Nikon D3S Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview in-depth review identifies the Nikon D3S as a robust, high-speed full-frame DSLR, praising its exceptional low-light capabilities, a redesigned 12.1-megapixel sensor with ISO expandable up to 102,400, and a 9 fps shooting speed. Key strengths include a highly precise 51-point 3D autofocus system, 720p video functionality, and a rugged, weather-sealed body. Conversely, the review notes limitations, including a 12-megapixel resolution that was considered low for its era, 720p video limited to Motion JPEG, and weak automatic white balance under artificial light. Additional critiques focus on the awkward positioning of the vertical AF-ON button and a basic bundled software package, resulting in a "Gold Award" that specifically highlights its niche as a specialized, rather than general-purpose, high-resolution camera.

The Photography Life review defines the Nikon D3S as a specialized, "low-light king" featuring exceptional high ISO performance with usable, clean images up to ISO 12,800. Pros include a robust, weather-sealed magnesium body, a highly reliable 51-point autofocus system, and immense battery life, making it ideal for professional action and wildlife photography. Conversely, the review notes the camera is heavy, weighing over 1.2 kilograms, which can cause strain, and its 12-megapixel resolution is low for modern demands. Additionally, it lacks a native ISO 100 setting, limiting its maximum dynamic range compared to newer alternatives.

The Nikon D3s The Nikon D3s is a world-class, professional full-frame FX DSLR that reigns as an exceptional low-light and nocturnal photography tool, offering an ISO range expandable up to 102,400. In real-world testing, photographer Steve Huff found the camera to be a highly versatile, brick-solid tank that delivers superb image quality and blindingly fast operation, boasting a start-up time of 0.12 seconds and continuous shooting speeds up to 9–11 fps. Its 51-point autofocus system is lightning-fast and reliably locks onto subjects even in near-pitch-black rooms. Additional core strengths include an exceptional battery life rated for up to 4,200 shots per charge, dual CF memory card slots, a built-in sensor cleaning mechanism, and a new Quiet Shutter release mode. However, the camera's exceptional capabilities come with substantial tradeoffs in physical design and price. The most prominent drawback is its massive size and heavy weight, scaling at over 3 lbs even with a lightweight 50mm lens, making it exhausting for daily hobbyist use and overly conspicuous for street photography. Performance-wise, color rendering can become distorted or flat at extreme sensitivities of...

The Nikon D3s is a professional-grade full-frame DSLR lauded for its exceptional low-light capabilities, featuring an impressive ISO range up to 102,400, and a robust 51-point autofocus system for fast tracking. Its rugged, weatherproof build, extensive 9fps burst speed, and massive battery life make it a reliable, high-performance tool for demanding professional photography. However, the camera's substantial weight and size make it unsuitable for casual use, and the vertical grip ergonomics are criticized for an uncomfortable thumb pad position, along with poorly positioned AF-on buttons. Furthermore, the autofocus points do not cover the outer edges of the frame, limiting composition flexibility.

The Nikon D3S is a stellar professional digital SLR camera that excels in low-light photography and action sports. It keeps the same tough, tank-like body and 12.87-megapixel resolution as its predecessor, the D3, but introduces a fully redesigned sensor. The camera breaks new ground with an incredible maximum ISO sensitivity of 102,400, allowing photographers to take sharp, handheld night shots that look like daytime images without using a flash. Other major upgrades include a faster image buffer that sustains a rapid 9 frames-per-second burst mode, a quieter shutter option, a better battery life reaching up to 4,200 shots, and the addition of 720p "D-Movie" video recording with an external mic jack. The main advantages of the D3S are its unmatched low-light performance, highly accurate automated colour tones, and smart layout updates like a dedicated live view button. However, the camera does have a few drawbacks. At the absolute highest ISO setting, images suffer from heavy digital noise and a noticeable loss of detail. Additionally, because the core body design and pixel count remain largely unchanged, it serves as a very...

This DPReview article highlights the Nikon D3S's enduring performance, specifically noting its exceptional low-light capabilities, high-ISO image quality, and robust, durable construction. The 51-point autofocus system also remains reliable for subject tracking. Conversely, limitations identified in the review include the lower 12-megapixel resolution, which restricts cropping, a lack of modern connectivity, and an autofocus system that, while effective, lacks the edge-to-edge coverage of contemporary mirrorless cameras.

