Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E
51 Imaging
57 Features
63 Overall
59


54 Imaging
72 Features
80 Overall
75
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Key Specs
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Increase to 25600)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 900g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Released June 2012
- Superseded the Nikon D700

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Overview
Here is a in-depth review of the Nikon D3S versus Nikon D800E, one being a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and they are both produced by Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the D3S (12MP) and D800E (36MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (Full frame).

The D3S was introduced 3 years prior to the D800E and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Nikon D3S being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D800E being a Mid-size SLR camera.
Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the D3S matches up against the D800E when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D3S and Nikon D800E. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D3S Gallery and Nikon D800E Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3S over the Nikon D800E
D3S | D800E |
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Reasons to pick Nikon D800E over the Nikon D3S
D800E | D3S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2012 | ![]() | February 2010 | Fresher by 28 months |
Screen dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon D3S and Nikon D800E
D3S | D800E | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 921k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly screen |
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Physical Comparison
In case you're going to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon D3S offers external dimensions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 1240 grams (2.73 lbs) whilst the Nikon D800E has measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon D3S versus Nikon D800E in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the D3S vs the D800E.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D3S and D800E is 51 and 54 respectively.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Sensor Comparison
Normally, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the D3S and D800E.
As you can see, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Nikon D800E to give you greater detail using its extra 24MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older D3S is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D800E Specifications
Nikon D3S | Nikon D800E | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Nikon |
Model type | Nikon D3S | Nikon D800E |
Type | Pro DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Revealed | 2010-02-16 | 2012-06-11 |
Body design | Large SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed | Expeed 3 |
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 | 36 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 5:4 and 3:2 |
Max resolution | 4256 x 2832 | 7360 x 4912 |
Max native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Max enhanced ISO | 102400 | 25600 |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Lowest enhanced ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | 51 | 51 |
Cross type focus points | 15 | 15 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Available lenses | 309 | 309 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3.2" |
Screen resolution | 921 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.7x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 11.0 frames per sec | 4.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain, High-speed sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest 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 | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 1240g (2.73 lbs) | 900g (1.98 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") | 146 x 123 x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 82 | 96 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.5 | 25.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.0 | 14.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 3253 | 2979 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 4200 pictures | 900 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL4a | EN-EL15 |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2 to 20 sec, 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant |
Storage slots | Two | Two |
Price at release | $5,200 | $2,389 |