• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D3S advantages over Panasonic GH5 II

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4200 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GH5 II advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    5K vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Lighter weight
    727g vs 1410g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 920k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.76x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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  • Body Only
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  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D700

Nikon D3S
Nikon D700
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D700

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon D700
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon D700

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon D3X
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon D3X

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon 1DX

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon 1DX
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3S
Nikon D4
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D4

Panasonic GH5 II
Nikon D4
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Nikon D4

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D3S
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon EOS-1D C

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon EOS-1D C

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