Nikon D3S vs Sigma DP1

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3S and the Sigma DP1, 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 Sigma DP1 was introduced in May 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3S over Sigma DP1.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma DP1 over Nikon D3S.

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.

Screen

Nikon D3S has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Sigma DP1 has a 2.50" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D3S

Nikon D3S has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sigma DP1.

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. Sigma DP1 features a 5 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 20.7 x 13.8 mm and a total area of 190.4 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 800.

Nikon D3S is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution 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. Sigma DP1 can take pictures up to 2640 x 1760 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1776 x 1184, 1296 x 864 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

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 Sigma DP1 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

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

Battery

Nikon D3S comes with EN-EL4a battery pack with battery life of 4200 shots and Sigma DP1 comes with BP-31 battery pack.

External Storage Slots

Nikon D3S has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slots. Sigma DP1 has a single SD/MMC card card slot.

Shutter

Nikon D3S has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Sigma DP1 has Electronically controlled lens shutter Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3S, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma DP1. Nikon D3S can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.

Exposure

Exposure meterings of Nikon D3S ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D3S and ±2 range on Sigma DP1. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3S and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sigma DP1.

Flash

Sigma DP1 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. 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 on Nikon D3S.

Nikon D3S body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46") and Sigma DP1 body has dimensions of 113 x 60 x 50 mm (4.45 x 2.36 x 1.97"). Nikon D3S weighs 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) and Sigma DP1 weighs 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz).

Nikon D3S

Sigma DP1

160 mm

157 mm

113 mm

60 mm

157 mm

60 mm

88 mm

50 mm