Bali Photographer / Thoughts and Portfolio

Following introduction of the new Nikon D700 I started seeing reviews comparing it to its big brother Nikon D3 and the legendary affordable full frame DSLR from its rival Canon EOS 5D. Lately introduced back in June 2008, the camera which is referred to be a D300 with full frame sensor is now available in stores. Current price tag is USD 2,999.99 at Ritz and GBP 1,532.45 at digitalrev.com.

Actually I do not think it as a fair apple to apple comparison. Nikon D3 is Nikon’s top-of-the-line camera for professionals whist D700 is basically an advance amateur grade D300 with full frame sensor. As of Canon 5D, whilst it features full frame digital sensor, it hit the market three years back, and obviously carrying older technology compared to Nikon D3 which is released at the end of 2007 as well as an even newer D700. Well, may be that’s not quite true, knowing that D700 is practically D3 sensor planted in D300 body, technology-wise, they are at the same generation.

However, it is actually hard to find a fair comparison as traditionally Canon and Nikon are setting their product line in slightly different level, not definite head to head. Priced at around USD 8,000.00 , Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is beyond both Nikon D700 priced at around USD 3,000.00 or even Nikon D3 priced at around USD 5,000.00. As of Canon 5D, whilst it has a full frame sensor, it carries a technology of three years back. But should people wait for the strongly rumored Canon 5D Mark II? Of course not.

Whilst it carries a rather older technology Canon 5D remains a though competitor to both new Nikons. Almost everybody agree that each of them have their own strength, and logically choice depends on specific assignment an personal preference, except for those who have irrational brand loyalty.

Nikon D3 is the only pro camera among the three, and therefore the biggest, fastest, heaviest, toughest, most expensive with the fattest and longest lasting battery. Its strength is in speed. Those who had a luxurious chance to compared between D300 and D3 said that “whilst D300 users are very proud of its speed, they will definitely change their mind once they use D3″. AF excels at the maximum possible way. Sequence of picking the right focus sensor, focus, lock, compose is no longer required. Just compose and fire. Suitable shoots are low-light, action, and sport.

D700 inherit the all the quality of D3 in a slower pace. Those who had a luxurious chance to compared between D300 and D3 said that “whilst D300 users are very proud of its speed, they will definitely change their mind once they use D3″. Its strength is skin tone. Its weakness and strength is suitable for portraiture.

Downside of 5D mostly come from older technology it carries. Slower speed, screen resolution, and to Nikon users also ergonomic, and control systems. But to many, all the pain worth its result. A professional photographer wrote in its blog “Its a pain, but the results are why you do it.”

The Canon 5D excels in image quality. It has the sharpest pictures of these three cameras. Shooting careful landscapes, the 5D can give superior image quality above anything from Nikon. The 5D is sharper than the D3. It almost looks a little over-sharpened on-screen compared to Nikon, but on 20″x30″ prints it just looks better.

I personally have my own reason of using Canon 5D: its price. It is least expensive of these cameras. 5D can give superior image quality at a bargain price.