Supplied Accessories
- EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- MH-22 Quick Charger
- UC-E4 USB Cable
- EG-D2 Audio Video Cable
- AN-DC5 Camera Strap
- BF-1B Body Cap
- BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cap
- DK-17 Eyepiece
- BL-4 Battery Chamber Cover
- USB Cable Clip
- Software Suite CD-ROM
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Key Features
Nikon-original FX-format CMOS Sensor
Newly engineered for striking image fidelity and low-noise, optimizing pixel size and count in a 12.1-megapixel sensor to produce extraordinarily rich files.
Continuous Shooting Up to 9 FPS
Secure exacting moments in time with an expanded buffer, allowing continuous capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.
One-button Live View with Two Shooting Modes
Two modes for studio or remote shooting—Tripod Mode offers 27x magnification for precise focus confirmation.
Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust on the optical low-pass filter, safeguarding image quality.
Fast, Accurate 51-Point AF System
4 Dynamic modes and 15 cross-type sensors deliver AF precision and razor sharpness.
Scene Recognition System
Referencing an onboard image database, teamed with RGB metering, SRS enhances exposure and white balance evaluation and improves AF speed and accuracy.
Nikon Picture Control
Four preset options and 9 customizable settings provide personalized style control.
Dual CF Card Slots with Overflow, Backup and Copy Options
Approx. 4,200 Images per Battery Charge
Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 12,800
Renowned low-noise performance at 12,800, plus expanded settings to an astounding ISO 102,400 (equivalent) and ISO 100 (equivalent).
HD Video Capture
Record smooth 24 fps HD video, leveraging low-noise D3S image quality along with high fidelity stereo sound capability.
3-Inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
D3S monitors are individually calibrated during assembly to assure accuracy.
Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low-noise and fast image processing.
1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon-pioneered RGB metering includes color information to intelligently determine more accurate exposures.
Rugged and Precise Magnesium Alloy Construction
Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.
100% Viewfinder Coverage
Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
Specifications
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Lens MountNikon F bayonet mount
-
Picture AngleEquivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1/5 times when DX format is selected)
-
Effective Pixels12.1 million
-
Sensor Size36.0mm x 23.9mm
-
Image Sensor FormatFX
-
Image Sensor TypeCMOS
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Total Pixels12.87 million
-
Dust-Off Reference PhotoYes
-
Image Area (pixels)FX-format
(L) 4,256 x 2,832
(M) 3,184 x 2,120
(S) 2,128 x 1,416
1:2 format (30 x 20)
(L) 3,552 x 2,368
(M) 2,656 x 1,776
(S) 1,776 x 1,184
5:4 format (30 x 24)
(L) 3,552 x 2,832
(M) 2,656 x 2,120
(S) 1,776 x 1,416
DX-format
(L) 2,784 x 1,848
(M) 2,080 x 1,384
(S) 1,392 x 920
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File Format Still ImagesCompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent
Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless Compressed): approx. 60-80 percent
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant; can be selected from Size Priority and Optimal Quality
TIFF (RGB)
Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) -
Picture ControlMonochrome
Neutral
Nine User-customizable Settings
Standard
Vivid -
Storage MediaCompactFlash© (CF) (Type I, compliant with UDMA)
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Card Slot2 CompactFlash© (CF) cards
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File SystemCompliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
EXIF 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) -
ViewfinderSLR-type with Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism
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Viewfinder Frame Coverage100 % Approx.
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Viewfinder Magnification0.70x Approx.
-
Viewfinder Eyepoint18mm (-1.0m¯¹)
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Focusing ScreenBriteView Clear Matte VI - Type B
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Interchangeable Focusing ScreensType B BriteView Clear Matte VI
Type E Clear Matte VI -
Reflex MirrorQuick-return type
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Lens ApertureInstant-return type with depth-of-field preview button
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Depth-of-field ControlYes
-
Lens Compatibility at a Glance***AF-S or AF lenses fully compatible
Metering with AI lenses -
Compatible LensesAF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
DX AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) Image Size
Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; Electronic Rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or Faster; Color Matrix Metering and Aperture Value Display Supported if User Provides Lens Data
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported -
Shutter typeElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
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Fastest Shutter Speed1/8000 sec.
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Slowest Shutter Speed30 sec.
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Flash Sync SpeedUp to 1/250 sec.
