Rugged construction houses barrier-breaking technologies, delivering low-noise 12,800 ISO still shooting at up to 9-fps, with exceptionally rich 24-fps HD video.
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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.
D3S
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183
This camera is a workhorse and its fun to shoot.
The Nikon D3s is fun to shoot, the features and tools are robust and the images are outstanding. This camera makes its own light and you'll be amazed at its low light capabilities.
I was shopping for a new camera (upgrade) when the D3s was announced and I pre-ordered it right away. I got the camera toward the end of 2009 and I've been shooting it for about 9 months now - and I love it. I shoot weddings, family portraits, maternity, babies and stock and the D3s outperforms my expectations in every shooting situation. The high ISO, low light capabilities while shooting a wedding are priceless. I regularly find myself shooting at ISO 3200-6400 during wedding ceremonies in dark churches and the images are outstanding. I have tested higher ISO settings on this camera and the images at 12,800 and above will surprise you but I find myself relying mostly on the improved noise and quality control at the 6400 range, it's valuable to the way I shoot.
Another feature I love are the two CF card slots. I shoot RAW on card one and L-F JPG on card two as a backup. Its great to shoot live events knowing you've got an instant and automatic backup of every image in case there is an emergency.
I know the D3s shoots video, and I have tested it a few times, but I shoot still photographs and I bought the camera for its still capabilities and I hope to find the time to shoot some promotional video and run it through the paces.
With the D3s you can shoot with the confidence of knowing you can control light in any situation with reliable and predictable results - every time. This camera is a workhorse, and a super-camera.
July 30, 2010
Awesome pictures
D3S is a tremendous camera...the picture quality is excellent and it is well suited for Sports photography (Hi ISO performance is particularly important). It is also durable & easy to use.
Only one suggestion for improvement...please make the RAW/NEF processing more compatible with Adobe software. I have the Nikon CNX2 software and it does a great job with the NEF files, but it is MUCH less efficient & easy to work with than Adobe LR and Photoshop. LR & Photoshop just do not process the NEF files as well. Therefore, I am forced to shoot jpegs (suboptimal!) most of the time.
July 28, 2010
Want to shoot in a cave?
The low-light capability of this camera is staggering. Bump this baby up to a higher ISO when you need more shutter speed or a smaller aperture and you've got it. This is a state-of-the-art tool any nature photographer would be happy to use. Topped only by the D3x, it's one of the best cameras Nikon has even produced. Staggering low-light performance, lightning frame speed, and built like a tank.
July 27, 2010
King of Shutter lag
Normally, you have to push a button to choose another focus point with a usual boring camera design. This is makes a delay. But not like this with a Nikon… I can easily select my focus points between two rapid frame which I like… When I hold D3 becomes part of my hand, while shooting part or my face and eyes… Simple, strong, reliable best friend…
What about the lenses, you can not find any other strong built quality autofocus lenses like Nikon… So I feel myself very relax with my Nikon camera and I never afraid even drop my lenses and even body…
One of my old friend dropped his d2x camera in a mountain trip in Thailand. Was a big shock for the camera body but in spite of many scratches and tumbles on the rocky terrain it is still working superbly after two years.
D3 Shutter lag? This is one the point what makes Nikon a king. Just try this sport car and compare. It is unique !
Trust your Nikon's power and simplicity
July 27, 2010
best digital camera in dim light
This camera has the most important feature for a digital camera: it works well where film cannot be used anymore.
I prefer film to digital but at 6400 iso and higher color film can't make it.
This camera gives the photographer another "medium" to work with.
July 26, 2010
The D3s took the fear out of change
I am a Nikon convert having used Canon for many years. It is an exceptional camera! I was surprised at the intutitivness of handling/use of the functions keys. Well put together with a solid feel!. Thumbs up to Nikon!
July 26, 2010
Awesome!
I love the D3s body, it makes all my lenses better, focus is fast and accurate. Metering is great. My only criticisms are first, I wish it had a few more megapixels of resolution. However, I know that comes at a price in terms of ISO capabilities, which this camera shines.
Second, a minor quibble, Nikon should ship this with a viewfinder cover like it does the less expensive models.
