Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
-
Discontinued
Availability Details
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This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
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Imagine a pro-level DSLR containing an imaging sensor 7 times more sensitive to low-level light than the human eye. Imagine if this camera can also capture high-definition live-action stills at up to 9 frames-per-second or 720 HD video at 24 frames-per-second (with stereo sound) under the lowest of lighting conditions. The Nikon D3S (Body Only) is such a camera. Constructed to the same precision high-performance standards as its predecessor, the Nikon D3, the D3S is designed to meet the convergent technological needs and demands of professional shooters under the most extreme of low-light shooting conditions.
The D3S is ruggedly constructed of weatherproof, silicon-sealed magnesium-alloy components and contains a re-engineered 12.1-megapixel FX-format (full-frame, 23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor capable of producing still images and HD video at ISO levels up 102,400. The D3S captures JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG, or TIFF image files at up to 9 frames-per-second in FX-format, or 11 frames-per-second when shooting in DX-mode. The buffer is equally impressive and can handle up to 42 RAW files or 130 large JPEGs.
The D3S's all-glass optical viewing system offers bright, 100% viewing through the viewfinder. You also have the option of composing and editing images in Live View mode using the camera's 3", 920,000-dot LCD. Along with a wide selection of exposure, tonal, and color controls, the D3S also offers advanced D-Lighting for maximum shadow and highlight details in stills, a D-Movie mode for similar image optimization when shooting video, advanced chromatic aberration reduction controls, and in-camera RAW file processing. To keep image files clean from the moment of capture, an advanced Dust Reduction System helps keep errant dust particles out and away from the image path.
To keep up with the action, the D3S contains dual CompactFlash (CF) slots and can capture up to 4200 exposures per battery charge. And like its predecessor, the Nikon D3S is compatible with a vast selection of Nikon lenses the enable you to take sharp, dramatic imagery regardless of where the job takes you.
- ISO Range of 200 - 12800, Expandable to ISO 102,400 (Hi 3)
- Professional photographers can now rely on ISO 200 to ISO 12800 as the professional standard of image quality for their assignments for an incredible advantage when shooting indoor sports, stadium events at night or any other shooting situations where light is limited and Speedlights are not practical. Shooting at ISOs as high as 12,800, the D3S can take commercial-quality, pin-sharp images in low light at action-freezing shutter speeds, a capability that will open a new world of photographic opportunities. When needed, the D3S expands to the amazing ISO equivalent of 102,400, revealing color and detail even in low-lit places where human eyes may find it difficult to discern objects. This exceptional low-noise performance also applies to D-Movie capture, which creates new potential for multimedia projects and assignments.
- Improved D-Movie Functionality
- From well-lit scenes to extremely low-lit situations, the D3S's D-Movie mode delivers unique versatility. An enhanced D-Movie mode offers HD quality (1,280 x 720 pixels) Motion-JPEG movies at 24 fps. By controlling the aperture from the widest f-stop to the smallest, the large FX-format sensor renders low-noise images with beautiful 'bokeh' from a large selection of Nikkor lenses. High-Sensitivity Movie mode allows users to shoot at up to an ISO equivalent of 102,400 in the dimmest of lighting conditions. D-Movie footage is easy to trim in-camera by simply selecting the starting and ending point. An extra bonus for sports and news photographers is the ability to save selected movie frames as JPEGs for immediate print and web publishing needs. The D3S has both an internal mono-aural microphone and an external stereo microphone input, enabling higher fidelity audio recording.
- Large Pixel Pitched 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS Sensor
- The D3S's image sensor has been completely redesigned from the D3; the inner structure has been further optimized, with the pixel count and large pixel pitch maintained for even greater latitude in high ISO performance. As a result, the D3S captures and renders light in ways that no other ordinary digital SLR camera has yet achieved, with a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range for unmatched image quality for both still images and movies throughout the broadened ISO sensitivity capabilities.
- Advanced Image Sensor Cleaning System
- Another significant improvement over the D3 is the employment of the Image Sensor Cleaning function, which generates vibrations at 4 specific frequencies to optimize dust removal. This function can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned on and off, or manually.
- EXPEED Image Processor
- Nikon's fast, comprehensive, and energy-efficient approach to in-camera image processing maintains the rich initial data's integrity through 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image-processing, which expands the creative possibilities made possible by shooting NEF (Nikon Electronic Image Format) files. Combined with Nikon's FX-format sensor, the D3S produces an exceptional tonal range and minimized tone jumps. Users can expect more accuracy with difficult color combinations such as skin tones and strong reds in the same frame without over-saturation and finer tonal gradation in highlights, even with extremely bright subject matter.