-
Bulb Shutter SettingYes
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Shutter Release ModesContinuous low-speed [CL] mode; 1-9 frames per second
Continuous high-speed [CH] mode; 9 frames per second (9-11 frames per second with DX format)
Live View [LV] mode
Mirror-up [Mup] mode
Self-timer mode
Single-frame [S] mode -
Continuous Shooting OptionsFX-format
CH: Up to 9 frames per second
CL: Up to 8 frames per second
5:4 format
CH: Up to 9 frames per second
CL: Up to 8 frames per second
DX-format
CH: Up to 11 frames per second
CL: Up to 10 frames per second
-
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution9 frames per second
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Self-timer2, 5, 10, 20 sec. Timer duration electronically controlled
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Exposure Metering System1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Spot AF
Variable Center-weightedSpot meter centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) -
Metering Range0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)
2 to 20 EV (Spot metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens at 20°C/68°F) -
Exposure Meter CouplingCPU
AI -
Exposure ModesAperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S) -
Exposure Compensation±5 EV in increments of 1/3
1/2
1 -
Exposure Bracketing2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
-
Exposure LockYes
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button -
Mirror Lock UpYes
-
ISO SensitivityISO 200 - 12,800
Lo-1 (ISO 100)
Hi-1 (ISO 25,600)
Hi-2 (ISO 51,200)
Hi-3 (ISO 102,400) -
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity200
-
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity12,800
-
Lowest Expanded ISO SensitivityISO 100 equivalent, in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
-
Highest Expanded ISO SensitivityHi-3 (ISO 102,400 equivalent)
-
Expanded ISO Sensitivity OptionsHi-1 (ISO-25,600 equivalent) in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Hi-2, (ISO-51,200 equivalent), 1 EV
Hi-3, (ISO-102,400 equivalent), 1 EV -
Long Exposure Noise ReductionYes
-
High ISO Noise ReductionLow
Normal
High
Off -
Single-point AF ModeYes
-
Dynamic AF ModeNumber of AF points: 9, 21, 51 and 51 (3D-tracking)
-
Auto-area AF ModeYes
-
Autofocus System51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
AF fine adjustment possible
Autofocus TTL phase detection
Detection range: EV -1 to EV +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)
Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module -
Focus LockAE-L/AF-L button
Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S) -
Focus ModesContinuous-servo (C)
Manual
Single-servo AF (S) -
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points51
-
Autofocus Fine TuneYes
-
Flash Bracketing2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
-
X-Sync Speed1/250
-
Top FP High Speed SyncUp to 1/8000
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Flash Controli-TTL Balanced fill-flash, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR
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Flash Sync ModesFront-curtain sync (normal)
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Slow sync -
Accessory ShoeYes
-
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)CLS Supported
-
Flash Sync TerminalYes
-
White BalanceAuto (2 types)
Auto (TTL white balance with 2,016-pixel RGB sensor)
Cloudy
Direct Sunlight
Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting (2,500 K to 10,000K)
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Preset manual (up to 5 values can be stored)
Seven manual modes with fine-tuning
Shade -
White Balance Bracketing2 to 9 exposures
-
Live View ShootingHandheld mode
Tripod mode -
Movie Audio recording deviceBuilt-in monaural microphone
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MovieVGA 640x424 / 24 fps
QVGA 320x216 / 24fps
Movie with sound
HD 1280x720 / 24 fps -
Movie AudioBuilt-in microphone, monaural
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Monitor Size3.0 in. diagonal
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Monitor Resolution921,000 Dots
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Monitor TypeSuper Density
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD -
Monitor Angle of View170-degree wide-viewing angle
-
Monitor AdjustmentsBrightness, 7 levels
-
Virtual Horizon Camera IndicatorYes
-
Playback FunctionsAuto Image Rotation
Full Frame
Highlight Point Display
Histogram Display
Image Comment
Movie Playback
Shooting Data
Slideshow
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 segments)
Voice Memo
Zoom -
In-Camera Image EditingColor Balance
D-Lighting
Edit Movie with Save Selected Frame
Filter Effects
Image Overlay
Monochrome
NEF (RAW) Processing
Red-eye Correction
Resize
Side-by-Side Comparison
Trim -
Image CommentYes
Up to 36 characters -
Voice Memo FunctionYes
-
Interface10-pin Terminal
HDMI
Hi-speed USB
NTSC
PAL -
Wi-Fi FunctionalityFTP file transfer available and PTP/IP with optional WT-4A (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g)
-
GPSGP-1 GPS unit
-
Save/Load Camera settingsYes
-
Total custom Settings46
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My MenuYes with customization
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Supported LanguagesChinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Swedish
Spanish -
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time SettingsYes
-
World Time SettingYes
-
BatteryRechargeable
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Battery / BatteriesEN-EL4 Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL4a Lithium-ion Battery -
Battery Life (shots per charge)4,200 shots (CIPA)
-
AC AdapterEH-6 AC Adapter
-
Battery ChargerMH-21 Quick Charger
MH-22 Quick Charger -
Tripod Socket1/4 inch 20
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Approx. Dimensions6.3 in. (159.5mm) x 6.2 in. (157mm) x 3.4 in. (87.5mm)
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Approx. Weight43.7 oz. (1,240g)camera body only
