BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Had a D3 and a D300 - they complimented each other (the FX and the DX) and I used them that way. Bought the D800 and as it seemed to replace both the 3 and the 300 I sold them a month later.

While I don't do a lot of wildlife and birds I do some. As the D800 comes up shorter than I thought it would in this arena I want something to complement it.

Had the opportunity to buy a D3 with a shutter count of less than 3000 snaps for less then $2,300.

When discussing options with the store manager he put the germ of an idea in my head by asking if I wanted to stay full frame, I said I did and bought the 3. I got home and I asked myself why did I need to stay full frame? With that thought, the idea of the D7100 grew in my mind (mostly stemming from discussions in UHH). So now my delimma and querry - which would be a better compliment to the 800? Thus:
1. should I return the D3 and replace it with the D7100
or
2. should I keep the D3 and add the D7100
(my RMD was pretty good last year)
I'm leaning toward #1 as I can't think of much I would need the D3 to do that the other 2 won't handle.
But, the D3 is an "old friend" and its hard to give up old friends, although the operating the D3 now seems like going back to stick shift from the automartic shift of the D800.

Thoughts and comments will be appreciated
Thanks

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I have the D3, D7000, and D800 and the D3 is still my main camera. The D7000 was purchased two years ago as a backup and the D800 is pretty new, but in terms of just overall quality and a nice balance of file size, the D3 (or a D700) is one of Nikon's great cameras. For landscape or images that might see large prints, the 800 will be hard to beat, but files from that D3 are just special and the control layout is perfect. I doubt I will ever sell it. I have replaced the shutter and it just keeps on going,

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Thanks, Captain
I am leaning toward keeping it and getting the D7100. Saturday the 9th is the last day I can return it so have to decide about the 3 before then. Can decide anytime about the 7100.
Going out Monday taking both with my 28-300 on one and the 105 macro on the other. Will probably switch during the day. And, you just added another dimension to "the right tool for the job"

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I think once you get the D7100...along with that 105 macro...the D3 will end being a back-up to the back-up...so to speak.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I'm kinda leaning toward what Captain said about the 800 becasuse of the large files and great detail. Using the DX function in the 800 fed into my skepticism about staying full frame. I am beginning to see diffentent uses for each -

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

It doesn't sound like money is a issue with you but I'd forsake the D7100 for the D7000 and not have to worry about production issues with the new camera. I suppose the 7100 will have it's advantages but as what I've seen I'll stick with my 7000 as I felt it was the best DX camera on the market when I bought it and I still feel that way.......

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Hmmm - food for thought. Maybe the thing to do is just hold off for a bit...

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Have decided to keep the D3, put my name on the list for the D7100 - now have to do some serious reading
Thank all