- 35mm 860.4mm2
- 12.1 megapixels
- ISO 200 - 12,800
- Go in depth with our full Nikon D3S Review.
- See real-world photos taken with the D3S.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | ||
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Nikon D2Hs
D2Hs vs D3S |
|
| Successor: |
Nikon D4
D3S vs D4 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | D3S | A35 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | ||
| Camera Format: | Pro SLR | SLR |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $5199.95 | $699.99 |
| Street Price: | $567.17 | |
| Date Available: | 2009-11-30 | 2011-08-31 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
49.7 oz
(1,410 g)
includes batteries |
24.5 oz
(694 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
| Size: |
6.3 x
6.2 x
3.4 in. (160 x 157 x 88 mm) |
4.9 x
3.6 x
3.3 in. (124 x 92 x 85 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | |
| Effective Megapixels: | 12.1 | 16.2 |
| Sensor Format: | 35mm | APS-C |
| Sensor size: | 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm) | 365.04mm2 (23.40mm x 15.60mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 8.46 microns | 4.76 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.0x | 1.5x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2 | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No | Yes |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 82 | 74 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.5 | 23.3 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.0 | 12.7 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 3,253 | 763 |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
4256 x 2832
(12.1 MP,
3:2), 3184 x 2120 (6.8 MP, 3:2), 2128 x 1416 (3.0 MP, 3:2), 2784 x 1848 (5.1 MP, Other), 2080 x 1384 (2.9 MP, 3:2), 1392 x 920 (1.3 MP, Other), 3552 x 2832 (10.1 MP, 5:4), 2656 x 2120 (5.6 MP, 5:4), 1776 x 1416 (2.5 MP, 5:4), 3552 x 2368 (8.4 MP, 3:2), 2656 x 1776 (4.7 MP, 3:2), 1776 x 1184 (2.1 MP, 3:2) |
4912 x 3264
(16.0 MP,
3:2), 4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9), 3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other), 3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9), 2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other), 2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9), 12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other), 8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other), 2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other), 2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other), 7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other), 4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.21), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr | JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 9.0 | 5.5 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24) 320x216 (24) |
1920x1080 (60i)
1440x1080 (30) 640x480 (30) |
| Movie File Format: | Motion JPEG | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes | No |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | Yes | n/a |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | Yes | n/a |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Nikon F | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) |
| Lens: | n/a | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: | ||
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | n/a | 55.0mm |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | n/a |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors | Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide, Spot, Local. |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | No | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD | EVF / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 | EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.15M-dot LCD (380K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.1x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter |
| Focus Peaking: | No | No |
| EVF Resolution: | n/a | |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.70x | 0.73x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 0.70x | 1.10x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 920,000 dots | 921,600 dots |
| Touchscreen: | No | No |
| Articulating Screen: | No | No |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | No | No |
| Selfie Screen: | No | No |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 27.0x | 11.8x |
| Top Deck Display: | Yes | No |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 12800 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 200 | 100 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto, 200 - 12,800, plus down to 100 in Lo-1, up to 102,400 in Hi-3 | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, twelve manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500 – 9900K with 19-step Magenta/Green compensation) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/8000 - 30 sec | 1/4000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area | 49-zone Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | None | Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait, Picture Effect, Sweep Panorama (2D/3D) |
| Self Timer: | 2/5/10/20 seconds | 2, 10; 3 or 5 after 10 sec seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | ||
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | No | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | n/a | Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | n/a | Lens dependent |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/250 | 1/160 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | |
| External Flash Connection: | ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal | Hot shoe |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | CF1 | MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | ||
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | Yes | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr | RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | Motion JPEG | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | No |
| NFC: | ||
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | No |
| Microphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | No |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional wired | Optional Wireless (RMT-DSLR1) or Wired (RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM) |
| Connections (extended): | HDMI Out, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal, External Stereo Mic | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.34 | 0.53 |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.34 | 0.54 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 58 | 8 |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.34 | |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | Yes | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 9.0 | 5.5 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 90 | 12 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 9.1 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 41 | |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 9.1 | |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 36 | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.20 seconds | 0.22 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | 0.51 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | 0.423 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.043 seconds | 0.217 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.48 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.043 seconds | 0.102 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Optical Viewfinder AF lag: 51-point Auto-Area Full AF = 0.361s Live View AF Lag: Hand-held mode Full AF = 0.511s Tripod mode Full AF = 2.66s Tripod mode Prefocused = 0.423 | Wide-area full AF lag = 0.214s |
| Startup Time: | 0.3 seconds | 0.9 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.3 seconds | 0.4 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 3.3 seconds | |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | ||
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 4200 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary EN-EL4a | Proprietary NP-FW50 |
| Usable Battery Types: | Lithium Ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes | |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No | |
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | PictureProject | Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR) |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows, Mac OS | Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +) |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization, 1080i HD Video, Auto+, Picture Effects, Multi-frame NR, Hand-held Twilight, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, DOF Preview, 5.5fps Full-res Burst Mode (7fps in Cropped "Telezoom" 8MP Mode). | |
