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D2x vs D3/D3s Image Quality for Landscape shooter

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bills_pix

bills_pix

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90% of what I shoot is landscapes and my D2x is on a tripod almost all the time.

What I am wondering is if the D3/D3s will give me any better image quality at ISO 100. Right now I can print 13x19 landscapes from my D2x files (ISO 100, mirror lock up, solid Gitzo tripod) and they are very sharp.

So, would I get better IQ with the D3s or just better low light capability at the higher ISO's?

Thanks for your input.

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
 
bills_pix said:
90% of what I shoot is landscapes and my D2x is on a tripod almost all the time.

What I am wondering is if the D3/D3s will give me any better image quality at ISO 100. Right now I can print 13x19 landscapes from my D2x files (ISO 100, mirror lock up, solid Gitzo tripod) and they are very sharp.
Click to expand...
Like you, I've always obtained excellent detail results from the D2x at ISO 100. One point I would like to make up front about the D3, is that the base ISO is actually 200, and when you set it to "ISO 100" (L 1.0), it is really just overexposing at ISO 200, which means your highlight room decreases by one stop.

The coarser sensor pitch of the D3 makes it less demanding of optics through the center of the frame, but then the larger sensor puts higher demands on the optics in the corners. So, it depends on which lens you are using, your subject, and how important corner IQ is to you.

In the end, probably you are the only one who can answer your question for your own equipment and style of working. I would suggest renting a D3 to try out for yourself; advice from others may end up only adding confusion to your decision.
 
Probably not much.

Here's a test of the D3/D300/D90/D200 that KR did:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d90/sharpness-comparison.htm

(The D200 and the D2x IQ are similar enough that you can just pretend the D200 image is what your D2x would do)

Little more saturation on the newer bodies. Otherwise no difference.
 
I think the D3/D700 produces ever-so-slightly better saturated color and less noise in DEEP shadows and with VERY dark colors - at ISO 200. I owned both for some time. The problem is to have great glass for both. However, I doubt the average landscape photographer could ever see the difference unless under very specific conditions. Enjoy what you have.
--
Steve Bingham
http://www.dustylens.com
http://www.ghost-town-photography.com
 
Personally a D2X with 100 ISO and D3 with 200 ISO, in normal light conditions for landscape I don't see any real difference, as far as you don't need to raise shadow light during post-processing. On D2X you will get then more noise than on a D3, which is of course an expected point. D3 can also sometimes show more details in highlights. But D2X is still a very good camera at 100 ISO, IMHO.
 
the d2x not because image quality is better, but because you already have it and therefor it will be a ton cheaper allowing you to spend money on high-end glass, a tripod, a macbook...whatever you want. on the other hand, if money is no object, you may make a different decision.

i haven't worked as much with d3/d700 files as many on this forum, but those i have have not surpassed what i get from my d2x. in many cases i have liked the look of my d2x files better...better sharpness and clarity, but that may very well come down to my lack of experience processing d3/d700 files. one of the other posters mentioned noise in the d2x in deep shadows...this is true. the d2x is VERY sensitive to correct exposure and can produce noise in deep shadows as early as iso 200. many say that they get noise-free images from the d2x up to iso 640 but i'll admit i hesitate to even use iso 400 for landscape work. my d2x mostly sees duty in my studio so it's really not an issue for me.

the other aspect of landscape photography is getting yourself to the spot where you can take the photos...the full-frame FX cams allow you to use small wide-angle primes, something that should not be underestimated. nikon has not updated their primes in a while but some of the older ai-s lenses are superb, as are the new zeiss lenses. all things to consider...

--
dave
 
Thanks to all for the thoughtful replies. I guess I'll sit out this round of body upgrades.

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
 
Actually my wife said "buy what you want" so I guess it is in my price range. :-)

I'll reconsider it but $8000 is a lot of money for a hobby considering I just recently purchased the 300 2.8 and 24mm t/s.

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
 
A few posters mentioned how shadows are noisier in D2x. I think this is a very important point if you post process. The high iso capability of the D3 translate into great DR. You can push shadow detail immensely with the D3. You can't with the D2x. With the D3/D700 I find you can easily do with shadow/highlight or with dodge/burn what I could only do thru HDR before its advent. But if you don't do much pp then I see no point to a D3/D700.
--

There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that believe there are two kinds of people and those that don't.
 
You have been blessed with an incredible wife...
bills_pix said:
Actually my wife said "buy what you want" so I guess it is in my price range. :-)

I'll reconsider it but $8000 is a lot of money for a hobby considering I just recently purchased the 300 2.8 and 24mm t/s.

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
Click to expand...
--
'Procrastinate now, don't put it off.'

'Vista is the ME of our generation.' - John C. Dvorak

 
...can you try explaining this in a way that my wife would understand? i've failed at this so far. hahahaha...it's what i've been using to attempt to justify an upgrade to a d3. bought myself some lights instead. i'd love to see the price of used d3's drop, though i think i'm dreaming a bit...

--
dave
 
bills_pix said:
90% of what I shoot is landscapes and my D2x is on a tripod almost all the time.
Click to expand...
The D3, and even more the D3s I expect, will help in one important way. If subject motion (I'm thinking trees and leaves, for example) is an issue, you can raise the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed a stop or two higher than your D2X and achieve the same noise and dynamic range with far less motion blur.

Frank.

--
Photographs: http://www.WonderAndLight.com/portfolio/
Thoughts: http://www.WonderAndLight.com/blog/
Home: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
 
LOL
You really couldn't settle for a D700?
No loving wife would deny a D700, with some coaxing. A D3 is a tougher sell.
rinsephotographic said:
...can you try explaining this in a way that my wife would understand? i've failed at this so far. hahahaha...it's what i've been using to attempt to justify an upgrade to a d3. bought myself some lights instead. i'd love to see the price of used d3's drop, though i think i'm dreaming a bit...

--
dave
Click to expand...
--

There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that believe there are two kinds of people and those that don't.
 
What does that make a D3x?

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
 
I don't think anyone who's married has EVER bought a D3x. Fuhggedabbaadit.
bills_pix said:
What does that make a D3x?

--

'There is only one success - to be able to spend your life your own way.' -- Christopher Morley
Click to expand...
--

There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that believe there are two kinds of people and those that don't.
 
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