Say hello to the new Nikon D3S: 720P

Vincent Oliver · October 15th, 2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Davies-Patrick

or the D3s can also offer single frames from the actual video footage that can be saved as 9MP jpegs.

Not sure where you get this figure from, a frame grab from a 1280x720 clip = 2.64mb

1280x720 Frame grab of the Nikon D3s as seen on my video clip of same.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM

One online review quoted 9MP jpegs, but looking at all others they only quote the ability to extract 1280×780 JPEG basic still images from movie, and this seems more correct when I come to think of it. Sorry about that, Vincent. I've now edited the previous post.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 18th, 2009, 09:54 AM

Some mixed wedding stills & video footage taken at high ISO settings using the D3s:

Studio Impressions Blog Blog Archive New Nikon D3S sample images and video footage

Vincent Oliver · October 18th, 2009, 10:06 AM

Thanks for posting that.

The movie clip (combination of stills and video) was enough to make you feel sea-sick, if not then poking your fingers down your throat would have the same effect.

The movies I have seen elsewhere using the high ISO settings were so noisy it could have been a good substitute for real confeti.

Having said all this, the Nikon D3s higher ISO still shots I have seen are spectacular. But at £4100 I don't think I will be buying one soon.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 19th, 2009, 05:12 AM

I know what you mean about the wedding video/stills mixed clip. I thought it was badly edited, and the short footage looked to have been taken by someone more used to shooting still images than movies. Take some seasick pills, Vincent. Lol!

Regarding the actual D3s, I think that it produces the cleanest high resolution/high ISO still images of any DSLR camera, and no other camera provides the opportunity to also film at such high ISO levels without the need for extra lighting.

I'm off to France & Italy again soon to do some filming, and will be taking camcorder equipment with me for the video and SLR equipment for the stills instead of hybrid DSLRs. I might be tempted to buy a couple of D3s bodies when I return from the trip, although waiting for the D4 update due in 2010 might be the wiser option for my type of work.

Vincent Oliver · October 19th, 2009, 05:19 AM

The D3s is indeed a superb camera, although it still baffles me why Nikon didn't go the whole hog and incorporate 1920 x 1080 i&p modes.

The low light still shots Nikon showed us at the press launch were nothing short of superb. As for the movie feature, Nikon said it was an additional feature to a still camera rather than being a video camera - fair coment! I guess Canon still rules in that DSLR department.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 19th, 2009, 07:05 AM

I've heard that the next Nikon pro body has full 1080 and updates more inline with what the pro-videographer requires.

The latest D3s is targeted more for the press photographer, although the earlier D3 already has a massive following of wildlife & outdoor sports photographers, so the single fps rate and 720P was a surprise move for many of us. But in reality, 720p is enough for most present broadcast applications.

The new D3s was just a tweak of updates on the D3 with added video mode almost as an afterthought.

Hopefully the D4 will not only improve video footage over the 5D & 7D, but also provide far better built-in sound recording options than any previous DSLR.

Mint-conditioned D3 bodies sell for under £2,000 in UK, so I could buy another D3 body + 5D Mark II or D3 + 7D for the same price as a single D3s.

I don't like the thought of carrying a selection of two seperate system lenses with me though, which would completely defeat the object of trying to cut down on the bulk & weight of my expedition equipment. So a couple of D3s or D4 bodies plus bag of Nikkors is my best option.

Vincent Oliver · October 19th, 2009, 07:22 AM

Yes, I have heard allsorts of things that the next Nikon will incorporate, we will have to wait and see.

I also use the Sony EX3 and tend to use the 1280x720 mode for most of my shooting. At first I thought this format was a waste of time, but then when I started to write to SD DVDs the problem of shooting 1920x1080 came to light, i.e. downsizing to 720x576 or 720x480 for SD desn't produce nice results. If your shooting for web then the 1920x1080 is an overkill.

There are interesting times ahead, and I also like the thought of less bulky gear for in the field work. However, for studio and other less spontanious shooting the EX3 works a treat.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 19th, 2009, 11:42 AM

I had a go at the FX1 & Z1 but never tried the Sony EX3. It seems quite a popular option for many people and I've seen some superb movies produced from it.

