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Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

Portability
51
Imaging
57
Features
63
Overall
59
Nikon D3S front
 
Nikon D3X front
Portability
51
Imaging
67
Features
65
Overall
66

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Key Specs

Nikon D3S
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 12800 (Raise to 102400)
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 1240g - 160 x 157 x 88mm
  • Released February 2010
  • Superseded the Nikon D3
  • Refreshed by Nikon D4
Nikon D3X
(Full Review)
  • 25MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 6400)
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 1260g - 160 x 157 x 88mm
  • Released February 2009
  • Succeeded the Nikon D2Xs
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Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Overview

Below is a thorough comparison of the Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X, both Pro DSLR cameras and both are offered by Nikon. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the D3S (12MP) and D3X (25MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (Full frame).

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The D3S was introduced 13 months later than the D3X making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have the same body design (Large SLR).

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the D3S matches up vs the D3X when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Nikon D3S over the Nikon D3X

 D3S D3X 
ReleasedFebruary 2010February 2009More recent by 13 months
Display resolution921k920kClearer display (+1k dot)

Reasons to pick Nikon D3X over the Nikon D3S

 D3X D3S 

Common features in the Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X

 D3S D3X 
Focus manually More exact focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display dimensions3"3"Equal display measurements
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch display Neither includes Touch display

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Physical Comparison

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon D3S features outer dimensions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") with a weight of 1240 grams (2.73 lbs) and the Nikon D3X has proportions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") having a weight of 1260 grams (2.78 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the D3S against the D3X.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the D3S and D3X is 51 and 51 respectively.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X top view buttons comparison

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is tough to see the gap in sensor measurements just by researching specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D3S and D3X.

To sum up, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Nikon D3X to render greater detail using its extra 13 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more modern D3S is going to have an edge in sensor technology.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X sensor size comparison

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon D3S
Portrait photography with Nikon D3X
64
has manual focus
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports RAW files
megapixel count low (12MP)
80
has manual focus
MP count great (25MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
saves RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon D3S Street photography details
Nikon D3X Street photography details
55
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports RAW files
weather sealing
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
57
sensor size is great (Full frame)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Nikon D3S Sports photography features
Nikon D3X Sports photography features
66
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
offers tracking autofocus
weather sealing
good battery pack (4,200 shots)
comes with phase detect AF
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12MP)
71
great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
MP count great (25MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
environment proofing
good battery (4,400 shots)
supports phase detect auto focus
max frames per second low (5.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
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Travel Comparison

Nikon D3S as a Travel photography camera
Nikon D3X as a Travel photography camera
51
good battery pack (4,200 shots)
weather sealing
megapixel count low (12MP)
does not have selfie friendly screen
63
good battery (4,400 CIPA)
environment proofing
MP count great (25 megapixels)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon D3S as a Landscape photography camera
Nikon D3X as a Landscape photography camera
67
has manual focus
swap lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports RAW files
weather sealing
good battery pack (4,200 CIPA)
has dual storage slots
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
76
has manual focus
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is decent (3 inches)
MP count great (25 megapixels)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
good battery (4,400 per charge)
has double storage slots
does not have image stabilization
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3S Vlogging features
Nikon D3X Vlogging features
15
does not have selfie friendly screen
does not have image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of external microphone jack
9
lack of video recording
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Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X
 Nikon D3SNikon D3X
General Information
Brand Name Nikon Nikon
Model Nikon D3S Nikon D3X
Class Pro DSLR Pro DSLR
Released 2010-02-16 2009-02-19
Body design Large SLR Large SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Expeed Expeed
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 36 x 23.9mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 860.4mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 25 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 5:4 and 3:2 3:2
Full resolution 4256 x 2832 6048 x 4032
Max native ISO 12800 1600
Max boosted ISO 102400 6400
Minimum native ISO 200 100
RAW data
Minimum boosted ISO 100 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points 51 51
Cross focus points 15 -
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon F Nikon F
Total lenses 309 309
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3" 3"
Resolution of screen 921k dot 920k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen technology Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 11.0 frames/s 5.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash options Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync 1/250 secs 1/250 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) -
Max video resolution 1280x720 None
Video file format Motion JPEG -
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 1240 grams (2.73 lb) 1260 grams (2.78 lb)
Physical dimensions 160 x 157 x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") 160 x 157 x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 82 88
DXO Color Depth score 23.5 24.7
DXO Dynamic range score 12.0 13.7
DXO Low light score 3253 1992
Other
Battery life 4200 pictures 4400 pictures
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL4a EN-EL4a
Self timer Yes (2 to 20 sec) Yes (2 to 20 sec, custom)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA
Storage slots Dual Dual
Launch cost $5,200 $3,000