All of you (all 4 that is ) with the exception of the photo nerd, might as well tune this one out.
As I'm sure you know from reading my previous blogs I almost sold my soul awhile ago and joined the digital world under the Canon flag. Being the shallow DOF WHORE that I am, I couldn't stand the idea of shooting on small sensor (DX in Nikonspeak) I even went so far as to build a nice Bronica 6x6 system in an exercise in financial self-mutilation. Since Nikon didn't offer any "full frame" cameras(image sensor equal in size to a frame of 35mm film) I've been rocking back in forth in the corner mumbling to myself while twitching. Finally, after blowing another ~$100 on 36 badly focused 6x6 images I had about decided that I was going to have to encase my heart in steel and buy a canon 5D.... but figured I'd wait till after the next round of body announcements from Nikon. Thank GOD! Nikon announced this week their first full frame digital SLR.
This machine (based on its spec sheet) is a great example of the quirky resourcefulness of Nikon. Nikon makes lithography equipment. This stuff is used in the chip fab plants to etch circuits in silicone. So they know how to work with chips but they don't make their own. This has put them at a slight disadvantage to Canon which fabricates their own sensors. In the case of the D3, Nikon designed the sensor and isn't saying who they farmed the fabrication out to... probably Sony.
It is as fantastic sensor... beyond fantastic.. amazing. While the universe obsesses about mega pixel count, Nikon has focused on image quality, dynamic range, and sensitivity. At 12 mega pixels and full frame this sensor has MASSIVE imaging sites (pixels) this means low noise, great shadow detail, great dynamic range and STELLAR ISO performance. This little fucker goes to ISO 25,600. Compared to your average 400 speed film, this thing will get a good capture in light only 1/24th as strong. Think: well exposed-naked girl-shots, by CANDLE LIGHT!! The 12 mega pixel resolution next to Canons 21 mega pixel, $7K, body, might seem less than cutting edge but consider this: In a printed image you need 4 times the resolution to double print size. In reality you can only print about %30 larger @ 21 mpix vs. 12. Some say that current lenses don't really resolve anything over about 16 m-pix ( in 35mm format) so at 21, you don't really capture any more detail, you just generate larger files and expose the flaws in your lens system. I don't KNOW this is true but for $2,000 and my soul I'll take it on faith.
Now all if have to is wait patiently till November, scrounge up $5K for the body, and about $5K more for a few lenses.
-J F S
for sale:
Bronica SQAI Bodies (2) $550
PS 40mm 350
PS 180mm $450
PS 50 $200
PS 80mm (2) $150
PS 150mm $150
AE finder $300
Waist Level Finder $50
Prizm Finder $100
Power Winder $250
Grip $100
Bag of ramdom shit $50