The ePHOTOzine review of the 12.1-megapixel Nikon D3S highlights it as an exceptional, weather-sealed, full-frame DSLR designed for professionals, specifically citing its extraordinary ISO range (up to 102,400) and doubled buffer capacity allowing for 9 frames per second in FX mode. The camera provides high-quality, vivid images with accurate skin tones and adds 720p HD video recording capabilities, marking it as a significant, versatile upgrade for photojournalists. Conversely, the review notes the D3S has a very high weight and large size, making it a cumbersome tool for long-term handheld use. Furthermore, the 12.1-megapixel resolution is considered low compared to higher-resolution alternatives, and active features like D-Lighting can hinder the camera's processing buffer speed.

The What Digital Camera review awards the Nikon D3S a 95% score, praising it as a professional,, high-ISO powerhouse capable of shooting in almost any light, with an expanded range up to 102,400. Key strengths include a highly reliable 51-point autofocus system, a rapid processing buffer that handles 76 JPEGs at nine frames per second, and exceptional battery life. Conversely, the review notes ergonomic issues with the vertical grip’s thumb pad, limited autofocus point coverage in the outer frame, and a tendency for the AF-On button to be pressed accidentally. Additionally, the camera is described as a heavy, high-priced, and professional-only tool, with auto white balance occasionally struggling in complex lighting.

In his hands-on review for Photography Bay, Chris Gampat highlights the Nikon D3s as an exceptional, tank-like workhorse designed for sports photographers and photojournalists. The camera heavily retains the physical build, layout, and ergonomics of its predecessor, the Nikon D3, meaning current users will find the handling deeply familiar. Its most notable advantages include an upgraded autofocus system and phenomenal high ISO performance that yields highly usable, film-like images even in near-pitch-black conditions. Additionally, the reviewer praises its rapid 9fps continuous shooting speed, dual CompactFlash (CF) card slots, a higher resolution LCD screen, and a noticeably softer, quieter shutter feeling than the previous model. However, the review points out several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding its updated feature set and ergonomics. A major disadvantage is the camera's video capability, which is restricted to a disappointing 720p HD format at 24p with limited frame rate options compared to Canon's video-DSLR alternatives. Handheld video recording also suffers from a prominent "jello effect" unless paired with an image-stabilised lens. From a usability standpoint, the reviewer notes that the physical ISO button remains awkwardly located...

The Photo Review assessment of the Nikon D3S highlights the pro-tier FX-format DSLR as an evolutionary, rugged, and weather-sealed workhorse boasting exceptional high ISO capabilities, integrated sensor-shake reduction, and high-speed performance for professionals. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, specifically critiquing the 720p D-Movie video mode as clunky and non-intuitive, alongside a 12.1-megapixel resolution that limits cropping flexibility compared to newer, higher-resolution alternatives.

The Nikon D3S is a highly capable, fast, and durable 12-megapixel professional DSLR camera body priced around $5,200, which the reviewer utilizes as a secondary camera alongside their 24-megapixel D3X. The camera's main selling point is its exceptional low-light capabilities, allowing for sharp, nearly noise-free handheld photography of moving subjects inside dark settings at high ISO settings reaching up to 12,800 without using a flash. Additionally, it features an extremely fast burst shooting speed, making it easier to capture rapid portraits, sports, wildlife, and multiple bracketed exposures for handheld HDR photography than with the slower D3X. However, the reviewer highlights a few drawbacks to this camera, including its substantial size and weight compared to mid-range DSLRs like the Nikon D90, which requires some time to adapt to when carrying it around. While the camera includes a convenient movie mode that yields high-definition video resembling a TV broadcast, it lacks built-in image stabilization, making camera shake highly noticeable. Furthermore, the video functionality forces the shooter to rely entirely on manual focus, a task that becomes particularly difficult when working with shallow...

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon D3s as a premier professional reportage tool, highlighting its highly responsive operation, immediate activation, and a modified 12.1-megapixel sensor that offers exceptionally low noise at high ISO settings. Key advantages include continuous shooting speeds of 9 fps in FX mode and 11 fps in DX mode, combined with a discreet, quiet shutter mechanism. However, the review notes as cons that the camera has lower dynamic range compared to high-resolution alternatives like the D3x or D800, and its specialized nature requires high photographic skill. Despite these points, the D3s is praised for its superior build and addicting user experience,, according to the review on Radojuva.