Like you, I see the full 1080 rez as an overkill for most present day applications in my line of work, and actually still prefer to use the Canon XL2 for footage that is eventually produced as a DVD rather than down-sizing XL-H1 HDV footage.

I'm keeping a keen eye on the Blue-Ray sales and large scale production costs, but the planet seems a lot slower than predicted in taking on HD as mainstream.

Vincent Oliver · October 19th, 2009, 12:37 PM

Yes the EX3 is a superb camera and with an in-expensive adaptor you can use all your Nikon lenses on the camera. Here is a link to a short clip I did using a variety of "Older" Nikon lenses.

Sony EX3 Nikon mount

Sorry the quality is not top notch, I shot and uploaded the clip in less than two hours.

This combination would be an ideal setup for a wildlife photographer. Having said that, you can also get an adaptor to use on your Canon XL - I had one that I used on my XL1s.

The main advantage for me is that the EX3 uses solid state memory cards (SDHC) and the workflow is much faster than with tape.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 19th, 2009, 04:06 PM

Yes, I have been using Nikkors on all my Canon XL bodies for a number of years now.

Chris Hurd · October 19th, 2009, 04:26 PM

What we want to know, Tony, is... can you see all the way to China with that thing?

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 19th, 2009, 06:04 PM

I could if I bayoneted this MF Nikkor MEGA Super telephoto 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8.0 P ED IF zoom lens on it!
This "mother of all zooms" weighs 16kg!

Jerry Manco · October 20th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Jensen

Marcus,

I totally agree with your comments and I have made similar arguments many times. A DSLR sucks for video. Period.

My purpose in buying the D300s was for another reason, and now that camera is up for sale. I'll keep shooting on my D200 for the foreseeable future.

I am a stills photographer by trade now doing some video work. I just sold my HVX200P and am going to purchase a DSLR that shoots video as well. I like where we are headed and because I feel comfortable with the feel of a 35, video images will be easy and exiting to shoot. Lance Armstrong once replied 'It's not about the bike'. He could ride any bike and win the race. You dedicated video guys are so immersed in the technical end of it, you pay little attention to what your shooting.

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 20th, 2009, 03:13 PM

Jerry mentions - "...You dedicated video guys are so immersed in the technical end of it, you pay little attention to what your shooting..."

Well, knowing many who frequent this forum, my self included, who are 'dedicated video guys' with a deep and longterm knowledge of using SLRs and DSLRs at a professional level, I would have to say that your comments don't quite ring true... :)

October 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM	#32
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	One online review quoted 9MP jpegs, but looking at all others they only quote the ability to extract 1280×780 JPEG basic still images from movie, and this seems more correct when I come to think of it. Sorry about that, Vincent. I've now edited the previous post. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 18th, 2009, 09:54 AM	#33
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Some mixed wedding stills & video footage taken at high ISO settings using the D3s: Studio Impressions Blog Blog Archive New Nikon D3S sample images and video footage __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 18th, 2009, 10:06 AM	#34
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Thanks for posting that. The movie clip (combination of stills and video) was enough to make you feel sea-sick, if not then poking your fingers down your throat would have the same effect. The movies I have seen elsewhere using the high ISO settings were so noisy it could have been a good substitute for real confeti. Having said all this, the Nikon D3s higher ISO still shots I have seen are spectacular. But at £4100 I don't think I will be buying one soon. __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

October 19th, 2009, 05:12 AM	#35
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I know what you mean about the wedding video/stills mixed clip. I thought it was badly edited, and the short footage looked to have been taken by someone more used to shooting still images than movies. Take some seasick pills, Vincent. Lol! Regarding the actual D3s, I think that it produces the cleanest high resolution/high ISO still images of any DSLR camera, and no other camera provides the opportunity to also film at such high ISO levels without the need for extra lighting. I'm off to France & Italy again soon to do some filming, and will be taking camcorder equipment with me for the video and SLR equipment for the stills instead of hybrid DSLRs. I might be tempted to buy a couple of D3s bodies when I return from the trip, although waiting for the D4 update due in 2010 might be the wiser option for my type of work. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 19th, 2009, 05:19 AM	#36
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	The D3s is indeed a superb camera, although it still baffles me why Nikon didn't go the whole hog and incorporate 1920 x 1080 i&p modes. The low light still shots Nikon showed us at the press launch were nothing short of superb. As for the movie feature, Nikon said it was an additional feature to a still camera rather than being a video camera - fair coment! I guess Canon still rules in that DSLR department. __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

