Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3
      68
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      66
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3S and the Nikon D3, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D3S was introduced in February 2010 and Nikon D3 was introduced in April 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D3S 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

      Nikon D3 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D3S
      4. Advantage of Nikon D3
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3S and Nikon D3.

      PROS

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      •   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
      •   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 - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      •   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)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      •   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
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81

      Advantage of Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3S
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3S over Nikon D3.

      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)

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

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3X
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D4
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D3

      Nikon D3
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D3S.

      Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 922k dot
      Average Metering vs
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.0 vs 12.2
      Longer Battery Life 4200 shots vs 4300 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3.

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D3S Nikon D3
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        Many Focus Points5151
        Live View Autofocus
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        HDMI Output
        Environmental Sealing
        Long Battery Life4200 shots4300 shots
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D3S Nikon D3
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi optional
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot and 922k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 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. Nikon D3 features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 571.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      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 x 24 mm864 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

      Cameras are equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution.


      Lens Mount

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


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D3S it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3 nothing can be done. On Nikon D3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3S nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

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


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D3S has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slots. Nikon D3 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3S, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D3S and ±5 EV range on Nikon D3. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3S and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D3S and via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D3. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 bodies have the same dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46"). Nikon D3S weighs 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) and Nikon D3 weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz).

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      160 mm

      157 mm

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      157 mm

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      157 mm

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      88 mm

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      88 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D3S and Nikon D3

      Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      73
      •   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
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      73
      •   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
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      74
      •   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
      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      74
      •   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)
      GOOD
      72
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      70
      •   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
      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D3S and Nikon D3 and give them scores of 68 and 66 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      66

      Sensor

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81

      Photo

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      70
      •   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
      GOOD
      70
      •   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

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      78
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      78
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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