Nikon D3 First Impressions

This is a quick review of the Nikon D3, the first full-frame Nikon DSLR,* from the point of an amateur/hobbyist. The D3 has been around since 2007, but at around $5,000, was priced beyond the reach of most amateurs.  With the introduction of the latest generation of Nikon full-frame DSLRs, the D3 has for the first time come within reach of a greater number of hobbyists.

*Not counting the Kodak DCS-14n, which is technically the first full frame DSLR with a Nikon F-mount. :)

Full Frame DSLR FAQ

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but I'm still with the dark side :)

With the release of the Canon 5D Mk III, Nikon D4, and Nikon D800, previous generation full-frame DSLRs have become available at a significant discount, putting them within the reach of photographers considering high-end crop sensor DSLRs.  Should you make the move?

This FAQ discusses the differences between full-frame DSLRs and "crop sensor" DSLRs.  It is divided into two sections: Basic and Intermediate.

Canon 5D Mark II: First Impressions

That's me, with the 5D Mark II and the 50mm f/1.4 wide open

I finally did it, I went crazy and switched to full frame, it has been going through my mind for a long time now, maybe for more than 9 months now, so how do I feel about my first full frame camera? Hit the jump to find out.

Portrait On a Crop Sensor: 35mm vs 50mm

NON SUBJECT RELATED INTRO:

Before I begin I'd like to apologize about my lack of contribution lately, but after I thought my schedule was stable once again after my return trip from Malaysia, it got unsettled again and we have a very long vacation here (almost 10 days), and I will be traveling to the red sea and taking tons of pictures there.

I already have a long queue of new equipment that I want to talk about and I promise you I will do, so today's post will be a quickie.

THE REAL POST:

While in Kuala Lumpur I went to a nice camera shop where I had the opportunity to try the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens, and since there was only me and the shop owner inside I took a quick available light portrait of him using the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and the Canon 35mm f/2 that I had with me at the time.

I didn't move back or move my subject between the shots, and I shot both lenses wide open, and the Sigma nailed the focus perfectly. You can see in the pictures below the difference in DoF (I calculated it and the DoF for the Sigma at this distance was like 5 cm, while it was 14cm for the 35mm) and how tight the 50mm is (look at the objects in the background). You can also see the effect of the different focal length on his face, I will leave you to observe both pictures for yourself, but it is obvious that longer focal length results in more pleasant portraits.

P.S. The 35mm equivalent focal length for both of these lenses are 56mm and 80mm.

Canon 35mm f/2 @ f/2

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4