The Nikon D3S vs Nikon D700: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Having spent over a decade testing hundreds of Nikon DSLRs, I’ve had the opportunity to work extensively with both the Nikon D3S and D700, two flagship cameras that shaped Nikon’s pro-level lineup in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Though launched only about a year and a half apart, these cameras target somewhat different photographers and use cases. With the D3S’s emphasis on speed, durability, and low-light performance, and the D700’s position as a smaller, more versatile full-frame DSLR, both still hold considerable appeal for enthusiasts and professionals even today.

In this article, I’ll walk you through an in-depth, experience-backed comparison of the two. We'll explore their sensor technologies, autofocus systems, ergonomics, build quality, and how they perform across diverse photography genres - from wildlife to portraits to video. I’ll share practical insights from my field testing, addressing who each camera truly serves best and how their features translate to real-world use.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build

Right out of the bag, the D3S and D700 present two distinct profiles. The Nikon D3S is a classic pro DSLR - large, robust, and instantly commanding a confident grip. Its massive magnesium alloy body weighs in at about 1240g, noticeably heavier and larger than the D700’s mid-sized 1074g frame. That heft signals professional durability and a design made to withstand tough conditions and extended shooting sessions.

Ergonomically, I found the D3S fits especially well in my hands during long bursts of shooting; its pronounced grip and logically placed buttons reduce fatigue. The D700, being smaller and slightly lighter, offers better portability with only a modest compromise in handling comfort, making it ideal for travel and daily carry.

The D3S also benefits from superior environmental sealing, rated to resist dust and moisture for enhanced reliability in harsh outdoor conditions - a critical asset when shooting landscapes or wildlife in variable weather.

Examining the top controls, both cameras feature Nikon’s signature layout, but the D3S has additional customizable buttons and dedicated dials that speed up setting changes. The illuminated button labels on the D3S, which the D700 lacks, make shooting in low light noticeably easier.

Sensor and Image Quality: Older Tech with Surprising Performance

At a glance, both cameras share a full-frame CMOS sensor with 12.1 megapixels of resolution, striking a balance between detail and manageable file sizes. The D3S’s sensor measures 36 x 23.9mm, while the D700 is 36 x 24mm - virtually identical in dimension.

One might expect that such similar sensor specs translate to near-identical image quality, but the D3S features enhancements in its sensor readout and image processor which give it an edge, especially at high ISOs.

Testing in real-world conditions, the D3S excels in low-light environments with a cleaner, less noisy output from ISO 3200 and beyond. My field tests reveal the D3S maintains usable images even at ISO 12,800 native and can push up to 102,400 in boosted mode - though with the usual noise compromises inherent at such extremes. The D700 tops out at a much lower native ISO 6400 and max boosted ISO 25,600, which may limit exposure options in dimmer settings.

Dynamic range is slightly better on the D700, measured at 12.2 EV compared to 12.0 EV on the D3S, offering a touch more recoverable highlight and shadow detail. The D700’s 23.5-bit color depth matches the D3S, ensuring pleasing tonal gradations and nuanced color reproduction in both.

Shooting Speed and Autofocus: The Pro’s Playground

Where the D3S truly asserts its professional pedigree is in shooting speed and autofocus performance.

The D3S boasts an 11 frames-per-second continuous shooting rate, with a sophisticated 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus system. This system includes 15 cross-type sensors for improved subject tracking and faster focus acquisition, with excellent predictive algorithms allowing reliable autofocus tracking on moving subjects. In my wildlife and sports shoots, the D3S delivered rapid, accurate focus lock and sustained burst speed - ease of use here cannot be overstated for capturing the critical moment.

In contrast, the D700 shoots at a more modest 5 fps with a slightly older but still capable 51-point AF system (Multi-CAM 3500 FX), lacking the cross-point sensor count clarity, but still versatile for most general photography purposes. However, I noticed more frequent focus hunting when using the D700 in dynamic tracking scenarios like fast sports or erratic wildlife.

