D3 Dissapointment? here's the cure.

[Zim]

a few more tweaks

Easy-to-access Live View mode
The dedicated Live View button gives you instant access to two Live View modes: Tripod mode for accurate AF operation and Hand-held mode for more versatile shooting angles. The speed for Contrast-detect AF in Tripod mode has also been improved for enhanced practicality.

Quiet Shutter-release mode for non-intrusive shooting
Photographers can select “Q” on the release mode dial to substantially reduce the sound of the camera’s mirror-down during shooting. This is particularly useful when shooting in restrictive conditions such as when photographing theatrical performances or wildlife.
3-in., approx. 921k-dot color, 170º viewing angle LCD monitor
The D3S’s large, high-resolution LCD monitor delivers bright, crisp image playback with up to 27x enlargement for immediate and precise image confirmation. Each LCD is covered with scratch resistant tempered glass and individuallycalibrated and fine-tuned at the factory to deliver consistent performance.

Additional Nikon D3S Features

Newly added image area of 1.2x crop (30 x 20) format with approx. 8.4 megapixels
Multiple exposure operation that can be repeated by designating the function to the bracketing button
Electronic virtual horizon that is available in Live View shooting
Extended menu banks that stores up to four combinations of exposure mode, shutter speed and aperture value
Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus, including RAW processing to enhance your images without using a computer
Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output. Type C connector (mini size) is employed
With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data. The Time Adjustment feature, which adjusts your camera’s time zone, is also available using the GP-1. Especially useful for group assignments that require several D3S cameras to be synchronized.
Exclusive Nikon Software — Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image

 

[Zim]

But probably not a deal breaker for most people buying the D3s. You can set the aperture then lock the exposure. But who knows what there reasons are!

I personally wouldn't think that adding something like manual control in movie mode would take the focus away from their cameras being primarily still cameras.

 

[mattsand]

The biggest place we will see video from DSLR is the internet and some TV. 720p is just fine. They are not targeting the indie filmmakers market.

plenty of indie films have been made on dv, 720p, even hi8, most historically on 16mm some even on s8 instead of 35, i don't think 1080p is very important to the indie filmmaker really. it's more important that the camera is for example cheap, portable, versatile, easy to use, non-intrusive, and so on, the technical image quality only has to be good enough to sell the film. 720p is for sure, on dvd, bd and theatrical alike.

 

[delaro]

plenty of indie films have been made on dv, 720p, even hi8, most historically on 16mm some even on s8 instead of 35, i don't think 1080p is very important to the indie filmmaker really. it's more important that the camera is for example cheap, portable, versatile, easy to use, non-intrusive, and so on, the technical image quality only has to be good enough to sell the film. 720p is for sure, on dvd, bd and theatrical alike.

i would prefer so much having a 960X540 camera with incredible colors and dynamic range than a 5000x3000 camera with too much contrast. Why are brands just selling cameras using the "sharpness argument" these days? is the vast majority of people asking for that because nobody really demonstrate them the importance of dynamic range and colors? for stills, i just sold my D300 and bought a 35mm film voigtlander and a little sigma dp2, they are beating the quality of the D300 for a quarter of the price.

 

[Zim]

I was meaning more that the DSLRs like the D3s were probably not made with indie films makers in mind. Yes the 720p looks good. Some of the stuff from the D90 looks a lot better than 1080. At least to me.

plenty of indie films have been made on dv, 720p, even hi8, most historically on 16mm some even on s8 instead of 35, i don't think 1080p is very important to the indie filmmaker really. it's more important that the camera is for example cheap, portable, versatile, easy to use, non-intrusive, and so on, the technical image quality only has to be good enough to sell the film. 720p is for sure, on dvd, bd and theatrical alike.

 

[Zim]

well like I said there are some controls but not as many as some would like. Still we all have some seen some really good films with the D90. Probably will with the D300s /D3s too. It looks like for awhile all these cameras need some work arounds. Even the 7D

In terms of the D3s, I would agree. But in terms of the D300s or even the D90 at this point, I think there are people like me who would like to have one but can't get passed the lack of manual control over some basic functions in movie mode.

To me, it seems like they're leaving sales on the table (or giving them up to Canon) that they could be getting without having to compromise the still-frame capability of the camera.

I don't expect, nor would I want, them to become a video camera-focused company.

 

[markjlyon]

The thing that puzzles me is offering a video feature on a camera that's targeted to pros, but not allowing control of shutter speed and ISO in it.

I actually bought a D300S as a replacement for my old D80--needed a better still camera. I realized what a great tool the video mode is, but ended up selling the camera and getting a 7D because I wanted to use the video capability on my paying jobs.

I just finished a week-long shoot with the 7D--mostly video, but also doing some timelapses, and the thing was rock-solid. Motion rendering at 1080/24p and 1/50 shutter speed looks really good.

Resolution is less of a big deal to me. I think of the 7D as a 720P camera anyway--shoot in 1080, then downsample to 720, and the image cleans up nicely.

 

[Zim]

So you just came here to the Nikon thread to tell everyone how good the 7D is?
It is not the Holy Grail of cameras either

 

[Zim]

also on the D3s you can control the ISO I believe. Aperture control.

 

[markjlyon]

I don't see it that way. I just wanted to comment on the strategy that Nikon appears to be taking. The 7D works for professional motion shooting, but it's far from perfect.