- Lateral Chromatic Aberration Reduction Ensures Edge-to-Edge Image Sharpness
- The D3S corrects color fringes caused by chromatic aberrations that, in some instances, can appear at the edges of differing subject elements. Lateral chromatic aberrations are corrected regardless of lens type, be they telephoto, wide-angle, non-CPU or other types of NIKKOR lenses.
- Active D-Lighting Maintains High Levels of Highlights and Shadow Detail
- Nikon's Active D-Lighting automatically regulates the dynamic range of high-contrast scenes, pulling out shadow details and preserving highlights while maintaining proper contrast. The D3S allows photographers to choose from six Active D-Lighting settings, including the newly added Auto and Extra High, as well as High, Normal, Low and Off. You can also bracket Active D-Lighting strength levels up to five frames and select the best rendition afterwards.
- Picture Control Functionality
- Picture Control helps you define the look and feel of your images by custom-tailoring sharpness, saturation and other parameters to match your creative intentions. The D3S comes with 4 pre-installed Picture Control profiles, which can be fine-tuned and saved as new custom Picture Control profiles that match your personal shooting style or particular shooting conditions. These profiles can easily be copied to additional cameras.
- Responsive From the Get-Go
- The D3S optimizes workflow speed and fluidity throughout the entire shooting process. Start-up time is approx. 0.12 seconds and release time lag is minimized to approx. 0.04 seconds, exactly as fast as the D3, but with a buffer memory twice as large as that of the D3's. In addition, the D3S's auto focusing, image processing, memory card access and recording, USB interface and optional wireless transmitter all work together to keep professional photographers focused. And for sport and news photographers, many of the D3S's JPEG files are print-ready with little or no post-production: an extra edge when time is short.
- 9-fps in FX-format, 11-fps in DX Crop-format
- The D3S's continuous shooting rates allows for a more steady delivery of fast continuous shooting speeds at a wide range of aperture settings enabling professionals to have greater control and fewer limitations when capturing images. With the DX crop, photographers can also add a 1.5x picture angle and a faster frame rate to their arsenal. Furthermore, the factory-installed buffer memory is twice the capacity of the D3, dramatically increasing the power of continuous shooting.
- 3" 921,000-Dot LCD with 170-Degree Viewing Angle
- The D3S's large, high-resolution LCD monitor delivers bright, crisp image playback with up to 27x enlargement for immediate and precise image confirmation. Each LCD is covered with scratch resistant tempered glass and individually calibrated and fine-tuned at the factory to deliver consistent performance.
- Easy-Access Live View Mode
- The dedicated Live View button gives you instant access to two Live View modes: Tripod mode for accurate AF operation and Hand-held mode for more versatile shooting angles. The speed for Contrast-detect AF in Tripod mode has also been improved for enhanced practicality.
- Advanced Scene Recognition System
- Nikon's exclusive 1,005-pixel RGB sensor precisely reads brightness and color information raising the overall accuracy of AF, AE, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance thanks to Nikon's Scene Recognition System. The D3S's AF delivers superb subject tracking and subject identification performance. Highlight analysis used for AE reproduces brightness faithful to the eye, and light source identification makes auto white balance uniquely precise and reliable.
- 51-point Auto-Focus
- The D3S's strategically positioned 51 AF points deliver faster focus, even with quick and/or erratic subject movement. The 15 cross-type sensors in the centre of the frame maintain the same outstanding performance with any AF NIKKOR lens f/5.6 or faster. There are four Dynamic-area AF options, including 51 points (3D-tracking), which accurately follows your subject by shifting focus points using color and brightness information from the Scene Recognition System. This gives users an extra advantage when composition is important but your subject's movement is extremely erratic. Single-point and Auto-area AF modes are also available.
- Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II
- Nikon's exclusive 3D color matrix metering II is highly praised for its outstanding performance and faithful exposure results even in complex, unforgiving lighting conditions. The D3S takes accurate exposure further, using highlight analysis from the Scene Recognition System and then carefully selecting from a database containing information from over 30,000 actual shooting situations.
- Informed Auto White Balance
- Even in challenging conditions with mixed light sources, the D3S auto white balance function allows you to capture exacting color renditions in a wide variety of settings.
- 100% Optical Viewfinder Coverage (Approx)
- The D3S's large prism gives you the FX-format visual advantage when you shoot. The viewfinder image is not only larger and brighter, but the focusing screen is also carefully designed to help you to more intuitively sense sharp focus, be it manual or autofocus.
- Durable, Tough, Sealed Against the Elements
- For the reliability professionals demand, the shutter of the D3S has been tested for up to 300,000 cycles in fully assembled cameras under rigorous conditions. The ruggedly constructed D3S employs a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy for its body, exterior cover, chassis and mirror box. Furthermore, a comprehensive series of O-rings and other specialized seals, combined with additional Nikon engineering, protect the D3S against invasive moisture, dust and even electromagnetic interference.