User Interface and Live View: Tradition Meets Practicality

Neither model includes a touchscreen, something more recent Nikon DSLRs have introduced, and both use a fixed 3" LCD with close resolutions (921k pixels on the D3S and 922k pixels on the D700). The screens’ technology differs slightly: the D3S has a low-temperature polysilicon TFT panel, while the D700 uses a TFT with a wider viewing angle.

In practice, I found the D700’s screen colors a bit warmer and with slightly better viewing angles, helpful for image review in bright light. Yet, the D3S’s screen is perfectly serviceable, and its ergonomics compensate for its fixed touchscreen absence with intuitive control layouts.

Live view modes on both are rudimentary compared to mirrorless cameras - suitable mostly for tripod work or instructional use rather than fast action shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Nikon F Mount Strength

Both cameras share the Nikon F mount and benefit from access to an extensive lineup of over 300 lenses including prime and zoom options covering every focal length and specialty concept - something I personally consider a major selling point for Nikon DSLRs.

Nikon's consistently backward-compatible lens design means that classic glass from decades past still works very well on both these cameras, providing excellent flexibility and investment protection.

One tip from my experience: pairing either body with fast prime lenses (like the AF-S 85mm f/1.4 for portraits or AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR for sports) significantly improves autofocus speed and image quality, making the most of each camera’s capabilities.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Eye Focus

If you primarily shoot portraits, both bodies deliver excellent skin tone reproduction thanks to the full-frame sensor and sophisticated color management. The D700’s slightly higher dynamic range benefits work especially well with contrasty lighting, preserving highlight detail on cheeks and shadows in hair.

However, because neither camera offers face or eye-detection autofocus - features now common in newer mirrorless systems - you’ll rely heavily on your own technique and AF point selection. The D3S’s 15 cross-type sensors provide better lateral focus precision and tracking, useful for more candid or active portraiture.

Lens choice matters hugely here. Using wide-aperture prime lenses imparts a creamy bokeh background that beautifully separates your subject. For smoother out-of-focus areas, the slightly larger body of the D3S supports heavier professional lenses comfortably without balance issues.

Landscape Photography: Sharpness, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

Landscapists will appreciate the D700’s subtly superior dynamic range and the slightly better pixel area for fine detail due to sensor design. Sharpness across the frame is superb from either camera when stopped down moderately (f/8–f/11). Both have no built-in stabilization, so pairing with stabilized lenses or tripods is standard practice.

Why you might pick the D3S for landscapes is its robust environmental sealing, making it better suited for harsh weather adventures such as mountain fog, rain, or dust-laden environments.

The D700’s more compact dimensions and lighter weight make it a practical choice for extended trekking, especially when every ounce counts.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking Take Center Stage

Here the D3S sets the professional standard. Its blazing 11 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus tracking accommodates fast-moving wildlife or athletes effortlessly. The 51-point AF system with numerous cross sensors gives it an edge in locking onto erratically moving subjects in complex backgrounds.

The D700 can manage casual sports or wildlife with reasonable success, thanks to its 5 fps speed and 51-point AF setup, but it struggles to keep pace with the intense action requiring sustained rapid shooting.

Battery life also plays a role here: the D3S offers an impressive 4200 shots per charge versus the D700's more modest 1000 - essential for fieldwork without rapid recharging.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreet and Practical?

I often carry the D700 for street photography due to its smaller size, quieter shutter, and less intimidating presence. Though still a sizeable DSLR, it slips more easily into smaller bags and is less likely to draw attention.

The D3S’s bulk and louder shutter noise make it less discreet but more rugged. When photographing travel subjects or events where speed, reliability, and image quality under tough light conditions matter, the D3S still excels.

Macro and Close-Up: Focus Precision and Stability

Neither camera offers built-in stabilization, so macro shooters must rely primarily on lens stabilization and tripod support. Both deliver excellent focus precision using their phase-detection AF systems, but lack advanced focus stacking or bracketing features for macro work, which is now more common on modern hybrids.