July 25, 2010
The best!
Being a sports and action photographer I have always been hampered by the lack and quality of high school football lights. This body makes it possible to get the high shutter speeds my line of work requires. Well done Nikon!
July 24, 2010
most dependable camera
its sturdy,very fast,accurate .im using nikon for the past many years and D3S is one of the best.i have used this camera for aerial and wildlife photograpy and its awsome!
July 24, 2010
10/10
Beautiful color renditions, spot on focusing, blazing fast, practically noisless up to iso 12,500, Shoot in pitch black. This was the best investment I've ever made. Great job Nikon!!!!
July 23, 2010
An excellent, well-engineered and designed camera.
I upgraded from a D300 and couldn't be happier. The quality of this camera is evident when you first pick it up. Yes, it's beefy,but I think this weight adds to the stability of hand-held shooting. If you're familiar with Nikon cameras like the D300, the transition isn't too bad. Menus are well designed and user friendly, and quite intuitive. Add a high quality lens like their 17-35mm or their 24-70mm lens, and you've got a pro-quality setup, limited only by your own skill.
The video is OK, but I have to say I have not taken full advantage of it. I find that, unlike a video-cam, it cannot auto focus while in video mode, and this seems like it's only serious limitiation. Perhaps with more experience, I'll get better at it.
There's no other way to say it better, and that is that quality of my images has improved significantly since using this camera. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone looking to upgrade to a pro-level camera.
July 22, 2010
This camera, D3s, ended my worries about quality images and has changed the way I shoot. Juneau can be dark, wet and cold in the winter. This camera handles assignments, day after day, in all these conditions.
July 22, 2010
Awesome low-light performance
Excellent low-light performance. I've been working my way up to this camera body for a long time, beginning with the D100, then on to the D200, D300, D300s, D700, and finally this most leading edge of state-of-the-art camera technology. The only issue that I have is the disgustingly huge size of the battery charger. It comes with a double charger and that thing is bigger than the camera! In desperation I purchased a charger for a single battery. I was further disgusted to discover the single-battery version to be huge as well, it is more than 2/3 the size of the double charger, and nearly as large as the camera body. Can't something be done to reduce the size of these chargers? Here I am in the Congo for six months. Do you think that I brought my D3s with me? Not a chance. Already pressed for room in all of my baggage, I needed to leave the D3s and its giant charger behind in Texas and bring my wife's D90. A D90!! The D90 a fine little camera, but it isn't a D3s. On the other hand, the D90 AND its charger aren't as big as the D3s' charger alone! What a shame. You really need to solve this disgusting situation.
July 22, 2010
Unbelievable
My other Nikon is a D2x. I thought it was fantastic, coming from a F5 and the film world. The D3s is, in a few words, mind blowing. Images that were unattainable are now possible. The reduction in noise at the high iso is phenomenal. The color reproduction, and sharpness of the images are astounding considering it is still rated as a 12mp sensor. Buy it and don't look back. You won't be disappointed.
July 22, 2010
Fantastic ergonomics
I am just returning to photography and stepped up from the D5000. I love not having to make changes via a menu on the D3s. I shoot almost aways in full manual due to the ease of making changes. Touch the ISO button and scroll the knob, done. Change apature and shutter speeds so easily with the front and rear scroll knobs. Change the white balance by touching a button and a quick scroll of the wheel. Very intuitive and many other changes are done the same way. The image quality and low light capability......unbelievable. The 24-70mm F2.8 seldom gets removed, but now I have the 70-200mm F2.8 to try out if I can just get more time to shoot.
July 22, 2010
It's an amazing camera.
The focusing speed is just great. Very ideal for sports photography. I've used it in a studio and it performed very well. Outside the studio, it's just amazing. I have never used ISO higher than 800 before but with the D3s, shooting the Hong Kong harbor at night without tripod suddenly became possible. And the quality of image was very acceptable at ISO 6400! Suddenly, having higher shutter speed at low light is possible. That changes everything.
