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
182
183
D3S works great for my low light work!
The reason I bought this camera is to enable me shoot without flash in low light conditions..it has not let me down. Totally low noise as all reviews say. I like the video mode too - great for montage work.
Being a D700 and a D300 user for a while, I am now a only Full Frame man - with the D3S and older D700 as the backup - no DX lenses any more!
If I have to point out some negatives, there is more hunting going on when I re-compose than I like and sometimes the RED focus area square sometimes disappears on you...but nothing to complain too much about.
I love the sensor clean and the dual memory cards....more things to love than complain about!
I would recommend this to any professions or serious amateur. Any one shooting in twilight or indoor ambient lighting can expect uncanny results from this top gear!
July 19, 2010
Exceeded all my expectations
What impresses me the most about the D3s is it's ability to track focus. Even with a 2X converter on my 300 2.8, the focus tracks perfectly.
July 19, 2010
Fantastic, a must have!
Pleasure to use, rugged and reliable. Stunning images at high ISO with superb color and image detail. All the controls and features are exactly where they should be. On a recent month long trip, used the camera every day without any issues or problems. My backup D2X remained in storage. A truly wonderful camera!
July 19, 2010
A Pro Camera for Pro Results!
I stepped up to the D3s and I have been more than satisfied with its performance and results. I am glad that I purchased the D3s and I plan on adding an additional camera to my bag this year and it will be another D3s. I use the 70-200 2.8 for portraits and weddings and I love the images captured with the D3s. Thanks NIKON!
July 19, 2010
This is the world's fastest camera !
I love this camera. Having really high ISOs on tap can revolutionize your photography. It opens up very small F stops at reasonable shutter speeds. It enables the freezing of action as higher ISOs promote faster shutter speeds. Many shots that required a tripod can be captured handheld with higher ISOs and Vibration Reduction lenses.
Having a video option is an exciting feature that is sure to grow in use and resolution. I can't wait for the D4s!
July 19, 2010
State of the art digital FX DSLR
I've owned various Nikon cameras and lenses for over 45 years starting with the original Nikon F and graduating eventually to digital (D80, D300 and now D3S). Additionally, I have over 40 Nikkor lenses which I've accumulated over that period. The original Nikkor 50mm f1.4 and other later models fit (and are compatible) with my new D3S! This lens versatility has withstood the test of time and experience; a credit to excellent engineering. Since the D3S appeared I've taken pictures in Antarctica, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Hong Kong, Peru, Turkey and Hawaii, and it has been dependable and sturdy (accidentally, I dropped it twice without any noticeable damage). The images are excellent (mostly using both a 16-35mm and 24- 70mm zoom lenses), and even hand held with an 80-400 VR lens. My experience with the low noise 12,000 and hight ISO has not been as good as other reports, and my video shots are not as impressive as some other reporters. On disadvantage has been the weight of the D3S body and the various lenses; however, for it to be rugged, I guess that's the price one pays. By far this the D3S is the best Nikon camera body I've owned and look forward to taking photos in the Arctic, Greenland, India and the Galapagos Islands within the next 6 months.
July 19, 2010
Amazing low light performance!!
Without doubt the best investment we've made for our business ever! The D3S has exponentially expanded the creative possibilities available to us as wedding shooters. As wedding photographers, we often we have to shoot in very dark locations and the ability to shoot at ISOs approaching 10,000 with virtually no noise and no loss of shadow detail is huge! And when used with the new 70-200mm AF-S VRII lens image quality, sharpness and color fidelity are simply amazing!
We've been Nikon shooters for over 12 years, digital shooters for 6 and with the D3S, Nikon has hit a home run!
July 19, 2010
Oh My God!
I love everything about this camera, from the super high ISO with really low grain, to the shutter speed, to the ease of use of the menu. Worth every penny, no regrets, plus you will get bigger biceps due to the weight of this pro camera.
July 19, 2010
So far so good
I am just getting udsed to the camera and all, all its features. I have yet use the video capability so cannot comment on that/
And that is why I bought it in the first place.
I was using a D3 previously and have enjoyed the Nikon experience since 1963
July 19, 2010
Best camera I ever had
This camera is my main wedding camera paired with the 24-70 2.8 when I am the main photographer or the 70-200 when I am the second shooter. It makes a world of a difference in low light and it's fast, reliable, the color rendition is beautiful, can't say enough good things about this amazing camera.
July 19, 2010
An extremly capable camera
It opened a warehouse of new capability. The aray of things I can do with the camera is outstanding.
