D3 for weddings?

[todd_a]

A D3 wouldn't be considered overkill for weddings would it? I mean, I see a ton of wedding photogs on here using the D700, but I am on the verge of purchasing a lightly used D3 and I like so many things about it (dual CF cards, apparent longer life expectancy, made to be tougher, etc..). However, I do understand the D700 is lighter which would come into play with the length of a wedding/reception.

I would be coupling that with a 70-200mm f2.8 VR1, a 24-70mm f2.8, and a 50mm f1.4. Sound like a good setup?

My backup body would then be my D300, and I also have a DX 18-70mm kit lens, and a 80-200mm 2.8 AF-S (but I might be looking to sell that one).


Thoughts?

[prncfarquad]

Todd I am not personally a wedding photog but I have seen people shoot weddings with everything from consumer DSLR's to the top D3s/1DsmkIII I don't think there is such a thing as overkill. If you can use your equipment well that is all that matters.

With the higher end DSLRs you will have better quality(less noise) images with high ISO shots which knowing the places around here will benefit you.

[todd_a]

Yeah I am looking for the lower noise at higher ISO as my main reason for the upgrade to the high end full frame body. I've had some questionable noisy shots using the d300 in the dimly lit situations. It does pretty good but I am ready to be able to shoot with very minimal flash, especially during the ceremony. Ready to step things up to a higher level, so I'm taking the plunge.

[prncfarquad]

If it is anything like going from my 40D to a 1DmkIII you will not regret it at all. I love my 1DmkIII for focus speed and better ability to handle noise at high ISO.

Forgot to mention earlier it is nice to see another Tylerite on TPF don't see many of us on here.

[Ahh!]

D3 at high ISO is a good thing. Here is my latest with minimal constant light assist or none at all in a hospital setting on FB

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Buddy, that's all I'd use! Dual CF slots, monster battery life and killer performance. No one is going to remember the camera, only the images that came from it. Shoot away!

Joe

[rusty_tripod]

If I had a D3 I certainly would not worry about whether or not it would work for weddings. I would love to find out how it works.

[TheFantasticG]

A D3 is never overkill for anything.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by TheFantasticG

A D3 is never overkill for anything.

Well said.

[srwatters]

Even if a D3 was overkill, who cares.

I shoot simple portraits with a medium format 39MP system. Sure it's overkill, but what do I care

[Nikonfan]

I always have a battery grip on all of my cameras for the extra battery life. Looks just like a D3 with the grip attatched. I have seen many other photogs do the same. You should be fine.

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by todd_a

A D3 wouldn't be considered overkill for weddings would it? I mean, I see a ton of wedding photogs on here using the D700, but I am on the verge of purchasing a lightly used D3 and I like so many things about it (dual CF cards, apparent longer life expectancy, made to be tougher, etc..). However, I do understand the D700 is lighter which would come into play with the length of a wedding/reception.

I would be coupling that with a 70-200mm f2.8 VR1, a 24-70mm f2.8, and a 50mm f1.4. Sound like a good setup?

My backup body would then be my D300, and I also have a DX 18-70mm kit lens, and a 80-200mm 2.8 AF-S (but I might be looking to sell that one).


Thoughts?

Way overkill! You wouldn't bring a gun to a knife fight, would you? Get one of those Ashton Kutcher cameras! ;)

[todd_a]

lol, ok, I get it. I need one of those little pink plastic cameras a little 6 year old was aiming at me the other day. :)

Well, I'm going for it then!!!! :)

Thanks!!!

[todd_a]

Originally Posted by Ahh!

D3 at high ISO is a good thing. Here is my latest with minimal constant light assist or none at all in a hospital setting on FB

Awesome!


And sending prayers for Julie.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by Nikonfan

I always have a battery grip on all of my cameras for the extra battery life. Looks just like a D3 with the grip attached. I have seen many other photogs do the same. You should be fine.

While a D300 with a grip/battery and a D3 are technically "way different" (My way of staying out a megapickle techie diarrhea of the minutia ad nauseum) For a while I mused over replacing my D200 backup with a D300 for it's better low light handling, economy, and crop frame. Crop frames extend your lens reach without having to put on a teleconverter.

Practically, a full frame and a crop frame camera as backup or axillary body is a very economical team.

Many people successfully shot weddings with D200's only for quite a while before either the D3 or the D300 came out. In Canon, they have the same stories, just the model numbers change...

Camera Models do not "qualify you" to shoot weddings. Skill does. Equipment always have issues that need to understood so you know how to overcome or compensate for their limitations. Otherwise, I am quite sure the sales people will love you because they will see you coming with their money which is is only for a short while longer in your pocket.