- Dual CF Memory Card Slots
- The D3S lets you designate each card slot for certain tasks: record two full CF cards of data sequentially for a large amount of storage, record the same data onto two cards (backup), record RAW and JPEG simultaneously onto separate cards, and transfer data from one card to another. You can also designate the slot for data-heavy D-Movie recording.
- Up to 4200 Exposures per Battery Charge
- The D3S uses the EN-EL4a rechargeable batteries. Power consumption and power management systems have been engineered for greater operating efficiency, so you can expect long battery life, shooting up to 4,200 images per charge.
- Quiet Shutter Release Mode
- Photographers can select "Q" on the release mode dial to substantially reduce the sound of the camera's mirror-down during shooting. This is particularly useful when shooting in restrictive conditions such as when photographing theatrical performances or wildlife.
- Additional Nikon D3S Features Include
-
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 include 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.
Go To
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Camera Format | Full-Frame |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.1 Megapixels |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 23.9 x 35 mm |
| Bit Depth | 14-bit |
| Memory Card Type | CompactFlash |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Mono |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Manual Focus (M) |
| Autofocus Points | 51 |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (921000) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 200-102400 |
| Shutter | 30 - 1/8000 sec |
| Remote Control | Optional |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, 3D Color Matrix Metering |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Shutter Priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Kelvin, Manual |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Max Sync Speed | 1 / 250 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 9 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x EN-EL4a/EL4 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4" / 16.00 x 15.75 x 8.64 cm |
| Weight | 2.73 lb / 1.24 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 98 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (92)
- High ISO performance (92)
- Good image quality (91)
- Large clear LCD (83)
- Fast shutter speed (79)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
- Heavy bulky (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (84)
- Sports/action (81)
- Weddings (65)
- Wildlife (53)
- Landscape/scenery (51)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (42), Pro photographer (37), Photo enthusiast (19)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (53), Yes (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 98 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
After owning this camera twice, selling it twice, trying other alternatives, I keep on coming back to this astonishing camera. The ISO performance is unbeaten, top notch in ergonomics, features, speed, AF.
Shooting mainly for web content, the 12MP sensor has plenty of pixels to work with. I am not bothered by the next iteration of Canikon offerings, as I will stick with this body until it dies on me hundreds of thousands of shutter click later.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Equestrain Events
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
I recently purchased the D3s after using the D700 for the past three years. I really hadn't seen or used the D3s, but have read great reviews. And it is a great camera, but I didn't thin there would be that much of a change in image quality from the D700, but there is. The colors seem to have more depth and detail. I love my D700 and will continue to use it, but the D3s is truly a huge leap in quality.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Well I've only had my D3s a couple days and I love it already It blows my D200 away .I have not done any weddings with it but i'm sure it will shine .I went by a flag football game then day I got it I said what the heck why not test it out and the speed of it is amazing I got some good shot of a kid running a touchdown .I was not really not sure if I should wait for the D4 and I'm glad I did not because who knows how long it will take for that to come out and the price a bird in the hand you know .Well like I said I just got it and I can't wait to try it out on some landscape shots waterfalls etc .
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Super fast focus, exposure and frame rate (in RAW) combined with stratospherically high ISO capability make this the best camera out there. This is my first full frame DSLR and the results are fantastic. It isn't cheap, but it's packed with more than enough features and quality to justify the price.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
This is an expensive purchase and I waited almost 8 months to get one but it is well worth both the price and the weight. I'm a budding professional photographer and have already seen the improvement in my photos with this camera. I also recently purchased a D700 which is a very good camera but doesn't hold a candle to the D3s.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
A magnificent low light camera. Amazing
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
This body is more then just the next in a series. It is lightyears ahead of the D2X in terms of noise suppression and autofocus.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
It's hard to believe the difference between this and my D700. Finger tip controls are easier to operate and become second nature in a heartbeat. I shoot on the street and bracket everything. At an ISO of 1600 and shutter speed 1/500 a burst sounds like a single frame. No one notices.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Long battery life
- Two memory card slots
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
The D3s is the camera I'd been craving for the past few years and I'm so glad I finally purchased it. I primarily shoot weddings and the option to back-up onto a second memory card is well worth the expense over the d700 for me.
I'm also excited about the video, I have no intention to shoot video for clients but I like the option and flexibility.
I'm extremely impressed with the low light capabilities, the ease of use, the ergonomics (hand-wise, the camera is much heavier on my neck and I'll definitely be investing in a neck cushion soon). The performance at higher ISOs is incredible, and paired with the current noise reduction on lightroom I don't think low light will be a problem for me ever again.
