D3 compared to the D850 and D5 in low light (Page 2): If you really want to save money Get the new version Topaz Denoise AI. I just got back from Costa Rica shooting the D850 in very...

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

If you really want to save money Get the new version Topaz Denoise AI. I just got back from Costa Rica shooting the D850 in very low light high ISO conditions. I had purchased the new software before I left and hadn't tried it out yet. I'm simply blown away by the new software. It Does Not remove any detail form your images if used properly. And it's easy to use, I hate learning new software, but this is a breeze.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have found that the Photons to Photos DR and high ISO data is the best available, and importantly, not only are there a number of white papers on the testing methodology on the site, but the person that runs the site (and wrote many of the documents) is a UHH member and available for questions. https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm

Two things to consider. First, sensor technology has improved dramatically over the years since the D3. Secondly, the D3,D4,D5,D6 series are optimized for low light/high ISO and high frame rate at the expense of DR.

So..., the D5 is the low light king by far, followed by the D850 and finally, the D3, and the D850 is the winner for DR by a substantial amount.

Here’s the DR chart (I included the D500 because it was mentioned in the thread) - look at the tabulation below at the site for the high ISO data. Btw, the D3 and D500 are almost exactly the same with regards to high ISO, but at least a stop worse than a good modern FF body.

tcthome Loc: NJ

larryepage wrote:

Understood. I do not have a D3. But I have a D850 and D500. From a dynamic range standpoint, the D500 and the D3 appear to be pretty much the same...with the D850 about a stop better. I think in real life, there may be a little more separation between the D500 and D850, but not much...

Sorry the D3 isn't included.

(Download)

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

tcthome wrote:

Sorry the D3 isn't included.

I am a supporting member of Steve's site also. I do wonder if the D3 didn't make the list due to it being an irrelevant wildlife camera these days. It does appear that I'm going to have to either pony up serious cash or keep shooting under decent conditions. Thanks for the chart

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

TriX wrote:

I have found that the Photons to Photos DR and hig... (show quote)

Thanks Trix I have ran down a new rabbit hole of information. Lol. Honestly thank you

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

I just read that the D3 works better in low light than either the D5 or the D850. I know it has huge pixels on the sensor compared to the others. Am I missing something? The dynamic range and of course mp are lower but I'm just looking for the very best low light Nikon I can afford. Think bargain for f glass without adapters. I have a lot more research to do. Was just asking for others knowledge of the subject. I'm not interested in spending over 1000 or 1200 bucks basically.

The 3Ds is the low light champ, not the D3, and yes, it is similar to my D5, I would rate the D850 just under these two for low light.

SonyBug

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

I just read that the D3 works better in low light than either the D5 or the D850. I know it has huge pixels on the sensor compared to the others. Am I missing something? The dynamic range and of course mp are lower but I'm just looking for the very best low light Nikon I can afford. Think bargain for f glass without adapters. I have a lot more research to do. Was just asking for others knowledge of the subject. I'm not interested in spending over 1000 or 1200 bucks basically.

Same sensor as the d700 and the d700 is an upgraded camera. Had one when they came out and I still think that it is as good as anything I have used since then.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

If you're looking at the D3 series of cameras, go for the D3S which offers improved performance over the D3 and is still an amazing low light camera.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

billnikon wrote:

The 3Ds is the low light champ, not the D3, and yes, it is similar to my D5, I would rate the D850 just under these two for low light.

I almost pulled the trigger on a new 850 on the Mother's day sale. Even went so far as to put it in my cart. Then I thought about how often I would really use it for low light. I have never owned a ff camera. I will probably end up with an 850 after I get my new 600f4. Thanks for the information. I probably just should wait until I pony up. Lol

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I don't know where you read that, but it is absolutely untrue. The D3 is ancient technology with about 1.5 stops worse high ISO performance than the D850 and almost three stops less dynamic range. Even the D600 beats the D3 by nearly 1 EV in terms of ISO performance. The D3s is a different matter, and does indeed beat both by nearly 1 EV, but at the expense of a very low pixel count and pretty miserable dynamic range.

Naldo

Seems like it has been somewhat said already, but just to reinforce:
If you buy a D3 series camera, the D3S is far improved over the D3, and can be had for about the same price.

Also, like the D5, the D3S is a much different beast than the prosumer & consumer cameras. Big, heavy, built like a tank, better viewfinder, a true PRO camera. If you've never handled a true pro camera before, you're in for a treat.

Another factor you might consider: Buying the D3S is not only less money to try, but also less chance of taking a loss if you decide to resell it, since the prices have settled down to a stable baseline. A newer camera is still deflating in price MUCH more rapidly. I would say try the D3S for the summer, and if you don't like it you can sell it in the fall for all your money back. A worthwhile experience which will likely shed much light on your efforts.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

kymarto wrote:

I don't know where you read that, but it is absolutely untrue. The D3 is ancient technology with about 1.5 stops worse high ISO performance than the D850 and almost three stops less dynamic range. Even the D600 beats the D3 by nearly 1 EV in terms of ISO performance. The D3s is a different matter, and does indeed beat both by nearly 1 EV, but at the expense of a very low pixel count and pretty miserable dynamic range.

👍👍 exactly.

wghall29

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

I just read that the D3 works better in low light than either the D5 or the D850. I know it has huge pixels on the sensor compared to the others. Am I missing something? The dynamic range and of course mp are lower but I'm just looking for the very best low light Nikon I can afford. Think bargain for f glass without adapters. I have a lot more research to do. Was just asking for others knowledge of the subject. I'm not interested in spending over 1000 or 1200 bucks basically.

I've had excellent results with the D850.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"I've had excellent results with the D850." Might be more germane if you posted this with a download link wghall29

Thanks!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I just read that the D3 works better in low light than either the D5 or the D850..." Source?

"I will probably end up with an 850 after I get my new 600f4." Really Drbobcameraguy?

Have a nice day Drbobcameraguy :)