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9.9 out of 10

Nikon D3s

12.1 megapixels

Information found in: from 162 sources in 29 countries

Great Deal: $2,139.00

  • User Score (371)
    9.7 9.7 from 371 reviewers
  • Expert Score (26)
    9.2 9.2 from 26 reviewers
  • Design (4)
    10 10 from 4 reviewers
  • Value for money (14)
    9.0 9.0 from 14 reviewers
  • Features (7)
    9.8 9.8 from 7 reviewers
  • Ease of use (6)
    9.0 9.0 from 6 reviewers
  • Performance (6)
    9.9 9.9 from 6 reviewers
  • Picture quality (12)
    10 10 from 12 reviewers
  • Overall quality (2)
    9.8 9.8 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (6)
    9.8 9.8 from 6 reviewers
  • Construction (5)
    9.8 9.8 from 5 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (5)
    9.2 9.2 from 5 reviewers
  • Build quality (2)
    10 10 from 2 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(22)
7-8
(4)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(319)
7-8
(19)
5-6
(8)
3-4
(1)
1-2
(4)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    9.5/10
    17 January 2010

    With the number of cameras launched every year it's easy for some to get forgotten. Some, however, stand out because of a unique feature. Read more

    • A solid workhorse that really delivers the results. High ISO is stunning, as is the focus system, and everything else is a bonus
    • Movie mode could do more, price is limiting

  2. thinkdigit.com

    thinkdigit.com
    8.0/10
    28 February 2011

    Introduction - Look and FeelFeaturesPerformance: Focussing & Image QualityFinal Take - SpecificationsAny photographer worth his prime lens would have heard of the Nikon D3s. Read more

    • Extremely well built, with good weather sealing, Brilliant high ISO image quality - probably one of the best cameras around for shooting in low light, Produces sharp, detailed images with good resolved detail, Very good au...
    • Bulky and heavy, a good workout if you're looking to carry it all day, 12.1 megapixels was considered a mediocre resolution in 2008, AWB tends to add a warm cast under incandescent lighting, Menus are very complex, and mem...

  3. Bright Hub

    Bright Hub
    8.0/10
    25 February 2011

    In this Nikon D3s review, we take a look at what makes the D3s standout even among cameras with higher resolutions. The D3s focuses on durability and high image quality in low light conditions. Read more

  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    22 February 2010

    Nikon D3S Overview Reviewed by Andrew Alexander, Zig Weidelich, Shawn Barnett, and Mike Tomkins Review Posted: 04/16/2010 You know there was already something excellent about a camera when it gets only a minor upgrade after Read more

  5. consumersearch.com

    16 November 2011

    For professional photojournalists -- and anyone else who needs the best camera money can buy for shooting fast action (such as sports) and in low light -- experts prefer the Nikon D3S. Read more

    • Full-frame sensor, Outstanding low-light image quality, High-speed shooting at 9 fps, Fast, accurate autofocus, Shoots 720p HD video, Heavy-duty build for pro use
    • No built-in flash, Lower resolution than rivals (12.1 megapixels), Heavy and bulky

  6. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    17 February 2010

    We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it. Read more

  7. fwd.channel5.com

    10/10
    26 April 2010

    The Nikon D3S is a superbly engineered camera that looks the business and also does the business when it comes to ultra-high-quality still images. Read more

    • One of the fastest DSLR cameras you can get, the DS3 is just perfect for capturing quick-moving action shots. It can record at up to 11fps (frames per second) so can easily catch a car whizzing by, or a dart in mid air. Yo...
    • Yes, the 720p HD video mode is more than just a bonus but it doesn’t compete with the Full HD (1920x1080) available on Canon EOS models like the 5D Mark II and 550D. This is also a serious level of investment so you’ll nee...

