• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3S advantages over Canon 6D

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 6.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,253 vs 2,340 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4200 vs 1090 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.1 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    41 vs 17 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon 6D advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    1250 vs 90 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality on par to more expensive full-frame DSLRs (including the 5D Mark III); Responsive all-around performer; Superior HD video-shooting chops; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features, Built-in GPS and geotagging.

  • Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; No external headphone jack; Rather basic 11-point autofocus system; Mediocre burst speed.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D3S
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Lighter weight
Canon 6D
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag

Compared to Nikon D610

Nikon D3S
Nikon D610
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1196
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • Internal flash
Canon 6D
Nikon D610
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1196
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Nikon D3S
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • On-sensor phase detect
Canon 6D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack
Canon 6D
Nikon D3X
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
Canon 6D
Canon 1DX
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More cross-type AF points
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