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Nikon D3s
57
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 12.1 MP · Full Frame

Nikon D3s

General 57Optics 55Features and Benefits 54Storage and Battery 87
From $590.56 — 4 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD3s
Released2009
Announcement date14/10/2009
Camera typeDSLR

General 57

Brand
Nikon
Model
D3s
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
14/10/2009
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
160 x 157 x 88 mm
Camera weight
1240 g

Optics 55

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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.
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
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.
1024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D3s scores a solid 57/100 in our evaluation. Announced on October 14, 2009, and released the same year, this DSLR camera came out with a hefty launch price of $5,510. Measuring 160 x 157 x 88mm and weighing 2.73lbs (1240g), the D3s has a substantial presence.

Although the Nikon D3s is over a decade old, its specifications remain respectable, especially for photography enthusiasts. However, compared to more recent cameras, the D3s may not be the most competitive choice in today’s market.

Nikon D3s Overview and Optics

The Nikon D3s received a score of 55/100 for its optics. With 12.1 megapixels, it has a lower resolution compared to modern cameras. The shooting speed of 11 frames per second is decent, yet not exceptional in today’s market. The camera has a full-frame CMOS sensor, which contributes to its DXOMARK score of 82. This score shows that the sensor performs well, but there are better options available.

The Nikon D3s uses an Expeed processor and is compatible with the Nikon F FX lens mount. Unfortunately, it lacks image stabilization, which is a disadvantage for photographers requiring steady shots. Its aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard for most cameras.

While the Nikon D3s has a few strong features, its optics do not stand out in the current market. Its lower resolution and absence of image stabilization make it less competitive compared to the latest camera models.

Nikon D3s Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
Yes
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
Read our notes on nikon d3s video performance

While most modern cameras boast video capabilities, the Nikon D3s does not offer this feature. However, it compensates with a built-in time-lapse function, allowing users to create captivating time-lapse sequences easily.

Nikon D3s Features and Benefits 54

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d3s features and benefits

The Nikon D3s features a score of 54/100. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,000 dots, the display is decent but lacks modern amenities. The absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities shows that this camera falls behind contemporary models.

Despite its limitations, the Nikon D3s remains a solid choice for photographers seeking a camera with essential features. However, those who require advanced connectivity and convenience may find the lack of modern specifications a drawback. The Nikon D3s is a reliable camera but may not fulfill the expectations of users who are accustomed to recent technological advancements.

Nikon D3s Storage and Battery 87

Memory card
CompactFlash (Type I), UDMA
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
EN-EL4a
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
4200 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d3s storage and battery

The Nikon D3s storage and battery capabilities score an impressive 87 out of 100. The camera comes equipped with two memory card slots, allowing for ample storage and easy switching between cards. It is compatible with CompactFlash (Type I) and UDMA memory cards, providing fast and reliable storage options.

In terms of battery life, the D3s boasts an impressive 4200 shots per charge, using the EN-EL4a battery type. This long-lasting battery performance is a significant advantage for photographers who need to capture many images without constantly changing batteries. However, the camera does not have USB charging capabilities, which may be inconvenient for some users who prefer this charging method.

Considering these specifications, the Nikon D3s storage and battery features hold up well in today’s market, providing photographers with reliable and efficient options for capturing and storing their images.