences... What this means is that you are able to produce stunning in-camera results without the need for post-processing RAW files to achieve the same look.
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Anyone shooting RAW for the "just in case..." situation, will be the biggest winners, as they can now comfortably make use of the far more effiecient JPG Fine workflow . Wedding photgraphers especially will be blown away by what this camera will allow them to achieve - intuitively, consistently and easily!
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*Enhanced Image using - Photoshop Curves
Details: ISO 250, 1/800 @ f4, Focal Length 14mm, WB Cloudy, Exp Comp: 0 - Download Original |
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Focusing is another major improvement with 51 point sensing, instant lock-on, a full range of custom style prefs, 3D subject tracking, and even the ability to customize & remember backfocus variations for individual lenses!
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Remarkable High ISO Quality needs to be seen to be truly appreciated. One of these images is at 250 ISO, the other at 6400 ISO - Can you tell the difference?
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Top Image Details: ISO 250, 1/400 @ f6.3, Focal Length 14mm, WB Cloudy, Exp Comp: 0 - Download Original
Bottom Image Details: ISO 6400, 1/8000 @ f6.3, Focal Length 14mm, WB Cloudy, Exp Comp: 0 - Download Original
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The camera handles and balances beautifully, and the menu options were easily and intuitively negotiated without any manuals! Dual Compact Flash slots give you a choice of storage and file backup options. Redesigned terminal covers & ergonomics enusre critical areas stay safe with no lost bits.
The 14-24 f2.8 is a stunning piece of glass, and when you consider that the 12-24 in DX format is the full-frame equivalent of ~ 18mm, the 14mm provides a significantly extended field of view. Chromatic Aberration was a non-issue, and only the slightest barrel distortion was visible in these pre-production models.
A must have and a fabulous opportunity for anyone doing interior imagery!
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*Enhanced Image using Photoshop Curves
Details: ISO 2000, 1/50 @ f4.5, Focal Length 14mm, WB Cloudy, Exp Comp: -.7 - Download Original |
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That's it for now... Yes I have always been Nikon biased, and yes I have always been hyper-crtitical in my expectations of performance and quality standards, and still with all that I was blown away with not only the dramatic image quality of the D3 but with the extended operating features that have now been made readily available for the users immediate benefit.
This camera is definitely the next milestone in DSLR history!
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Click Images Below to View Full Res or Download - Full Res, for personal viewing only
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Other Links:
Location Lighting Techniques - Surfer Girl Tutorial
Post Production Simple & Advanced - Using Craig's Actions
Working with Adobe Bridge and Adobe Camera Raw
Apple Aperture Review
Return to Main Tip's 'n Trix page
All Images & Text Copyright 2007 - Craig Minielly M. Photog., MPA
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