Nikon D3S
- 12MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800 (Bump to 102400)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 1240g - 160 x 157 x 88mm
- Launched February 2010
- Previous Model is Nikon D3
- Replacement is Nikon D4
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
51 Imaging
57 Features
63 Overall
59
Nikon D3S summary
Nikon D3S is Nikon's Pro DSLR digital camera first introduced on February of 2010. It houses a 12 MegaPixel, CMOS Full frame size sensor with a max resolution of 4256 x 2832.
Nikon launched this model in order to update the older Nikon D3 (Read Full Comparison) and then introduced the newer Nikon D4 (Read Full Comparison) in order to replace this model.
The D3S stands at #14 out of 35 in Pro DSLR cameras and over all #329 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should use our Smart camera finder to get camera listings based on your personal factors.
The following is a graph of various factors used in the rating system.
Nikon D3S history
The Nikon D3S is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the complete list underneath.
Nikon D3S Gallery
You can view the D3S from different angles in the gallery here.
Nikon D3S Pros and Cons
Here is a checklist of pros and cons of the Nikon D3S based on aspects which are normally considered crucial in a digital camera.
Nikon D3S Sensor specs
The Nikon D3S features the Expeed processor. The sensor measurement in the Nikon D3S is 36mm x 23.9mm (Full frame). The 860 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 4256 x 2832 pixels with aspect ratios of 5:4 and 3:2.
Photography GlossaryThe CMOS sensor boasts 12 megapixels and delivers a standard ISO range of 200 - 12800. The ISO can also be extended electronically to 100 - 102400. RAW photos are supported therefore you have more room to maneuver in post.
The picture underneath illustrates the D3S's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The D3S sensor comes with a crop factor of 1 and is shown in green.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesTo get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Nikon D3S dimensions
Nikon D3S has a weight of 2.73 lbs (1,240g or 43.74 ounces) and features external size of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5"). The weight of typical Pro DSLR camera is 1,280g so the Nikon D3S is very much the same when compared to other rivals.
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banDown below is a shot of the Nikon D3S next to a soft drink to help you have a feel for its size.
The top view just below will show you the button layout on the D3S.
Nikon D3S Lens details
The D3S works with the Nikon F mount and has 315 lenses available to buy. Here is some of the lenses we have in our database that will work with the D3S.
Nikon D3S Connectivity
The D3S has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
- GPS Yes
Digital cameras that include NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be used wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and at times adjust settings without connecting directly with the camera.
A few apps also provide a Liveview and hit the shutter whenever you are not close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can easily be attached to an external display. A good number of cameras enable you to charge the battery pack through the USB port.
Nikon D3S Video details
The max video resolution in the Nikon D3S is 1280 x 720 and it can save in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible by today's requirements. You should really strive for a minimum 1080p resolution for decent video. The body does not have a mic and headphone socket which means that you get zero control over your audio. It is probably best to consider an alternative model in case you need better audio in your videos.
Nikon D3S Weather Sealing
Nikon D3S features weather proofing making it a very good option to use in tricky climates. This is particularly valuable if you are not sure about the elements you might encounter in outdoor photography.
Nikon D3S Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon D3S is equipped with a 3" fixed screen with a resolution of 921k dots.
Please note that the screen offers no touch support. The D3S also comes with a Top LCD screen so its possible to instantly view camera settings.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideThe View Finder details regarding Nikon D3S are the following:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
- ViewFinder Coverage 100 percent
- ViewFinder Magnification 0.7x
Viewfinders can be very beneficial in sunny outdoor situations which might make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.
Nikon D3S Shutter details
Nikon D3S has the ability to shoot continuously at 11.0 fps. The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 seconds.
Nikon D3S Flash and Hot shoe details
Nikon D3S has got external flash support but with no built-in flash. The maximum flash sync is 1/250 seconds.
Nikon D3S Autofocusing details
Nikon D3S has got both Phase Detect Autofocus and Contrast Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more quicker and exact than Contrast Detect autofocusing.
It supports 51 focus points to select from. It also boasts Tracking Autofocus for subjects on the move. Nikon D3S has got manual focus when needed in low light conditions or you want to have more precise focus control.
Nikon D3S Battery life
The battery pack (EN-EL4a) in the Nikon D3S is fashioned to last for 4200 images based on the CIPA benchmarks making it higher than standard in comparison to its class. The usual Pro DSLR camera battery life is 2438. Nikon D3X comes with the maximum (4400) battery life in this group of cameras.
Underneath is a collection of Pro DSLR cameras which have the highest battery life:
Nikon D3S for various kinds of photography
The following bar chart gives a summary of the Nikon D3S for various kinds of photography. To see more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.
Nikon D3S Portrait photography information
The Nikon D3S receives a points total of 64 which is very good, and means the camera is a very decent pick to use for portrait images. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support & potential to work with off-camera flash.
Nikon D3S Street photography factors
Coming in at a moderate points total of 55, the Nikon D3S is somewhat suitable for street photography. A good street photography camera gives a good balance of image quality plus portability.
Sports photography with Nikon D3S
A above average sports photography rating of 66 means the Nikon D3S is a good fit for photographing sports. A camera needs to have excellent autofocus plus shutter speeds for sports photography.
Nikon D3S Travel photography features
Portability is really critical in picking a travel camera. All things considered, the Nikon D3S gets a moderate 51 for a travelling camera which makes it fairly suitable to buy for your journeys.
Landscape photography with Nikon D3S
If you find yourself looking to pick a digital camera for landscape photography, the most significant factor is going to be image quality. The Nikon D3S and it's nice rating of 67 for a landscape camera is a respectable choice within the current marketplace.
Vlogging with Nikon D3S
A camera for vlogging preferably should offer a articulating display, mic input and preferably image stabilization. Considering all things, the Nikon D3S is not suitable for vlogging as it gets a lousy score of 15.
Nikon D3S Alternatives
If you are interested in alternatives to the D3S, below is a range of the top placed cameras that fall in to the category of Pro DSLR.
The diagram listed below shows you an overview of the D3S vs it's highest scored competitors shown above.
These are some more cameras you may take into account as alternatives. To review a complete comparison, visit the "compare" link.