July 19, 2010
D3s, a star was born
I first purchased the original D3 at introduction. I used that camera as my primary camera for approximately 2 years. When the D3s came out, I tried looking the other way, but positive press kept getting my attention early on. So, I didn't wait until supply got scarce, I bought the D3s, sold my D3, and began using the new camera. I was amazed at the improved low light performance over an already great D3, a full 2 stops better. I just love playing with low lighting subtleties with the D3s, It's dynamic range is amazing. Making shots that we once thought impossible, possible. But it's not only the 2 stop improvement that plays a part. The sensor goes a bit further, offering improved overall dynamics, image clarity and detail, and image precision.
The ergonomics, are all Nikon all the way, intuitive, and well designed. As a former D2X/D2Xs/D3 user, the things that were great with Nikon pro bodies have stayed the same, and that's a good thing! Don't fix it if it isn't broke. When the moment counts. I don't have to fiddle with my camera to know what works, I'm there, and ready to capture the moment in time.
July 19, 2010
IMO the best feature of the D3S: it performs amazingly well in low light situations, even higher ISO settings show little or no grain.
July 19, 2010
professional hobbyist....
I have been using Nikon products since the early '90s and have upgraded a few times along the way. I originally resisted the change over to digital but now I am 100% glad I did. I kept all my film lenses and overwhelmingly happy to know that Nikon has stayed committed to their F-mount system. With that said the D3S is by far the best camera I have ever owned. I pre-ordered it as soon as it was announced to ensure it was in my hands for the holidays. I have not found a single situation where I was wishing for something else. The low light capabilities allow me to go sans speedlight the majority of the time and creates some beautiful moods. Nearly 7 months after it arrived I am still learning new ways to express myself. A bit expensive for the hobbyist but this is a professional camera and the images speak for themselves.
July 19, 2010
Best 12 MP image in digital camera.
It has low noise image at high ISO setting. It will be the best if it has more effective image MP.
July 19, 2010
I loved the ISO capability
Finally a great camera for indoor sports (Swimming)
July 19, 2010
It's changed the way I shoot
I photograph people from Fashion, Editorial, Lifestyle to Events. Being able to shoot a cover of a magazine at 1600 - 3200 ISO with forgiveness in exposure and no noise, with confidence has changed the way I shoot now. At an event, I carry one D3s with a flash bracket, and one D3s at high ISO for ambient light with the 70-200 F2.8 VRII for those close up expression shots without the subject being aware of me taking the shot. The end product is a beautiful balance of flash w/second light and ambient shots. I can shoot print work on location with much more ease due to not having to light so much. I just use simple lighting balanced with ambient to give a natural look or highly polished look without putting up 8 heads and all that comes with it. I have shot a cross a dark room to catch a close up of a face looking down at a phone with just the phone light exposing the subject and it was beautiful.
July 19, 2010
Everything just goes. No ifs or buts, no caveats.
In the autumn of of 2009 I found myself mulling over whether to spend a few grand on making my photographic life easier by buying a D700. The D300 had served me gallantly but I wanted the full-frame advantage. I wanted to move onwards and upwards. The D3S was announced in mid-October and all thoughts of a D700 were banished. I took the plunge, doing myself the honour of putting down a lay-away for the pro body.
My D3S arrived in December and my photography has since come on in leaps and bounds. Everything with the camera just works. Everything just goes. The sensor is phenomenal: image richness and resolution is fantastic, and of course the ISO capabilities, which have been rightly lauded ad nauseum, make photography in difficult situations much, much easier than ever before.
As is typical for Nikon, the body feels indestructible. I could probably hammer nails into the walls with the D3S and it wouldn't care. The interface too is perfect - Nikon's menus are easy to navigate and everything is quick, responsive and easy. Again - and this is important for those of us whose photography is time-intensive - everything just works and works well. There are no caveats with the D3S.
The D3S has made me even happier than I ever was before that I chose Nikon all those years ago. I am completely and utterly satisfied with my product and as it ticks over 20,000 actuations, I'm be looking forward to the next 20,000 quietly confident that I'm holding the best 35mm SLR of all time.
July 19, 2010
This camera has very sharp images.
The D3S camera can focus fast and produce very sharp images. Also, the ability to crop in camera is an excellent feature for sports. I would recommend this camera to anyone.
July 19, 2010
A lot of Camera but worth every penny
I had considered the D700 because of price, but I am very happy I selected the D3s. The ISO, speed and versatility of the D3s are unmatched. No regrets and still surprised with the results I get! Any other choice of a camera/model is settling - the D3s is the best!
July 19, 2010
SUPER CAMERA
Fast, durable, little noise, long battery live. Simply a beautiful camera in all aspects.
