Nikon D3S

Nikon D3S

Nikon D3S

Camera summary

The Nikon D3S, made by Nikon, is a powerful Large SLR camera. Announced on Feb. 16, 2010. This camera has a Max Boosted ISO of 102400. This kind of camera will offer a good performance under low light conditions, probably has a pleasant grain effect in your pictures.

See full specifications
Feature Score
Autofocus specs
4.1 out of 5 stars
Connectivity
3.3 out of 5 stars
Exposure mode
2.5 out of 5 stars
Photography features
3.6 out of 5 stars
Physical
4.2 out of 5 stars
Average Score
3.5 out of 5 stars

Predecessor

This camera builds on the success of its predecessor, the Nikon D3, with advanced features and improved performance.

Compare this camera to the Nikon D3

Successor

This camera has now been superseeded by the Nikon D4, which has more advanced features and characteristics, it would also be easier to get, especially new. Take that into account.

Aside from that, consider that you may probably need to update your camera soon and finding accesories could be more difficult compared to its successor. Of course you can expect a lower price for this camera as a compensation.

Compare this camera to its successor Nikon D4

Sensor

This camera has a CMOS sensor with a 12 Megapixels resolution.

Focus points

This camera has 51 focus points. Also you can take advantage of its versatile cross-type points. It offers AF tracking, which allows you to track moving objects

Max video resolutions

1280 x 720

Expect recording in 1280 x 720 with support for the following formats: Motion JPEG.

Connectivity

Built-in wireless connectivity. Support for HDMI, so you can connect it to screens, monitors or any compatible device. Support for USB, transfer files and upgrade your camera's software directly from your computer.

Battery life

EN-EL4a

The battery of this camera can last up to 4200 shots per charge with the included EN-EL4a battery. Consider that this value can fluctuate and depends on the mAh of the battery (sometimes generic batteries have more mAh) and also on the usage, the amount of time you use the screen, the flash, etc.

This camera offers a robust battery life that the medium value of all cameras. Feel free to take pictures freely, without having too worry too much about battery life.

Environmental sealing

This camera offers enviromental sealing keeping it protected and safe from environmental damage.

Other features

This camera doesn't include a microphone port, which can be a major headache when recording video or interviews, consider it before buying it.

Autofocus specs

Af center
Yes
Af continuous
Yes
Af Contrast Detection
Yes
Af Face detection
No
Af live view
Yes
Af multi area
Yes
Af phase detection
Yes
Af selective
Yes
Af single
Yes
Af touch
No
Af tracking
Yes
Number of cross focus points 15
Number of focus points 51

Connectivity

HDMI
Yes
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless connectivity -
DXO color depth 23.5
DXO dynamic range 12.0
DXO low light ISO 3253.0
DXO overall score 82.0

Exposure mode

AF area
No
average
No
Center weighted
Yes
Multi segment
Yes
partial
No
spot
Yes

General

AKA -
announced Feb. 16, 2010
Body type Large SLR
brand Nikon
msrp $995.00
model Nikon D3S
predecessor model Nikon D3

Lense

Focal length multiplier 1x
Lens mount Nikon F
Manual focus
Yes
Macro focus range -
Number of lenses 316

Other features

GPS Optional
Self-timer Yes (2 to 20 sec)
Storage slots 2
Storage type Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA
Timelapse recording
No

Photography features

AE bracketing
Yes
Aperture priority
Yes
Built-in flash
No
Custom white balance
Yes
Exposure compensation
Yes
External flash
Yes
Flash modes Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Flash range no built-in flash
Image stabilization
No
Manual exposure mode
Yes
Max continuous shooting 11.0 fps
Max mechanical shutter speed 1/8000s
Minimum shutter speed 30
Shutter priority
Yes
WB bracketing
Yes

Physical

Battery life 4200 shots
Battery model EN-EL4a
Battery type Battery Pack
Crush proof
No
Dust proof
No
Environmental sealing
Yes
Freeze proof
No
Physical dimensions 160 x 157 x 88mm
Shock proof
No
Water proof
No
Weight 1240 grs

Screen

Live view
Yes
Screen resolution 921
Screen size -
Screen type Fixed Type
Touch screen
No

Sensor

Max boosted ISO 102400
Max image resolution 4256 x 2832
Max native ISO 12800
Min native ISO 200
RAW support
Yes
Sensor area -
Sensor dimensions 36 x 23.9 mm
Sensor resolution 12
Sensor size Full frame
Sensor type CMOS

Headphone port

Headphone port
No
Max video resolution 1280 x 720
Microphone port
No
Video formats Motion JPEG
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps)

Viewfinder

viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
viewfinder coverage -
viewfinder magnification -
viewfinder resolution no electronic viewfinder