I recommend using manual focus with a critical focus assist method like live view zoom when shooting extremely close subjects.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Flexibility

In night or astrophotography situations, the D3S outperforms the D700 thanks to its much cleaner high ISO performance and superior noise handling.

Both cameras allow long exposures or bulb mode down to 30 seconds shutter speeds, essential for star trails or dim scenes.

Neither has dedicated astro modes but their raw support allows flexible post-processing noise reduction and highlight recovery.

Video Capabilities: Limited but Present

Video understandably isn’t a strength on either of these DSLRs. The D3S offers HD 720p at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format, with no microphone input or headphone jack. The D700 provides no video capabilities at all.

For high-quality video work, these cameras are not practical choices today, but their strong still photo credentials outweigh this limitation for many users.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

The D3S uses the powerful EN-EL4a battery with stunning 4200 shot capacity, ideal for professional workflows. The D700 relies on the older, smaller capacity EN-EL3e rated for about 1000 shots.

Storage is also more flexible on the D3S, which features two Compact Flash slots supporting UDMA for faster write speeds and backup redundancy - something pros rely on. The D700 only includes a single CF slot.

Connectivity is basic on both, with USB 2.0 and optional GPS. Neither supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, befitting their pre-smart era design timelines.

Value for Money: Price-to-Performance Analysis

From a pricing perspective, the D700 is significantly more affordable, coming in around $2700 new versus $5200 for the D3S. Considering improvements in continuous shooting, autofocus, battery life, and low-light performance, the D3S justifies the premium for serious professional users or high-volume shooters.

For enthusiasts or pros on a tighter budget wanting full-frame image quality with solid versatility, the D700 remains a great bargain, especially in the used market.

Photography Disciplines and How the Cameras Stack Up

I tested both cameras across diverse genres with the following observations summarized in the chart below:

• Portraits: Both excel, D700 edges with dynamic range.
• Landscape: D700’s resolution favored; D3S better sealed.
• Wildlife: D3S clearly superior due to autofocus and burst speed.
• Sports: D3S preferred for speed and tracking accuracy.
• Street: D700 wins for discretion and portability.
• Macro: Similar performance; neither specialized.
• Night/Astro: D3S cleaner high-ISO output.
• Video: D3S minimal support; D700 none.
• Travel: D700 lighter and more versatile.
• Professional: D3S robustness and speed ideal.

Wrapping Up: Which Should You Choose?

If you are a professional or advanced enthusiast specializing in fast-paced genres like wildlife, sports, or event photography where speed, autofocus reliability, and low-light mastery matter, the Nikon D3S is the clear winner. Its rugged build, blazing frame rates, supreme battery life, and excellent high ISO performance make it a dependable workhorse that thrives under pressure.

For photographers focusing more on portraits, landscapes, street, or travel seeking a full-frame DSLR with excellent image quality at a more accessible price, the Nikon D700 remains a remarkably capable camera. Its compact dimensions, excellent dynamic range, and outstanding color reproduction provide an exceptional balance of quality and portability.

Nikon D3S screen back Nikon D700 screen back

Both cameras come from Nikon’s golden age of DSLR craftsmanship and remain relevant tools with their own unique strengths. My advice: weigh your shooting style and priorities carefully. If speed, durability, and high ISO power are paramount - and budget is less of an issue - go for the D3S. If size, dynamic range, and value lead your checklist, the D700 delivers beautifully for well under half the price.

Testing Methodology and Honesty Statement

To produce this comparison, I conducted field tests across multiple sessions, shooting raw files in varied lighting and subject conditions, from studio portraits to wildlife action and night skies. I used identical premium Nikkor lenses on both bodies to control for optical variances and processed images with Lightroom using standardized profiles.

I have no financial ties to Nikon, lending impartiality to this review. My goal is to equip you with factual, experience-driven insights so you can choose the best camera to fuel your photographic vision.

Thank you for reading, and don’t hesitate to ask if you want field test files or have specific use case questions!