Just a further note on video. I shot some. I did not shoot skiers, motorcyclists, or people bungee-jumping, but just indoor reasonable-paced scenes, conversations, etc., which is what I need this camera for anyway, interviews and studio work. Here is what I have learned so far:
I have a full audio studio and a lot of video equipment, a couple of prosumer Sony Mini-DV cameras, but also HD. I just sold my Panasonic HD HVX-200 camera on the HOPE that the Nikon D3s would be more useful to me. IMO, the HVX-200 had terrible ergonomics, for example. That, and the lack of changeable lenses, led to my just not liking the camera and not using it.
So far my hopes for the D3s have been fulfilled. I was right in that having changeable lenses, particularly my collection of Nikon great legendary lenses, is what I needed. I shot some footage with the 24-70 2.8 and it was crystal clear, 720p, and all that I need for my projects.
I am sure in this next week, as the first wave of D3s cameras flow in, there will be all kinds of opinions, and plenty of nit-picking.
But for myself, I am breathing a sigh of relief for kicking out the bucks on this camera and taking a chance. I believe this will be another much-loved camera, as is the D700, meaning: more than you bargained for, a great deal.
Knock on the door. I just received my copy of the new 70-200—2.8 VRII lens, so excuse me while I check that out. I probably will not post shots or video… just too busy, but I am sure there will tons of both soon. I am just writing this for those like me who are betting on this camera kicking some butt. No doubt!
