Weaselsplace Loc: Ider, AL

When shooting sports (basketball, baseball, horse racing, barrel racing), I know glass (lens) are probably the biggest factor. But, what is, in your opinon, the best Nikon Sports Photographing camera? Considering low lights and the need for shutter speed in fast action shots. I have a Nikon D7000 now and considering D600 or D800. I have 24-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2,8 lens.

Thanks,

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

You have a choice depending on how much you want to spend.
In the order of lowest to highest priced:
Nikon D3,( I use one now)
Nikon D3s( if you need video)
Nikon D4

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I use the Nikon D3S and the Nikon 70-200 mm VR II lens with very good results. When my daughter played Lacrosse in high school this system was used in some poorly lit stadiums and I still got good results.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Surely for sports quality and FRAME rate is important, so D7000

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

For an analysis of the D7000 vs the D3,
Go to snapsort.com.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Thanks for that

Weaselsplace Loc: Ider, AL

D7000 is doing a Great job, but I want a backup camera. Might as well upgrade while I am buying.
Thanks,

sbesaw Loc: Boston

I seldom speak in absolutes but my vote, from experience, would be the D3s. Great low light performance with no noise. I have shot BB, soccer, football, lacrosse and swim meets with both. Started with D90 and went to D7000 which did a good job. Added D3s with D7000 for back up.. Soon sold d7000 for store demo (2,500 activations) another D3s. Unless you have shot both you can't begin to appreciate the differences. D7000 does a fine job, D3s takes it to another level

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

Amen..

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

For "Best" the answer is the D4, but I have used the D3 for 5 years and there is not enough difference to warrant upgrading to the D4, so advice to get a D3, D3S is right on target. The D7000 for a lot less $ is fine, but not in the "Best."

And you did say BEST.

As sbesaw said, until you try the D3/D3s, it is hard to understand the difference. Kinda like thinking your Ford is just fine until you drive a BMW. Hard to go back. Yeah, they will both get you from here to there, but....

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Completely agree. Took long hard look at the D4. Video is better but that's not enough to move as I don't do video. Compared shots from both at various ISO and with my eyes I could not see a difference

Weaselsplace Loc: Ider, AL

Let me clearify myself a little. I love to have a D3/D4, and yes they are no dought the best. But, my fund will not allow that. I was thinking more in line of D600, D800 or D800E.

Thanks,

David Dennis Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Well, you asked for "the best", and now you know :).

I have a D4, and for the record, I really love the video and have gotten a healthy amount of use out of it. The autofocus in extreme low light conditions is also significantly better than the D3/S. So it was well worth the money for me.

You might want to consider a used D3S or D3, which I believe you can get for close to D800/E money.

The D600 is significantly faster than the D800 in full frame mode - 4fps for the D800 and 5.5fps for the D600. The D800 can fall back on 6 FPS in DX (1.5 crop factor) mode. By comparison, the D4 whips along at 10fps. D800 has a better autofocus system than the D600.

So really, the decision is a close-run thing. I think that if I were making it and had your budget in hand, I would go for the D800. You are likely to prefer DX crop mode for sports because it will give you better reach on that 70-200, the image files will be smaller at 15mp and you'll be able to put more on a card. The autofocus system is much more advanced on the D800 - it's almost the same as the D4's, in fact - and that for me clinches it for the D800.

So:

- The D4 is the best by far, but I will cheerfully admit it's quite a hole in the wallet.
- The D800 is second
- The D600 is third (but not by too much).

Hope that helps.

D

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

OK - But take this advice or not. Add my observation Mr. Dennis' reply.

Frame rate for SOME sports is really nice, for others, not so much. For sports with a rhythm, you should be able to get the shot with ONE push of the button. I shot swimming for years and you need to watch the athlete and time your shot, understanding the delay between seeing and having the finger actually move! YOu need to anticipate. I found that even the 10 frame per second of the camera would as often as not MISS the best moment - it all happens between the shots. I did far better watching and timing with ONE shot.

Now - sports in which you know something is going to happen, but cannot tell when - THAT is where frame rate shines. In that case, when you see it , it is too late to push the button. With some motorsports, I know the car will lift a wheel exiting the turn, but I cannot predict when. In that case 10fps can get the shot - just mash the button and over a second or so get 10-15 frames.

Why is this important? The D800 at 4 fps is going to miss way more than it hits. The files are HUGE and sports photography usually means hundreds, in some cases thousands of image PER EVENT. The battery will not last through a long event as it is not designed for that kind of use.

If I were you I would look for a used D3/D3s. The best looking 12MP in the world - fast frame rate and a battery that seems to be plugged into the local power grid. If I didn't love my D3 so much, I would sell you mine!

I have the D3, D7000, and D800. The 800 would be my last choice for sports. For portraits and landscapes it is the bomb. It was never designed for a sport shooter.

Having said all that, ANY camera can shoot sports, some are just not as good at it and the -800 is in that category, IMO.

Of course if you are going to make hundreds of 30x40 sports images....

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

I second everything Cliff has said. I shoot sports, Drag Racing. I shoot with a Nikon D3. I tried a D800. It is an excellent camera- except for things that go really fast.