Links
Model Name: Nikon D3S 
Prices:  
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D2Hs
D2Hs vs D3S
Successor: Nikon D4
D3S vs D4
General
Model Number: D3S
Alternate Model Number(s):  
Camera Format: Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No
Retail Price: $5199.95
Street Price:  
Date Available: 2009-11-30
Tripod Mount: Yes
Weight: 49.7 oz (1,410 g)
includes batteries
Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.
(160 x 157 x 88 mm)
Waterproof: No
Waterproof Depth: n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:  
Effective Megapixels: 12.1
Sensor Format: 35mm
Sensor size: 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 8.46 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No
DxO Sensor Score: 82
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.5
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.0
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 3,253
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4256 x 2832 (12.1 MP, 3:2),
3184 x 2120 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2128 x 1416 (3.0 MP, 3:2),
2784 x 1848 (5.1 MP, Other),
2080 x 1384 (2.9 MP, 3:2),
1392 x 920 (1.3 MP, Other),
3552 x 2832 (10.1 MP, 5:4),
2656 x 2120 (5.6 MP, 5:4),
1776 x 1416 (2.5 MP, 5:4),
3552 x 2368 (8.4 MP, 3:2),
2656 x 1776 (4.7 MP, 3:2),
1776 x 1184 (2.1 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr
Continuous-mode frames/second: 9.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24)
320x216 (24)
Movie File Format: Motion JPEG
Composite Video Out: Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Lens: n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):  
Focal Length (actual):  
Zoom Ratio:  
Aperture Range:  
Integrated ND Filter: No
Normal Focus Range:  
Macro Focus Range:  
Filter Thread: n/a
Thread Type: n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No
Digital Zoom: No
Digital Zoom Values: n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors
Auto Focus Assist Light? No
Manual Focus: Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0
Focus Peaking: No
EVF Resolution: n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes
Rear Display: Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 920,000 dots
Touchscreen: No
Articulating Screen: No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800
Minimum ISO (native): 200
ISO Settings: Auto, 200 - 12,800, plus down to 100 in Lo-1, up to 102,400 in Hi-3
Auto ISO Mode: Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, twelve manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area
Program Auto Exposure: Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):  
High Resolution Composite: No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No
Flash Modes: n/a
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation:  
External Flash Connection: ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1
UHS Support:  
Other Memory:  
Dual Card Slots: Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr
Movie File Format: Motion JPEG
Included Memory: No memory included
Included Memory Type:  
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No
NFC:
Bluetooth: No
Built-In GPS: No
Microphone Jack: No
Headphone Jack: No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes
Remote Control: Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired
Connections (extended): HDMI Out, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal, External Stereo Mic
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.34
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.34
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 58
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.34
Camera penalizes early shutter press? Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 9.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 90
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 9.1
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 41
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 9.1
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 36
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.20 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): 0.51 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.423 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.043 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Optical Viewfinder AF lag: 51-point Auto-Area Full AF = 0.361s Live View AF Lag: Hand-held mode Full AF = 0.511s Tripod mode Full AF = 2.66s Tripod mode Prefocused = 0.423
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):  
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 4200 shots
Battery Life, Video:  
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL4a
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PictureProject
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features:

Buy the Nikon D3S

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3S