Nikon D3s Digital SLR Camera In Depth Review

Nikon D3s Digital SLR Camera In Depth Review

Introduction

When Nikon introduced the D3 in August of 2007, it was nothing short of game changer. Compared to its predecessor, the Nikon D2h (or D2hs), it was a huge leap forward. A 35mm sized full frame sensor, a notable increase in resolution, and improvements in overall speed and AF performance as well. It was a camera that DPReview.com described as “always seems to be one step ahead of you”, and the combination of its abilities and the now well discussed AF issues that Canon’s competing EOS 1D Mark III suffered from, caused hoards of professionals to upgrade or switch to the Nikon D3.

So at first blush the Nikon D3s may seem to be the most modest of refreshes, a “D3 with video” might be one way to describe it. And while that is in large part the path that Nikon took with the D300s ( a “D300 with video”), it isn’t an entirely accurate way to describe the Nikon D3s. Yes, it does add Nikon’s D-movie mode to the D3, which allows for 720p HD video, but it also makes a number of small improvements and one quite notable one.

Starting with the most notable, the Nikon D3s gets a newly redesigned 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 36×23.9mm that aids in offering an expanded ISO range of 25,600 to 102,400. Nikon makes no secret of its philosophy for high ISO capabilities, “big pixels equal greater ISO capabilities” so while the D3s gets no improvement in resolution it does improve on the already class leading ISO abilities of the Nikon D3, meaning photographers now have even more usable ISO settings in the 1600-12,800 range, and providing more play with aperture and shutter settings.

Next is the already discussed, Nikon D-movie mode which provides 720p HD video at 24 fps. Implementation is similar to the Nikon D300s, and like all Nikon models, the D3s records to a AVI file, compressed via Motion JPEG, which is generally less satisfactory for really excellent video quality than Canon’s harder to edit H.264 video wrapper. That said, what may appeal to some filmmakers and convergence friendly photographers, is the ability to exploit the Nikon D3s’ high ISO capabilities while shooting video. At ISO 102,400, the D3s practically allows you to shoot in absolute darkness.

Following those 2 new improvements is a host of smaller, but still respectable, improvements including:

• Larger buffer for more than double successive RAW frames
• Added “Info” and “Live View” buttons
• 5 Active D-lighting settings
• Added the “Quiet Shutter” shooting mode
• Added 1.2x crop option
• In-camera RAW editing
• The inclusion of Nikon’s Dust Reduction System
• Improved algorithm to control “jello” rolling shutter effect in video compared to other Nikon models.

So no, the D3s doesn’t represent the huge evolutionary step forward that the D3 did, and Nikon’s nomenclature itself points to this particular model being more of an upgrade than an all new model (Nikon D3s vs. Nikon D4). The question is do the improvements of the D3s warrant your purchase or even attention? To find out, please continue reading our in depth review of the Nikon D3s.

Availability

The Nikon D3s is now available for order at B&H Photo.

Nikon D3s Digital Camera at B&H Photo Get the Nikon D3s and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the following links at B&H Photo Video. Your purchases there help us continue to provide you with more great content. Camera Body (only)

Competition

The Nikon D3s’ most clear competitor is the also very new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV. The two cameras do take slightly different approaches at appealing to professional photographers, with the Nikon offering a 12 megapixel full frame sensor (no crop), while the EOS 1D Mark IV uses an APS-H type sensor with a 1.3x crop and 16 megapixels. The two cameras offer specifications quite close to each other, and are housed in very similar form factors. One notable other difference outside of sensor approaches is the EOS 1D Mark IV’s more robust video offerings, with both HD resolutions and selectable frame rates.

Key Specifications

Camera	Nikon D3s	Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Price (street est.)	$5199	$4999
Sensor Resolution	12.1 megapixels	16.1 megapixels
Sensor Size	36 x 23.9 mm	27.9 x 18.6mm
ISO Range	100-102400	100-102400
AF	51 points, 15 cross-type	45 points, 39 cross-type
Weather Sealing	Yes	Yes
LCD	3 inch, 921K	3 inch, 920K
Continuous Shooting	9 fps (at full size)	10 fps
HD Movie	720p HD video at 24 fps, connector for external microphone	720p HD video at 50fps/60fps, 1080p HD video at 30fps/25fps/24fps, connector for external microphone
Viewfinder	100% coverage, 0.7x magnification	100%, .76x magnification
Dimensions	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4" (160 x 157 x 88 mm )	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1" (156 x 156.6 x 79.9mm)
Weight	44 oz. (1240 g)	41.6 oz (1180g)

Highlights

A brief look at some of the highlights offered by the Nikon D3s

An all new sensor design allows for ISO expansion to 102,400.	Extensive use of magnesium alloy means flagship level durability.
The FX format now gets sensor cleaning.	Shutter unit good for 300,000 cycles.
EXPEED technology means 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image-processing pipeline, for improved color rendition.	Viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage.
Dual CF cards with robust configurations.	Includes Quiet Shutter, which holds the mirror up while finger is on the shutter.
Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module, 51 AF points with 15 cross-type points.	The 51 AF points allow for substantial coverage over any scene.

Continue Reading This Review:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Camera Design
4. Interface
5. Performance
6. Image Quality
7. Playback and Video
8. Verdict
9. Image Samples

Continue the Discussion

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1. 

   Sanaton says:

   June 23, 2010 at 2:49 am

   my next camera, umm.. or the D4

   reply
2. 

   Alexis says:

   June 28, 2010 at 4:08 am

   I currently using d300s and going to get this D3s to fully utilize with my 50mm and 85mm. This generation rock! ISO rock!

   reply