I use the camera mainly for weddings and real estate interiors. High dynamic range for my weddings is essential, especially in the Caribbean where sunlight is constant and hard. Low noise levels (high ISO) is great for interior photography, no more HDR photography
required, one shot in raw will do. I love this machine!
July 19, 2010
Great ISO, Speed and Almost Great HD
Have enjoyed tens of thousands of images on my D3s. I feel it's a nice improvement over the D3. If that's all you upgrade from you'll like it just on the still side for ISO. HD is decent. I think the Zacuto shoot-out put it 2nd behind the 5DMkII and for the most part I'd agree. Nikon needs to add more control/features to the HD. Even with that said, I have shot broadcast commercials with this camera that compare to HD standalone cameras. I'd like to see Nikon add 30P Record Mode and then let us shoot variable Frame Rates up to 60 or even 120 FPS. While I like 720P mode, 1080P is gaining as the minimal standard. We'll have to see. I'm happy with 720P if they just give us 30P Record with the Frame Rates. Could you please consider the record mode and frame rates as just a firmware update, PLEASE! Great camera Nikon.
July 19, 2010
Great ISO range
The improvement in ISO range of the D3S has made it my first choice among the bodies I own. It excels in low light situations. For moving subjects the additional stops it allows often makes the difference between a nice image and a blurry one.
July 19, 2010
superb
This is probably the best camera I've ever owned. Though the D3X has a slightly better image, overall, the D3S is just a complete workhorse
July 19, 2010
Does everything that my prosumer couldn't!
I bought the D3s after having used another company's prosumer digital camera for several years. After having mastered the other camera's use, I knew what I wanted in my next, "dream camera." I wanted instant on, lightning-fast focus and shooting for my sons' sporting events, low light ability for my camping trips, and versatile white-balance settings for raw shooting. I waited patiently a couple of years and snatched up a D3s soon after it was released. I got everything that I wanted in a camera. I'm impressed with its ruggedness and the depth of its features.
July 19, 2010
Simply Amazing
This camera feels like an old friend right out of the box. All of the controls that I need are at my fingertips. The positive reviews and gushing, which seem over the top, are actually spot on. This is simply the most amazing camera that I have ever used. The D3S coupled with fast glass takes available light to a whole other level. It's just plain fun to use. Just pull the trigger and get one and you will be amazed at its flexibility, functionality and and quality of photography.
July 19, 2010
It's features surpass all others for sports work.
I like it so well, I bought two of them. I didn't want my backup to be less than my number one camera body. Combined with the new nano crystal coated lenses, shooting in poorly lit arenas, the results are the best images I've ever been able to capture under these challenging conditions.
July 19, 2010
The photojournalism & documentary standard camera
Incredible clean images at high ISO, rugged and dependable, a Nikon trademark. Excellent ergonomics and balance, good battery life and excellent optics. Beyond the dreams of a low light photography, what started with the D3, is improve, a sign of Nikon commitment to photography.
July 19, 2010
Reliable,Durable,Rugged and Unbelievable!
The D3s has the ability to make a novice look professional with all of its functions that are easy to comprehend and ultimately affect the image you started out trying to create. I enjoy HDR Photography and the D3s is so fast that bracketing a sequence of 3 to 7 shots can be done without a tripod when shooting f16 and above on a sunny day. There is not a lighting condition the D3s cannot overcome because of it's wide ISO range and accurate white balance. I feel confident that the D3s will capture all things I see and amazingly the things I don't see. I always shoot RAW so I can say this without question or hesitation. Even shots that would have been deleted are worth keeping. Back in the film days I would be 'film poor' if this camera was in my posession. The continuous mode is so fast that just a touch of the shutter release and you may have just fired off 9 shots. The video feature is as accurate as my own two eyes as witnessed with a 360 degree panorama I shot hand held on a recent visit to Times Square. As I continue to educate myself with this feature I can already envision the new ground that can be broken with the wide array of Nikon Lenses I've purchaced over the past few years. This camera wants to go everywhere I go and I'm pleased to accomadate it.
July 19, 2010
The camera is reliable-rugged-great picture taker
I find the D3S:
1. Reliable & Rugged. I like the feel and the weight.
2. It takes great pictures, especially in low light using Nikkor lenses such as the 24/1.4 AFS, 70-200/2.8VR11, 50/1.4AFS + the VR200/2AFS.
3. Like its AF tracking system. Reliable & Accurate, especially tracking subjects running toward you.
4. Like the metering sytem and white balance options.
5. Like the longevity of the batteries.
July 19, 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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