July 22, 2010
Superb piece of engineering
The D3S is absolutely the finest camera I have ever used. As for all Nikon bodies, the feel and balance are excellent, and the controls are essentially intuitive. I use the D3S along with my D3X, especially when I need to rely on the low-light capabilities of the D3S. A lot has been written about this specific capability of the D3S, but in my opinion words do not adequately describe the superlative results one can achieve in way under-lit scenarios. The results must be seen to be appreciated. Spectacular!
July 21, 2010
Love it
This rig performs just as advertised , unreal noise to signal ratio , I love shooting street scenes withthis rig as I can always maintain a fast enough shutter speed , no matter the light . You can crank up the iso prety high before you'll see any significant noise . Feels great in the hand . Absolutely love it. I haven't even tried the video mode yet , I love this rig even without video.
July 21, 2010
A Great Product that Preforms as Engineered!
I have used Nikon Digital cameras for 2+ decades and have witnessed the progressive improvement of features with each newly released dSLR. I have personally used/owned virtually all the dSLRs released by Nikon and the D3S (with all it's enhanced and new features) has allowed me to extend my photographic maturation echelon to another cutting edge level. I teach digital photography at my local University and it is always a delight to instruct my photographic students using the D3S with it professional level of features and unsurpassed performance.
July 21, 2010
Best for stills, great for videos!
I bought this cool camera back in the beginning of 2010 mainly in order to replace my Canon XH-A1 w/ SGblade 35mm lens adapter which is too bulky and having light loss way too much.
My first impression was WOW! The D3s is so handy and powerful. Even I use my old 28mm f/2.8 I still get great photos with this boy. The video mode is fully manual which I really love a lot.
The only down side is that lacking of 1080p video mode.
July 21, 2010
High ISO capabilities let you re-think your shots.
I am SO PLEASED with the D3s. In my paid work, I shoot mainly industrial / commercial documentation photography. In my personal life, it's mostly different types of formal and informal events. Sometimes the shooting is very fast paced, and typically flash is not allowed, (or would alter the image / setting in an undesirable manner).
The superb low-light / low-noise capability allows so much flexibility and options. Dual memory card slots let me work in both RAW and jpg conveniently. The high burst rate (shutter release) setting is so quick, my photographer friends sometimes laugh and ask, "C'mon... do it again" just to hear the sustained rapid shooting.
Like any other sophisticated tool, you need to take the time to learn the controls, but I consider the purchase of my D3s the best $$$ I've spent in photography.
July 21, 2010
The Photojournalist's Camera
I use it for B&W photojournalism with a 35mm f/2 lens or the little 85mm f/1.8 for more reach. - Great 100% viewfinder to frame in camera, and the 1.2 x crop option gives a little boost to any lens. - No need or want for those old crutches, a flash or tripod. Use available light only, and keep it set to Aperture priority at ISO 1600 in daylight, for sharp, clear images all the time. - Quiet Mode makes less noise than a rangefinder. - One battery can last for a week or more of shooting 200+ images a day. - Sealed and super tough for harsh conditions of desert or jungle. - It works handheld, by candlelight or campfire.
July 21, 2010
I always trust my camera
I'v had the D1, D2H, D2Xs , D3 and now the D3s gives me exactly what I need from a camera. I expect to see result just as the reality gives me pictures and this model sometimes feels like a soulmate. A somewhat mindreader from location to location...
July 21, 2010
Awesome in every way!
I love my D3s, fantastic speed and tracking for capturing birds in flight. The high ISO capabilities are superb. I've only used the video feature once but was very happy with it. Ease of use is great for all camera features. For more imaginative and impressionistic work the multiple exposure on all Nikons is wonderful. I highly recommend the D3s.
July 20, 2010
Wonderful pro tool, esp. low light shooting
This is a wonderful all around camera. It excels in low light but you do not have to wait until the light drops. This camera produces wonder files to work with & is built to take everything a pro needs.
July 20, 2010
outstanding
I own all three D3's and the one I reach for most of the time is the D3S. The speed shooting stills and low light abilities are outstanding.
July 20, 2010
Amazing combination of features
I've owned several other camera brands. This is the camera I'm sticking with. The D3S has all the profession features pros need plus the added feature of video. The feature I like best is the high ISO that allows me to shoot comfortably in a dimly lit wedding reception hall without a flash. The D3S is simply amazing!
