Build Quality of Current Nokin Range - questionable?
Discussion
Maybe I'm a bit spoilt, in that I love my D2X and it always FEELS just right. My friend with a D200 (who has rejected D300 and 700 himself as not giving any better results - you know who I mean) doesn't know why I haven't bought a D200 and tied a brick to it to get the same effect for less money, mind!
I went into a well known chain in the UK just last week and handled a D700. I've long thought about this being my next move (my D2X was secondhand and I cannot justify the current secondhand cost of a D3, let alone new!).
Well, I'm not lusting after a new camera at all now. The model was obviously a display one, but all the plastic covering was peeled off and the thing clearly had a tired look and action about it generally and particularly buttons and switches.
But overall the feel gave me none of the quality assurance that the "Brick" does. Although my hands are not overly big, the layout just generally feels small and fiddly. If it falls apart in the store, how long will it last in the hand? I've come from a D70, and admit that I happily use the D2X in all sorts of wet/sea spray conditions that I wouldn't have offered to the D70, but F90 and F100 models in the past were always sturdy chaps.
Am I abnormal?!?
I went into a well known chain in the UK just last week and handled a D700. I've long thought about this being my next move (my D2X was secondhand and I cannot justify the current secondhand cost of a D3, let alone new!).
Well, I'm not lusting after a new camera at all now. The model was obviously a display one, but all the plastic covering was peeled off and the thing clearly had a tired look and action about it generally and particularly buttons and switches.
But overall the feel gave me none of the quality assurance that the "Brick" does. Although my hands are not overly big, the layout just generally feels small and fiddly. If it falls apart in the store, how long will it last in the hand? I've come from a D70, and admit that I happily use the D2X in all sorts of wet/sea spray conditions that I wouldn't have offered to the D70, but F90 and F100 models in the past were always sturdy chaps.
Am I abnormal?!?
Anyone desperate to get rid of a D3 can happily contact me.....
beano500 said:
who has rejected D300 and 700 himself as not giving any better results
Not strictly true Mr B; for a couple of small but vital reasons, they just didn't fit with the way I work. That's just down to me and the software I use; other than that they will of course be superior to the D200.Anyway, your comments about D700 build quality are a surprise to me. From my experience with D200s the rubber on the front of the grip comes unglued after considerable use - about 35-40,000 exposures, and so other models are probably the same. It's not a big deal, but it can ride up and brush the front command dial. A quick 1mm slice with a scalpel would solve it if it becomes a nuisance.
Try again with a newer D700 - at least, since your most recent lens was made in 1976, you won't have to worry about vignetting
evil man.I'll add this: www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-nikon-d3-digital-slr-...
And for the D2X: www.ebay.co.uk
That is your mission Flying Officer Beano
GetCarter said:
Simpo Two said:
All those in favour of Beano buying a D3 sign here:
1) Simpo2) Get
3) Ledaig
I went from a D70 to a D200 and then D3 (still got the D200 though). As far as build quality is concerned it is superb - the feel, the balance, the way the controls fall to hand it's aboslutely bang on. I've also picked up the 14-24 and 24-70 Nikons to go with it and the build quality of these is also without question.
The image quality from the D3 is right where I need it to be, and despite only having 12mp (before RobD gets here
), this camera will do all I ever need it to do. It's just so good it's so errrr oooo uurrrgghhh......anyone got a tissue?
It's also worth looking around a second hand, I picked mine up for £2250 about 18 months ago with 1000 actuations all boxed and looking like it had come straight from Nikon.
Edited by Ledaig on Wednesday 18th November 13:32
Oi you two, drool over this: http://nikonrumors.com/2009/11/18/nikon-d3s-has-a-...
I'm happy to take one of those old d3's
I'm happy to take one of those old d3's
jon- said:
Oi you two, drool over this: http://nikonrumors.com/2009/11/18/nikon-d3s-has-a-...
I'm happy to take one of those old d3's
Hey... Porn isn't allowed on PH!I'm happy to take one of those old d3's
jon- said:
GetCarter said:
Simpo Two said:
All those in favour of Beano buying a D3 sign here:
1) Simpo2) Get
3) Ledaig
4) jon
5) beano
)(Simpo - you're right, I paraphrased your experience rather poorly, but the full pcture is too difficult for my simple riteing skills!)
I don't have resource today, and the "s" version certainly looks like the ideal candidate. So it's a future aspiration at the moment.
As a simple economic exercise a £1500-1700 D700 plus a grip (so I can continue using the brilliant '4a batteries, if nothing else, but portrait orientation is important) compared to a secondhand D3 if they ever come down to £2k is a foregone conclusion.
Over its actual/projected life, the D2X (2.5 years already) is now costing under £700 per year, by next December it will be £500 per annum, and was origianlly a five year project, i.e. £350 per annum. (on that sort of measure I would see anyone serious about their Nikons "wasting" money on some of the lesser models, good as they are for the casual user.) Also next December I have the vaguest possibility of a trip to New Zealand (following humbly in the footsteps of Simpo, Don et al). The '2X was a conscious decision before three months in the States in '07 and any replacement will only be tied to any such other once-in-a-lifetime trip. I guess I am just trying to think how big the holiday budget's gonna have to be!
There's also another point. My photography has got to get better before I "outgrow" the '2X - that's the taller, practical order!
beano500 said:
Also next December I have the vaguest possibility of a trip to New Zealand (following humbly in the footsteps of Simpo, Don et al).
Well if Mrs Beano doesn't fancy it I'll carry your kit...Here's an idea for you - skydiving at Lake Taupo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usk_dAc016o&feature=re...
You go down on one 'chute, the D2X follows with another
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