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Supplied SoftwareSoftware Suite CD-ROM
-
Optional AccessoriesEH-6 AC Adapter
DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece
Camera Control Pro 2
Nikon Capture NX
Image Authentication Software
WT-4A Wireless Transmitter -
Supplied Accessories
- EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- MH-22 Quick Charger
- UC-E4 USB Cable
- EG-D2 Audio Video Cable
- AN-DC5 Camera Strap
- BF-1B Body Cap
- BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cap
- DK-17 Eyepiece
- BL-4 Battery Chamber Cover
- USB Cable Clip
- Software Suite CD-ROM
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Industry Recognition
Product Registration
Nikon Answers Site
Award Winner
Award for Best Professional Camera 2010-2011
The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) crowned the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010-2011 EISA European Professional Camera award. This marks the third year in a row that Nikon has been recognized; the D3S follows in the footsteps of Nikon’s D3 and the D3X digital SLR cameras. EISA was impressed with the low-light capabilities of the D3S and its “unsurpassed” low noise levels and richness of detail. Together with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing, excellent battery life and quality build, EISA deemed the D3S the “perfect D-SLR for professional sports, action and low-light photography.”Award Winner
2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) presented the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award. TIPA applauded the milestone the D3S made in the history of photography: being the first digital SLR camera to feature the record “push” sensitivity of equivalent 102,400 ISO. TIPA was also impressed with the D3S’ “superbly constructed” body, “excellent” viewfinder and “top-level” autofocus system, deeming it “ideal for digital SLR for the pros.”Award Winner
2010 Popular Photography POP Award
The Nikon D3S D-SLR received a 2010 POP Award from Popular Photography magazine. The first camera to break through the ISO 100,000 barrier—able to go up to 102,400 ISO—the camera was cited for its low-light autofocus capabilities, and high 9 frames-per-second burst rate. The award highlights Photography's Outstanding Products, as chosen by the magazine.Award Winner
Popular Science Best of What's New 2010
The Nikon D3S has been awarded with Popular Science Best of What's New 2010 honors for its low light sensitivity and high 102,400 ISO that lets photographers capture images in dim conditions with little noise, thanks to the camera's 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor and processing power. Each year, for more than two decades, Popular Science magazine has presented these awards to the top innovations that indicate where future technologies are headed.
Review
June 2010, Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: field review
by Darren MurphEngadget's Darren Murph reviewed the Nikon D3S and praised the ISO range, adding that it will allow previously impossible shots to be captured. Murph also highlighted the shutter speeds and video capability of the D3S, stating that the D3S makes use of its "full talents." Murph concluded that the D3S will not only shake up the industry, but will also "radically change the consumer camera."
Review
April 2010, Nikon D3S Overview
by Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig WeidelichImaging-Resource editors Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig Weidelich reviewed the Nikon D3S and agreed that it improves many of the features from its predecessor, the D3, and adds new features, which make the D3S "more intuitive." With the increased sensitivity of the D3S and expanded ISO settings reaching 102,400, the editors touted that the "possibilities just multiplied." The editors also highlighted the low-light and HD video capabilities and crowned the Nikon D3S a "Dave's Pick."
Review
February 2010, Nikon D3S In-Depth Review
by Barnaby BrittonBarnaby Britton of DP Review recounted the "formidable challenge" Nikon made to its competitors with the launch of the D3 in 2007 and praised the "significant improvements" the D3S made from its predecessor, most notably, the bar-setting ISO abilities. Britton added that other changes, including the new 720p HD video capabilities and Quiet Shutter Release modes, make the D3S "more competitive." Britton concluded that the Nikon D3S is an "absolutely excellent camera."
Review
January 2010, Camera Test: Nikon D3S
by Phil RyanPhil Ryan of Popular Photography reviewed the Nikon D3S and crowned it a "groundbreaking achievement" due to its high ISO capabilities. After putting the D3S through a series of tests in the Pop Photo Lab, Ryan was impressed with the D3S' outstanding color reproduction and its impressive autofocus and AF tracking. Ryan concluded that the D3S is "one of the most powerful imaging tools available."
Review
January 2010, Nikon D3S and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm
by Dan HavlikPDN's Dan Havlik and portrait photographer Jordan Matter reviewed the Nikon D3S alongside the AF-S Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8 ED VR II lens. Havlik concluded that the Nikon D3S paired with the 70-200mm VR II lens "packs a powerful one-two punch." He later highlighted the effectiveness of the D3S for a variety of uses and praised the "stellar" ISO range and HD movie capability. When referring to the low light/high ISO performance of the D3S, both Havlik and Matter agreed that it was the best they had seen from any camera on the market.
Award Winner
Photo.net Editor's Choice Award
The Nikon D3S D-SLR has received an Editor’s Choice award in the High End SLRs category from the photo.net website, which states that products receiving the Editor’s Choice nod are “highly recommended by Photo.net’s editors, admins, writers, moderators and gear testers.” Notable features of the D3S include its improved sensor, 720p HD video capability and silent shutter mode.
2011-05-01 00:00:00