D800e vs the 5D MKIII

I would love to hear everyone's opinion.

I have been a diehard OLY user for 20 years, from the OM 35mm all the way to my current E series digital SLR's. I shoot everything, from landscapes, nature to street photography...

But after trying the 5D MKIII for a weekend and trying the D800e for a weekend I decided to make the investment in one of those two cameras and lenses... but will keep my entire OLY gear as a back up... cause no one will ever convince me there is better glass out there then the Zeiss lenses I have for my Olympus cameras.

So... I have no allegiance to either manufacturer, and am willing to invest the $10,000 in either of those two bodies and the lenses to get what i want... which way would you suggest i go?

Since you've tested both we should be asking you that question.

I shoot the D800 with a mix of Nikkor and Zeiss lenses and wouldn't trade it for anything currently on the market. But I've never shot Canon so perhaps I don't know what I'm missing.....

I also have the D800 and consider it the best camera I have ever had my hands on. I often borrow friend's Canons and have for years. Until the D800, it was pretty much a toss-up - pros and cons for each, generally equal.

The 36 MP of the D800, tack-sharp, is astounding.
Two things I do not like :
1. shutter noise. ick. All nikons are noisier than Canons and it bugs the heck out of me. The shutter is also stiff, like the D300s. I much preferred the softer shutter of the D300.
2. The D800 burst speed is max 6 fps. Since I do a lot of birds in flight, this is a major disappointment for me. It's noticably slower than the D300s at 10 FPS. However, the 36 MP overcomes this for me - I'm simply keeping the D300s and will use that if I feel I can't get away with a slower burst.
Also, FYI, if you get the D800, you're going to need better, faster CF cards to write 36 MP of information quickly. The best ones are about $200 each for 32 GB. 36 MP eats cards up very quickly re capacity, as well. All my "old" 8 GB cards which get 400 images from the D300 allow only 100 shots with the D800.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Sandy

Check the D1sscussion http://www.d1scussion.com/ a Nikon users group. There are several threads regarding focus issues with the D800.

I am a Nikon user asnd have the D800 without focusing issues, But you have to make the decision on which camera. You have tried them both. now toss a coin and decide. Nikon people will say nikon and canon people will say canon

There is only one right answer and that is the camera (and system) you feel most comfortable with. As with all of us, the limiting factor in photography today is not the equipment, it is the person looking through the viewfinder

Keith... i wholeheartedly agree with you... its the photogrpaher, not the gear... I have seen amazing images come out of a point and shoot by one of my students...

Myer... HA... no kiding... i dont think you would find many Nikon shooters say, "buy Canon"

Thanks for the post David... I will read it

Sandy, great insight... thank you

Mark... thanks for the response...

At the end of the day, what feels better was the D800e, it also produced better images when I went out on a landscape and street photography shoot... I never did get out and do any birding shots...

I have been doing lots of reading and getting various opinions for weeks... i believe the decision is a D800e (but we will wait to see what the 600 capabilities are actually going to be), get a back up of a D7000 and a nice complimentary range of lenses... now to decide whether to get the mid range telephoto 150-500 Sigma or the 80-400 Nikon... does it ever end? lol

I would never shoot street photography with a D800, but for cropping and dynamic range, the answer is D800. The dynamic range has been a revelation for me. Probably a good reason to look at medium format if the price ever comes down. The ability to work into the shadows of landscapes flies in the face of the old adage about photographers and cameras.

...and that "old adage" (is there any other kind?) to which Robert refers would be...?

You are not just buying a camera, but a whole system of lenses. Why not decide which focal length(s) you are going to need and than see what each manufacturer offers. I have always shot Canon digital cameras and currently own a 5D III. Haven't had it long enough to do much nature photography, but I am taking it to Kenya in a couple of weeks. Based on my limited use I can't find anything to criticize. Good luck.