Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X
51 Imaging
57 Features
63 Overall
59
![Nikon D3S front Nikon D3S front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Nikon_D3S_0.jpg)
![Nikon D3X front Nikon D3X front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-D3X/Nikon-D3X-front.jpg)
51 Imaging
67 Features
65 Overall
66
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Key Specs
(Full Review)
(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
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
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).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
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.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D3S Gallery and Nikon D3X Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3S over the Nikon D3X
D3S | D3X | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | February 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | More recent by 13 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Clearer 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 type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 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 Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
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 Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D3S-vs-Nikon-D3X-size-comparison.jpg)
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 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D3S-vs-Nikon-D3X-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
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 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-D3S-vs-Nikon-D3X-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D3S-vs-Nikon-D3X-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X Specifications
Nikon D3S | Nikon 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 |