Nikon D3S

    68
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    Highlights

    • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
    • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
    • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
    • Wheather Sealed Body
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D3S was announced in 2010 and is a Full Frame (36.0 x 23.9 mm) DSLR camera with 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 12,800 and expands to 100 - 102,400 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Nikon D3S can capture video up to 1280 x 720 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon Dx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Dx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D6
    Compare
    		February
    2020    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5
    Compare
    		January
    2016    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4s
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4
    Compare
    		January
    2012    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3S February
    2010    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3X
    Compare
    		February
    2009    		 24.5 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3
    Compare
    		April
    2008    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Xs
    Compare
    		June
    2006    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2X
    Compare
    		June
    2005    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Hs
    Compare
    		February
    2005    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2H
    Compare
    		December
    2003    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    211k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1H
    Compare
    		September
    2001    		 2.7 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1X
    Compare
    		June
    2001    		 5.3 MP
    APS-C    		 125 - 800 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1
    Compare
    		November
    2000    		 2.66 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D6 vs D5 vs D4s vs D4 vs D3S vs D3X.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3S.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Large Sensor
    •   51 Focus Points
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 82

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D3S to its predecessor D3 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
    Higher Boosted ISO 102,400 vs 25,600
    Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3253 vs 2290
    Higher DxO Overall Score 82 vs 81
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
    Lighter 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) vs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
    Lower Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 922k dot
    Average Metering vs
    Partial Metering vs
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 12.0 vs 12.2
    Shorter Battery Life 4200 shots vs 4300 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3S vs D3.

    Successor

    In 2012 Nikon D3S was replaced by Nikon D4. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D3S and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3S
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
    Lower Boosted ISO 50 vs 100
    Higher Boosted ISO 204,800 vs 102,400
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 3 vs EXPEED
    Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4256 x 2832
    Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.7 vs 23.5
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.1 vs 12.0
    Higher DxO Overall Score 89 vs 82
    Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
    Speaker Mono vs
    Microphone Input vs
    Headphone Output vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3S
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 2965 vs 3253
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
    Heavier 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) vs 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 2600 shots vs 4200 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3S vs D4.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Nikon D3S has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 921k dot resolution.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D3S features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 102,400 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D3S's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36.0 x 23.9 mm860.4 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3552 x 2832, 3552 x 2368, 3184 x 2128, 2784 x 1848, 2656 x 1776, 2128 x 1416, 2080 x 1384, 1776 x 1416, 1776 x 1184, 1392 x 920 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D3S has Nikon F lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3S.

    Nikon D1
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    APS-C

    2.66 MP

    Nikon D3X
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.5 MP

    Nikon D2H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D2Xs
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.4 MP

    Nikon D4s
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D4
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D1X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    5.3 MP

    Nikon D2X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.4 MP

    Nikon D2Hs
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D5
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.8 MP

    Nikon D1H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    2.7 MP

    Nikon D3
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    12.1 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon D3S has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon D3S comes with EN-EL4a battery pack with battery life of 4200 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slots.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D3S has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Nikon D3S has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D3S has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46"). It weighs 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz), so it is a heavy camera.

    160 mm (6.3")

    157 mm (6.18")

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    157 mm (6.18")

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    88 mm (3.46")

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    Nikon D3S dimensions

    Nikon D3S for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D3S is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    73

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 73 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   51 Focus Points
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
    •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    73

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 73 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   51 Focus Points
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   51 Focus Points
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   51 Focus Points
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Nikon D3S gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots

    Nikon D3S Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D3S and give score of 68 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    68

    Sensor

    GOOD
    71

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 71 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 82

    Photo

    GOOD
    70

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 70 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    BAD
    7

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 7 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

    Focusing

    GOOD
    78

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 78 for Focusing parameters.

    •   51 Focus Points
    •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    73

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 73 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    65

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 65 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    EXCELLENT
    89

    We give Nikon D3S a score of 89 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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