The camera does require a different battery than the d700 (which I use as a back-up camera, and I've also used both at the same time during a ceremony so that I wouldn't need to switch between wide and zoom lenses, and I still love my d700). It does come with a battery charger that allows you to charge 2 batteries at once, and while I'd recommend getting a back-up the battery has lasted me through a complete wedding twice already (10+ hours).
I love it and I'm glad B&H got more in stock!
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Pretty loud shutter
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
This is my third D3S body. Its ability to capture great detail in low light is unmatched by any production DSLR on the market. I shoot sports for a number of local media outlets, and have never been sent on assignment without delivering quality pictures. Some of the gyms I shoot in are so dark, I need to crank the ISO up to about 12k, and it still does well. It still surprises me that Nikon offered this upgrade to the D3 at the same price even though it is at least 1-1.5 stops better than the D3, and included the memory upgrade that i purchased for my D3 to get the additional buffer capacity.
- Ease of Operation:
- 5
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- High ISO Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Night football without a flash along with indoor basketball and volleyball photography.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Low light, no light. Action, tranquility. Weddings, wildlife.
If it had any more features I wouldn't need them. Video seems a bit superfluous.
I like this camera. Selling the D300 and D700 and maybe even the F6
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
I use this camera to shoot fast action martial arts competitions. These are shot in indoor conditions that require fast shutter speed and these really up the demands placed on the camera. Coupled with some fast lens options, this camera just cannot be beaten. The photo quality produced is just sensational. With settings that would immobilize other cameras abilities to produce half decent photos, this camera just takes it all in its pace. With ISO topping 4000, the quality of shots are still superb. Nikon has done a wonderful job with this camera. I could not be happier with this camera and the photo results it produces.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Display not movable
- No built in flash
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
This is a great camera!!! the full frame makes such a difference and especially with F1.4 or 1.8 the images look a lot better compared to a crop cam. Also, even if you currently have a crop cam, try the DX 35mm, F1.8. The lens is not really build for an FX cam but therefore gives you a beautiful vignette!
The results when shooting with high ISO are just perfect! You can easily take pictures with ISO 6400 and still have great results with almost no noise.
It's a lot of money, but it's worth it... until Nikon finally releases the D4...
I love to work with my SB-900 off camera and used to control it with the build in flash since it's transmits the TTL information as well. Unfortunately the D3s doesn't have one.
- Ease of Operation:
- 5
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 2 memory slots
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Heavy bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Amazing in low light. Fast. Accurate.
Battery cover needs to be removed to swap batteries if you don't purchase a second cover. Doesn't come with a LCD screen protector. Camera Strap seems a little flimsy for the weight of the camera. Heavy.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- It's very heavy wflash
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
The best camera that i had had.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Great low lite. Nice speed
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Fast, accurate, wonderful in low-light and strong build. We use these mostly for wedding photography. They capture amazing images in dark churches. We also used these for landscapes on a resent trip. Although it added a bit of weight, it was worth it to see all that amazing detail and accurate color. I love using camera!
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
Our goal in getting our new cameras was to find ones with full frame sensors that worked well in low light conditions, and rarely needed a flash. With wedding photography, flash can be so intrusive and create shadows that are not appealing to look at. This camera works amazing in low light. We rarely used flash at our last wedding with this camera and the images were impeccable. There is a lot to learn with this camera in comparison to the D90, which I had before. But if you take the time to learn it you will find that this is a great camera!! Well worth every penny I spent on it. It is one of the best cameras out there.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- D3S
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):
I own both a D3X and D3S. They are completely different cameras with completely different strengths and "weaknesses". If you want superb clarity and optimal and noticeable superior images, use the D3X WITH a tripod and no higher than ISO 800 [it seems to do pretty well at ISO 1250 but why push it].
The D3S is superb for in a house with natural [i.e. illumination such as fluorescents or incandescent bulbs] lighting. Same is true for relatively high contrast outside shots at high ISOs. Where I find the D3S sinks like a rock is low contrast shots. The images look pasty and have the sharpness of a painted image. But - if you shoot a Snowy Egret at ISO 6400 [maybe higher] in a stream with dark pools, the D3S will blow your socks off.
I'm keeping this review short. This is just my opinion and results may vary according to other users. Oh, one other thing, if you think you need a 30 X 40 print to see the difference in quality of an image shot with the D3X, versus lesser megapixel cameras [if you follow what I said at the beginning re tripod and an immobile subject] you're in for a pleasant surprise. The images on my 27 inch iMac calibrated monitor are clearly superior to any other Nikon DSLR I've ever shot photos with. Period. Yes, size matters and 24 MP shines!!
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
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