Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3 | D3s |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
23/08/2007 | 14/10/2009 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 88 mm | 160 x 157 x 88 mm |
| Camera weight | 1300 g | 1240 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.1 MP050 | 12.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4256 x 2832 | 4256 x 2832 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
11 fps045 | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F FX | Nikon F FX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed | Expeed |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
510300 | 510300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9220001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | CompactFlash (Type I), UDMA |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL4a | EN-EL4a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4300 shots1505000 | 4200 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3 edges out the Nikon D3s by a slight margin, with a score of 58/100 compared to the D3s’s 57/100. Both cameras share the same DSLR type and identical dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88mm. They also have similar announcement dates, with the D3 being released in 2007 and the D3s in 2009.
The Nikon D3 takes the lead with its lower launch price of $4300, compared to the D3s’s $5510. However, the D3s has a slightly lighter weight at 1240g (2.73lbs), making it more comfortable to carry than the D3, which weighs 1300g (2.87lbs).
Considering the minor differences in score and specifications, both cameras offer solid performance. The choice between the two mainly depends on the user’s budget and preference for a lighter camera.
The Nikon D3 edges out the Nikon D3s in our optics comparison with a score of 56/100, while the D3s scores 55/100. Both cameras share several key specifications, including 12.1 megapixels, 11 shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Expeed processor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F FX lens mount, and no image stabilization.
Despite the minimal difference in scores, the Nikon D3 has a slightly better DXOMARK score for the sensor at 81, compared to the D3s’s score of 82. This means that the D3’s sensor performance is marginally superior, which can contribute to improved image quality in certain situations.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3s does not have any specific advantages in optics over the D3. Both cameras have the same megapixels, shooting speed, sensor type, processor, sensor size, lens mount, and lack of image stabilization. Therefore, the D3s does not outperform the D3 in any optical aspect.
Considering the similarities in specifications and the slight edge in sensor performance for the Nikon D3, it is the winner in this optics comparison. The Nikon D3s does not offer any improvements over the D3 in terms of optics, making the D3 the better choice for those prioritizing optical performance. While the difference in scores is minimal, the D3’s marginally better sensor performance can make a difference in particular situations, and photographers should take this into consideration when choosing between these two cameras.
When examining the video capabilities of the Nikon D3 and Nikon D3s, it is important to note that both cameras do not have video functionality. Therefore, there is no difference between these two models in terms of video capabilities.
When comparing the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D3s, it is clear that both cameras have the same feature score of 54/100. This means that neither camera is significantly better than the other in terms of features. However, there are some differences and similarities between the two cameras that are worth noting.
Both the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D3s share several common features, such as a 3-inch screen size, no touchscreen, no flip screen, no GPS, no WIFI, and no Bluetooth. In terms of screen resolution, the Nikon D3 has a slightly higher resolution at 922,000 dots, while the Nikon D3s has 921,000 dots. This difference is minimal and does not impact the overall performance of the cameras significantly.
There are no specific areas where the Nikon D3s is better than the Nikon D3, as both cameras have the same feature score and similar specifications. Similarly, there are no specific areas where the Nikon D3 is better than the Nikon D3s, aside from the slightly higher screen resolution.
Considering the similarities and minimal differences between the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D3s, it is evident that both cameras are comparable in terms of features. The choice between the two cameras ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether the slightly higher screen resolution of the Nikon D3 is important to the user. However, it should be noted that the identical feature score of 54/100 for both cameras indicates that neither camera is significantly better than the other in terms of features, and potential buyers should consider other factors, such as price and availability, when making their decision.
The Nikon D3 and Nikon D3s both have a storage and battery score of 87/100, showing no difference in this aspect. They share common features such as having two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash cards (Type I or II for the D3 and Type I and UDMA for the D3s), and using the same battery type, EN-EL4a. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
The Nikon D3 has a slightly longer battery life, providing 4300 shots compared to the D3s’s 4200 shots. This advantage makes the D3 more suitable for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery changes.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3s accepts UDMA memory cards in addition to CompactFlash Type I cards, offering faster data transfer speeds and potentially improving performance in continuous shooting and video recording.
Despite these minor differences, both cameras are evenly matched in terms of storage and battery capabilities. The Nikon D3’s longer battery life and the D3s’s compatibility with UDMA cards cater to different preferences and shooting situations, but neither camera significantly outperforms the other in this area.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3 or the Nikon D3s:
