Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810
51 Imaging
57 Features
63 Overall
59


54 Imaging
74 Features
78 Overall
75
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Key Specs
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 12800 (Bump to 51200)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 980g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Introduced June 2014
- Replaced the Nikon D800
- Replacement is Nikon D850

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Overview
Here, we will be evaluating the Nikon D3S versus Nikon D810, former is a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are manufactured by Nikon. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the D3S (12MP) and D810 (36MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor size (Full frame).

The D3S was brought out 5 years earlier than the D810 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D3S being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D810 being a Mid-size SLR camera.
Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the D3S matches up against the D810 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D3S & Nikon D810. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon D3S Gallery & Nikon D810 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3S over the Nikon D810
D3S | D810 |
---|
Reasons to pick Nikon D810 over the Nikon D3S
D810 | D3S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | June 2014 | ![]() | February 2010 | More modern by 53 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1229k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer screen (+308k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D3S and Nikon D810
D3S | D810 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither comes with Touch screen |
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D3S comes with exterior measurements 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 D810 has dimensions of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 980 grams (2.16 lbs).
Examine the Nikon D3S versus Nikon D810 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the D3S compared to the D810.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D3S and D810 is 51 and 54 respectively.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The pic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the D3S and D810.
As you can tell, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Nikon D810 to result in extra detail having its extra 24MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged D3S will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D810 Specifications
Nikon D3S | Nikon D810 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | Nikon D3S | Nikon D810 |
Type | Pro DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Revealed | 2010-02-16 | 2014-06-26 |
Physical type | Large SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed | EXPEED 4 |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 36 x 23.9mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 860.4mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 36 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 5:4 and 3:2 |
Peak resolution | 4256 x 2832 | 7360 x 4912 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 102400 | 51200 |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 64 |
RAW data | ||
Lowest enhanced ISO | 100 | 32 |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 51 |
Cross focus points | 15 | 15 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 309 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3.2" |
Resolution of display | 921k dots | 1,229k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display tech | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD | TFT-LCD (WRGB) |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.7x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 11.0 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/250s | 1/250s |
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) | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Optional |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 1240g (2.73 pounds) | 980g (2.16 pounds) |
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 score | 82 | 97 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.5 | 25.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.0 | 14.8 |
DXO Low light score | 3253 | 2853 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 4200 pictures | 1200 pictures |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL4a | EN-EL15 |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs for up to 9 shots) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA | SD/SDHC/SDXC, CompactFlash (UDMA compliant) |
Card slots | Dual | Dual |
Pricing at release | $5,200 | $1,999 |