July 20, 2010
Incredible
Can't find anything I don't like about the D3s! I have shot with Nikon cameras for 30+ years. Thanks for a great product!
July 20, 2010
Astonishing instrument
I've used the D3S since it first came out. I upgraded from a D2XS, although I've used Canon, Mamiya, Olympus and other equipment before.
This camera is so versatile I just love it. The high ISO performance is absolutely astonishing, and I can take shots in situations I never could before.
I find the camera does a wonderful job in keeping noise very low and rendering true colors.
July 20, 2010
D3s is the BEST of the BEST Digital SLR Camera
World Best of the Best Digital SLR camera today.
An optional choice for Pro Photographer who want the best...no any other SLR out there can photograph in low light as the D3s does. Great designed, most use bottons at your finger tip, feel solid on hand, well balance.
Nikon could improve the HD video to 1080 (full HD) will be nice.
July 20, 2010
11 Questions | 15 Answers
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11 Questions | 15 Answers
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All1 year, 2 months ago
by
Anonymous
nyatl
Location :
nyatl
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
No - You can shoot one or the other, or switch, but cannot take a still while videoing. and when shooting video it does not allow changing the zoom on a lensJun 23, 2011 by
by
former nikon advocate
Pittsburgh. PA
Location :
Pittsburgh. PA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
This camera doesn't have the feature to take photos while recording videos.
I want to know if D3s or any other Nikon SLR is resistant to water.
1 year ago
by
Abhi
Houston, TX
Location :
Houston, TX
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
From my reading of reviews and my use of my own D3s in rainy conditions, it is at least water-resistant. Whether it is water "proof", I don' t know. So, I don't hesitate to take images on short notice for limited periods of time in light to medium rain, but I don't think I would dunk it in water or just keep it completely exposed in heavy rain.Aug 15, 2011 by
by
vms
Answer:
It, along with the other pro spec bodies, are dust and moisture resistant, not totally water resistant, it will hold off a light rain shower for example but would not survive a dunking, say, in a swimming pool.
I like taking nature shots but I am occasionally ask to take pictures for parties and such is it good for all of that or just one purpose
9 months ago
by
DaBoy2Raw
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
This is a serious camera for professional photographers, unless you are running a business or have money to spend this camera will probably be too much for you. There is no specific area of photography this camera can't do, it is full frame so if all you have is DX format lens's you are wasting the cameras potential, it also workes better with newer lens's made with high performance glass and engineering. This is a go big or go home camera, no sense spending $6000 on the camera and buying older cheaper lens's.Products related to my answer
Nov 13, 2011 by
by
Snapshot
Carmel, IN
Location :
Carmel, IN
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
That will depend on the type of lens you're using. Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; it will help you to make the decision on what lens you need.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
I guess I was unclear with my original question. Is the SU-800 controllable through the camera menus or only on the control panel on the SU-800?
8 months ago
by
Deb F
Harrisburg PA
Location :
Harrisburg PA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
No, you have to use the SU-800 to control the flashes as there is not in built commander in the D3s.Answer:
I think it's just on the flash? Not sure though, sorry.Has staff answer
D3S
1 answer
Nikon d3s, I understand it stores movie files up to 5 minutes, After it stores the movie file are you able to record another 5 minutes video file
or after the initial recording is your storage space full?
9 months ago
by
Customer
U.S.
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Individual movie files can be up to 2 GB in size. The maximum lenght is 5 movies for each one.9 months ago
by
jswan
evergreen co
Location :
evergreen co
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Role: Professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Thanks for your question about Nikon products. Unfortunately we cannot speculate about future products until official information is announced on our web site: www.nikonusa.com.
Can you control off camera flash with the D3s from the camera menu (commander mode) and the SU-800 as you can with the D700?
8 months ago
by
Deb F
Harrisburg PA
Location :
Harrisburg PA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
The D3s doesn't have a built-in flash to use as a commander like the D700. You will need the SU-800 commander to control other Speedlights.
6 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
4 months, 2 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
Location :
Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
View NX2 is on the disc.3 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 55-65
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
With the correct lens.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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.
May 2011
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