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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D3S
Nikon D3
Camera summary
The Nikon D3, made by Nikon, is a powerful Large SLR camera. Announced on April 18, 2008. This camera has a Max Boosted ISO of 25600. 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 |
3.3 out of 5 stars
|
| Photography features |
3.6 out of 5 stars
|
| Physical |
4.2 out of 5 stars
|
| Average Score |
3.7 out of 5 stars
|
Successor
This camera has now been superseeded by the Nikon D3S, 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 D3S
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
|---|---|---|
| Af center | Yes |
Yes |
| Af continuous | Yes |
Yes |
| Af Contrast Detection | Yes |
Yes |
| Af Face detection | No |
No |
| Af live view | Yes |
Yes |
| Af multi area | Yes |
Yes |
| Af phase detection | Yes |
Yes |
| Af selective | Yes |
Yes |
| Af single | Yes |
Yes |
| Af touch | No |
No |
| Af tracking | Yes |
Yes |
| Number of cross focus points | 15 | 15 |
| Number of focus points | 51 | 51 |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| HDMI | Yes |
Yes |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| Wireless connectivity | - | - |
| DXO color depth | 23.5 | 23.5 |
| DXO dynamic range | 12.2 | 12.0 |
| DXO low light ISO | 2290.0 | 3253.0 |
| DXO overall score | 81.0 | 82.0 |
Exposure mode |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| AF area | No |
No |
| average | Yes |
No |
| Center weighted | No |
Yes |
| Multi segment | Yes |
Yes |
| partial | Yes |
No |
| spot | Yes |
Yes |
General |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| AKA | - | - |
| announced | April 18, 2008 | Feb. 16, 2010 |
| Body type | Large SLR | Large SLR |
| brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| msrp | $748.00 | $995.00 |
| model | Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Predecessor model | Nikon D3 | |
| Successor model | Nikon D3S | Nikon D4 |
Lense |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Focal length multiplier | 1x | 1x |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Manual focus | Yes |
Yes |
| Macro focus range | - | - |
| Number of lenses | 316 | 316 |
Other features |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2 to 20 sec) |
| Storage slots | 2 | 2 |
| Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x2 | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA |
| Timelapse recording | No |
No |
Photography features |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| AE bracketing | Yes |
Yes |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
No |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
Yes |
| Exposure compensation | Yes |
Yes |
| External flash | Yes |
Yes |
| Flash modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
| Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
| Image stabilization | No |
No |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
Yes |
| Max continuous shooting | 11.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
| Max mechanical shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 | 30 |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
Yes |
| WB bracketing | Yes |
Yes |
Physical |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Battery life | 4300 shots | 4200 shots |
| Battery model | - | EN-EL4a |
| Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Crush proof | No |
No |
| Dust proof | No |
No |
| Environmental sealing | Yes |
Yes |
| Freeze proof | No |
No |
| Physical dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88mm | 160 x 157 x 88mm |
| Shock proof | No |
No |
| Water proof | No |
No |
| Weight | 1300 grs | 1240 grs |
Screen |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Live view | Yes |
Yes |
| Screen resolution | 922 | 921 |
| Screen size | - | - |
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Touch screen | No |
No |
Sensor |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Max boosted ISO | 25600 | 102400 |
| Max image resolution | 4256 x 2832 | 4256 x 2832 |
| Max native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
| Min native ISO | 200 | 200 |
| RAW support | Yes |
Yes |
| Sensor area | - | - |
| Sensor dimensions | 36 x 23.9 mm | 36 x 23.9 mm |
| Sensor resolution | 12 | 12 |
| Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Headphone port |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| Headphone port | No |
No |
| Max video resolution | - | 1280 x 720 |
| Microphone port | No |
No |
| Video formats | - | Motion JPEG |
| Video resolutions | - | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) |
Viewfinder |
Nikon D3 | Nikon D3S |
| viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| viewfinder coverage | - | - |
| viewfinder magnification | - | - |
| viewfinder resolution | no electronic viewfinder | no electronic viewfinder |