  8. Videomaker

    Videomaker
    20 February 2010

    The D3S is aimed at the professional photographer or video producer. Combining crisp pictures with amazing color and the abilities to shoot in any lighting situations possible changes the rules from ordinary video capture. Read more

    • High quality photos, Incredible low-light capability for video or stills, Excellent build quality
    • Video autofocus is loud and slow, HD video in 720p 24fps only, Low video resolutions

  9. By Thom

    By Thom
    20 January 2010

    video comments update: 3/31/10 update: 4/14/2010 Nikon D3s Review Surprise, it is better. Add a comment or send Thom feedback on this article. If you haven't already read my D3 review , I suggest that you do so now. Read more

    • New sensor . As noted above, the D3s has a different sensor than the D3. The specifications are all the same: 12mp CMOS, Nikon-designed, etc.. But the capabilities aren't. The new sensor is better at low light and supports...
    • New sensor . As noted above, the D3s has a different sensor than the D3. The specifications are all the same: 12mp CMOS, Nikon-designed, etc.. But the capabilities aren't. The new sensor is better at low light and supports...

  10. photo.net

    photo.net
    23 December 2009

    Typically an “S” update to a Nikon camera (e.g. N8008 to N8008s, D70 to D70s, D2X to D2Xs) represents only minor improvements and small feature updates to a popular camera. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Great Camera - the best available for sports shooters

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: James M. Worthington, Amazon
    7 December 2011 See Product at Amazon ($5,200.00)

    I bought two of these to replace 3 Canon EOS bodies - 1D Mk IV, 1D Mk II, and 5D Mk II. It was painful to switch systems from Canon to Nikon, but worth it for my interests. Read more or see product

  2. perfection at its best

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: Joeyb, J&R
    10 February 2011

    You cant Beat this camera this is the best one on the market! the photos are so clear even at 12800 iso i was shocked at how great they looked! Read more

    • Amazing low light, Easy To Use, Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Fast Shutter Speed, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, High ISO Performance, Large Clear LCD, Takes great video
    • There is none

  3. Not quite for professiona use as advertised

    4.0/10
    Reviewer: therathman, dpreview.com
    23 June 2011

    The camera gets a 6 at the highest. Good points - The High ISO is awesome. The camera, at the high end of Nikon's professional cameras does not meet even an advanced consumer's needs, let alone a professional. Read more

    • The camera gets a 6 at the highest. Good points - The High ISO is awesome. The camera, at the high end of Nikon's professional cameras does not meet even an advanced consumer's needs, let alone a professional. Obviously Ni...
    • 1] Individual shots occassionally are extremely underexposed (Photos on both sides in same condition and settings are OK) 2] Camera freezes when reviewing photos / videos - only solution is to disconnect battery (even powe...

  4. "Warn you not to try it"

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: thanhuy, CNET
    12 February 2011

    Yes, don't even think to try it. Once you try it, you will buy it. Never though of buying another 12MP camera since I already have D700 which in some way very identical to D3s but after I borrow a camera from a friend next... Read more

    • it can see things you don't, top build, excellent battery life, lots of features, stunning non cross type focus ability, easy to use
    • stupid layout of dial wheel in portrait mode, shallow grip when holding in portrait position. Not sure what the heck Nikon thinking. I prefer Canon pro body in this area, deeper grip. only 9fps

  5. PhotoRadar

    PhotoRadar
    10/10
    Reviewer: PhotoRadar
    28 January 2010

    Opps, Bought a canon 5d mkII last week, borrowed a mates d5s for the day today to cover a wedding for him. As his regular partner was ill. Read more

  6. The best out there

    CameraWorld.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: McPhoto, CameraWorld.com
    16 December 2010 See Product at cameraworld.com ($5,196.95)

    I love doing wildlife images, and with the D3s I can get into low early morning light with a high ISO and capture the images I want with out using flash and startle the animal. Read more or see product

    • 9 fps, Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Easy to operate, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Focus in low light, High ISO with no noise, Strong Construction
    • Cost

  7. Simply the best camera on the market

    10/10
    Reviewer: Martini, Nikon
    22 November 2011

    The pictures I can make with this camera are simply stunning. There is no other word for it. The performance is superb, the colors are spot on, exposure is consistent and the focus speed is fantastic. Read more

  8. One of the Best Digital SLR's to date.

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: petersonwdm, Ebay
    19 August 2011 See Product at eBay ($5,047.86)

    I have upgraded from my D3 to this D3s for serveral reasons. Self cleaning sensor, improved low light/ low noise sensor over the D3. ( supposedly by at least 2 stops better low light performance. Read more or see product

  9. Best Camera I Have Ever Owned !!

    OneCall
    10/10
    Reviewer: Francoise, OneCall
    19 July 2010

    I am a wildlife/ nature photograpber and the D3s is perfect for shooting birds in flight. It is the quickest in low light of any camera I have ever owned . Once again Nikon has knocked it out of the park ! Read more

    • Easy To Use, Excellent in Low Light, High ISO Performance, Large Clear LCD, Quiet

  10. Why do I have 3-Nikon D2x's D3 in another class

    epinions.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: rickparis, epinions.com
    22 February 2010

    MY name is Richard Paris and I'm a professional protographer. I was thrilled when the D2x came out. Read more

    • This camera is leaps and bounds ahead of the competion!
    • None, The price is comming down, be patient, try after the holidays- Maybe then 4K

  • WikiFreak Description

Nikon D3s

Nikon announced its next DSLR release, the D3s, which will be the first DSLR camera that can capture high-definition 720p24 video with its full frame image sensor. The Nikon D3s is the upgraded model of Nikon’s D3 (released in August, 2007) and both models come with a 12.1-megapixel. For now, it is said to cost around $5, 199 and that’s the price of the body only which makes it, after the Nikon D3X, Nikon’s second most expensive DSLR camera. It will be released in October, 2009 and is alrea…

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Nikon D3s

Nikon announced its next DSLR release, the D3s, which will be the first DSLR camera that can capture high-definition 720p24 video with its full frame image sensor. The Nikon D3s is the upgraded model of Nikon’s D3 (released in August, 2007) and both models come with a 12.1-megapixel. For now, it is said to cost around $5, 199 and that’s the price of the body only which makes it, after the Nikon D3X, Nikon’s second most expensive DSLR camera. It will be released in October, 2009 and is already available for pre-order.

Features

The Nikon D3s has a full frame CMOS image sensor. It is a 12.1-megapixel DSLR camera that can shoot at the speed of 9 fps (frames per second). The LCD measures 3 inches and it features 921K (VGA) for its LCD dots. Auto-focus points are 51-point and it can capture videos (720p24) as well as audio for it features a built-mono. There’s a 3.5mm stereo for audio input purposes and for video input, there’s the HDMI slot. It also comes with improved AF-On and multi-dial controls. Also featured are ISO 200 - 12800 (ISO 100 - 102,400 in Boost mode); it can achieve eleven frames per second in continuous and DX mode; a larger buffer for 48 RAW frames in one burst; multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage); in-camera RAW processing; a 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout; auto-focus tracking by color; it has kevlar/carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability; auto-focus tracking by color; auto-focus calibration and it features Scene Recognition System. It also supports DX lenses and a viewfinder automatically masks. It features Nikon’s EXPEED image processor. It has the startup time of 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms and black-out 74 ms. There are dual compact flash cards and it supports compact flash UDMA. Its 3.0-inch features 922,000 pixels.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

# ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3) # Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels # Improved D-Movie function including High-Sensitivity Movie mode and flicker reduction function # Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function # Incorporates Nikon’s original EXPEED digital image processing # Active D-Lighting with bracketing for up to 5 frames # Picture Control…

Specifications

  • Effective pixels
    12.1 million
  • Image sensor
    CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format
  • Image size (pixels)
    FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S] 1.2x (30 x 20): 3,552 x 2,368 [L], 2,656 x 1,776 [M], 1,776 x 1,184 [S] DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S] 5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416 [S]

Release Date

  • First seen
    3 May 2008

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