Nikon D3S

With the introduction of the Nikon D3s owns an impressive array of professional DSLR products, each of which has its very own, specific features. The new Nikon D3s is a 12 Megapixel digital SLR for the photo journalist, sports and nature photographer.

Our Rating (4/5)

Good: Incredible low light performance, inclusion of D-Movie, quiet shutter, stunning pictures

Bad: Unless you value the increased ISO and video, it’s an expensive upgrade from the D3

gizmodo writes:
“The D3s’s sensor is an evolved form of the original D3’s 12.1MP full-frame sensor, using a different structure to improve the signal-to-noise ratio while shooting at higher ISO ratings, along with new algorithms for better image processing. The normal ISO range is 200-12,800, going up to ISO 102,400 at the top end of the expanded range.”

CNET writes:
“The D3S is the replacement for the professional workhorse, the D3, and sits alongside the D3X at the top of the Nikon FX sensor line-up.”

LetsGoDigital writes:
“I even dare to say that this is the best digital SLR camera at this moment. In any case, the best that Nikon has ever built. Thanks to the D3, many photographers made the switch to Nikon, either having stepped over to Canon before or not. And I actually think that the Nikon D3s will make more photographers want to make the switch.”
Rating: ★★★★½

The D3S is a worthy successor to the D3, refining rather than completely overhauling the successful formula. True night vision is a step closer with the Nikon D3S, a stunning professional dSLR on all accounts from still images to video.

There are few surprises in the looks of the D3S — it’s almost identical to the D3 which it now supersedes. It feels incredibly well made, and for the price you would expect this camera to work like a tank. The 3-inch 920,000-dot screen remains unchanged from its predecessor’s, and still does the job well. It’s a smidgen lighter than the D3 too, not that 60-odd grams makes that much difference in the grand scheme of things — especially when you’re toting around the new 70-200mm VR II lens attached to the camera.

There are also three different crop modes which are all displayed in the viewfinder: 1.2x, 5:4 and DX, which reduce the file size but allow the photographer to achieve different effects and also to use different, non-FX lenses.

DCR writes:
“Image quality is excellent, particularly when shot in RAW. Naturally, your lens choice will affect parameters like sharpness, but overall I was pleased with most shots captured with this camera.”

ImagingResource writes:
“While we’re used to seeing a pretty clear descent in image size as ISO rises, images from the 12-megapixel D3S don’t start to need a size downgrade from 16×24 until ISO 12,800…Really a remarkable performance from the amazing  digital SLR camera.”

PhotoReview.au writes:
“No noise was visible in test shots up to ISO 3200 and it didn’t become obvious until ISO 12,800… the D3s provided sharper, more saturated images than we obtained in test shots from the EOS 1D Mark IV, as shown in the sample crops from our Imatest tests”

WDC writes:
“Sharpness is excellent with the right lens choice, though due to the large sensor the resulting depth of field can be much narrower than you are used to. With a relatively moderate pixel count, the level of detail is not breathtaking but does offer as much as the pixels will allow – which is plenty for prints up to A2.”

Shutterbug writes:
“the D3S is a state-of-the-art pro camera that lets you get images you might not have considered previously possible, and then some. Battery staying power, framing rate, customization features, nine-shot brackets, focusing speed and accuracy, and video and still crop and size options make it a formidable machine for any working photographer.”
Rating:N/A

Pocket-Lint writes:
“This evolution of Nikon’s D3 full “FX” frame professional digital SLR brings new features such as HD movies into the frame. A new 12.1-megapixel sensor with improved circuitry allows superb image quality at very high ISO settings makes the D3s a stunning pro model”
Rating: ★★★★½

NeutralDay writes:
“For photographers not needing the absolute best in high ISO performance, and/or those uninterested in shooting HD video, the D3s may not be the most dire of purchases. But for photographers just now moving up to a professional level camera and invested in Nikon glass, or for professionals desiring even higher levels of performance, the Nikon D3s definitely comes “Highly Recommended’
Rating: ★★★★½

Additional Nikon D3S Features

- Newly added image area of 1.2x crop (30 x 20) format with approx. 8.4 megapixels
- Multiple exposure operation that can be repeated by designating the function to the bracketing button
- Electronic virtual horizon that is available in Live View shooting
- Extended menu banks that stores up to four combinations of exposure mode, shutter speed and aperture value
- Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus, including RAW processing to enhance your images without using a computer
- Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output. Type C connector (mini size) is employed
- With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data. The Time Adjustment feature, which adjusts your camera’s time zone, is also available using the GP-1. Especially useful for group assignments that require several D3S cameras to be synchronized.
- Exclusive Nikon Software — Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image Authentication Software (all optional) enable more advanced operation and image editing.

Some of the most interesting improvements to photographers are perhaps not the most highlighted in the specifications. It’s the little things that you’ll notice the most, like the soft-touch AF-On button and the new, dedicated live view button. It’s no longer on the dial, but instead located near the LCD screen, which is actually pretty clever for two main reasons: it’s more convenient to press the button rather than move the dial for easy access into live view; and secondly, it means that you can use quiet shutter and other shooting options when live view is active.Inside, the sensor has been completely redesigned, so it isn’t the same as that found on the D3. The 12.87-megapixel CMOS sensor won’t match something like the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV’s 17-megapixel sensor, but then again it’s not really meant to — if you want that sort of resolution for studio work you’ll be looking at the D3X anyway.

The inclusion of D-Movie on the D3S came as no real surprise considering how it has encroached upon more entry-level models like the D5000, and the prosumer DX format D300S. At 720p and 24 frames per second the implementation is essentially the same as featured on the aforementioned cameras. There’s an internal stereo microphone plus a 3.5mm jack for attaching an external microphone, and if you fancy capturing a moment from video as a JPEG, that’s a possibility as well (though it will only be 720×540 pixels). In-camera editing of movies is also available, though it’s not going to replace a dedicated video editing package any time soon.

The D3S is an incredible performer — it meets the same stats as the now-retired D3 but it feels just a little more nimble on its feet. Its burst rating is 9 frames per second and it achieves this with ease in practice, and thanks to the increased buffer it now takes even longer for this camera to slow its machine-gun-like response. Nikon claims the battery life can now withstand 4200 frames on a single charge.

The white balance seems to produce slightly warmer tones on automatic settings than the D3 does, which makes for a more pleasing colour balance from JPEGs straight from the camera.

The low light capabilities of this camera are a great improvement over the D3. Though the maximum ISO is a rather jaw-dropping 102,400, at this level it’s incredibly noisy and there is a loss of detail.

However, it’s undeniable that the D3S breaks new ground in non-flash photography thanks to its strong images at high sensitivities under ISO 102,400. Anecdotally, the D3S seemed to keep colours accurate as the sensitivity level increased when compared to D700 and D300S images. At low and native sensitivities, the D3S produces punchy, vibrant colours that are very accurate.

The shots that we took as dusk descended over the cityscape were simply unbelievable — this camera delivered results that could be mistaken for daytime shots. In conjunction with the 70-200mm VR II lens, the D3S is a formidable picture-taking machine, and most definitely makes photographing low light situations incredibly easy (just mind the hefty lens).

For absolutely anyone who values high shutter speeds, greater depth of field or just amazing performance in low light situations, the D3S is simply amazing. Professional photographers particularly in action and sports fields will relish this camera. Incremental updates, like D-Movie, seem to be inevitable additions to the formula, and we look forward to some of the features on this camera trickling down to consumer SLRs in the future.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N