October 19th, 2009, 07:05 AM	#37
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I've heard that the next Nikon pro body has full 1080 and updates more inline with what the pro-videographer requires. The latest D3s is targeted more for the press photographer, although the earlier D3 already has a massive following of wildlife & outdoor sports photographers, so the single fps rate and 720P was a surprise move for many of us. But in reality, 720p is enough for most present broadcast applications. The new D3s was just a tweak of updates on the D3 with added video mode almost as an afterthought. Hopefully the D4 will not only improve video footage over the 5D & 7D, but also provide far better built-in sound recording options than any previous DSLR. Mint-conditioned D3 bodies sell for under £2,000 in UK, so I could buy another D3 body + 5D Mark II or D3 + 7D for the same price as a single D3s. I don't like the thought of carrying a selection of two seperate system lenses with me though, which would completely defeat the object of trying to cut down on the bulk & weight of my expedition equipment. So a couple of D3s or D4 bodies plus bag of Nikkors is my best option. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk Last edited by Tony Davies-Patrick; October 19th, 2009 at 11:20 AM.

October 19th, 2009, 07:22 AM	#38
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Yes, I have heard allsorts of things that the next Nikon will incorporate, we will have to wait and see. I also use the Sony EX3 and tend to use the 1280x720 mode for most of my shooting. At first I thought this format was a waste of time, but then when I started to write to SD DVDs the problem of shooting 1920x1080 came to light, i.e. downsizing to 720x576 or 720x480 for SD desn't produce nice results. If your shooting for web then the 1920x1080 is an overkill. There are interesting times ahead, and I also like the thought of less bulky gear for in the field work. However, for studio and other less spontanious shooting the EX3 works a treat. __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

October 19th, 2009, 11:42 AM	#39
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I had a go at the FX1 & Z1 but never tried the Sony EX3. It seems quite a popular option for many people and I've seen some superb movies produced from it. Like you, I see the full 1080 rez as an overkill for most present day applications in my line of work, and actually still prefer to use the Canon XL2 for footage that is eventually produced as a DVD rather than down-sizing XL-H1 HDV footage. I'm keeping a keen eye on the Blue-Ray sales and large scale production costs, but the planet seems a lot slower than predicted in taking on HD as mainstream. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 19th, 2009, 12:37 PM	#40
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Yes the EX3 is a superb camera and with an in-expensive adaptor you can use all your Nikon lenses on the camera. Here is a link to a short clip I did using a variety of "Older" Nikon lenses. Sony EX3 Nikon mount Sorry the quality is not top notch, I shot and uploaded the clip in less than two hours. This combination would be an ideal setup for a wildlife photographer. Having said that, you can also get an adaptor to use on your Canon XL - I had one that I used on my XL1s. The main advantage for me is that the EX3 uses solid state memory cards (SDHC) and the workflow is much faster than with tape. __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

October 19th, 2009, 04:06 PM	#41
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Yes, I have been using Nikkors on all my Canon XL bodies for a number of years now. Attached Thumbnails __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 19th, 2009, 04:26 PM	#42
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	What we want to know, Tony, is... can you see all the way to China with that thing? __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

October 19th, 2009, 06:04 PM	#43
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I could if I bayoneted this MF Nikkor MEGA Super telephoto 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8.0 P ED IF zoom lens on it! This "mother of all zooms" weighs 16kg! Attached Thumbnails __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 20th, 2009, 03:13 PM	#45
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Jerry mentions - "...You dedicated video guys are so immersed in the technical end of it, you pay little attention to what your shooting..." Well, knowing many who frequent this forum, my self included, who are 'dedicated video guys' with a deep and longterm knowledge of using SLRs and DSLRs at a professional level, I would have to say that your comments don't quite ring true... :) __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk