• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D3S
  • Pentax MX-1
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D2Hs
D2Hs vs D3S
 
Successor: Nikon D4
D3S vs D4
 
General
Model Number: D3S MX-1
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR Mid-Sized
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $5199.95 $499.95
Street Price:   $1,289.00
Date Available: 2009-11-30 2013-02-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 49.7 oz (1,410 g)
includes batteries
14.1 oz (399 g)
includes batteries
Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.
(160 x 157 x 88 mm)
4.8 x 2.4 x 2.0 in.
(122 x 61 x 51 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   BSI CMOS
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 12.0
Sensor Format: 35mm 1/1.7 inch
Sensor size: 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm) 43.32mm2 (7.6mm x 5.7mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 8.46 microns 1.90 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 82 49
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.5 20.4
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.0 11.3
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 3,253 208
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)
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
3984 x 2656 (10.6 MP, 3:2),
3968 x 2232 (8.9 MP, 16:9),
3072 x 2304 (7.1 MP, 4:3),
3072 x 2048 (6.3 MP, 3:2),
3072 x 1728 (5.3 MP, 16:9),
2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP, 3:2),
2560 x 1440 (3.7 MP, 16:9),
2048 x 1152 (2.4 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr JPEG (Exif 2.3), 12-bit DNG RAW
Continuous-mode frames/second: 9.0 4.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24)
320x216 (24)
1920x1080 (30p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (120p)
Movie File Format: Motion JPEG MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) with stereo sound
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F n/a
Lens: n/a smc Pentax Lens, 11 elements in 8 groups (4 aspherical elements)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   28 - 112mm
Focal Length (actual):   6 - 24mm
Zoom Ratio:   4.00x
Aperture Range:   f/1.8 (W) / f/2.5 (T) - f/8
Integrated ND Filter: No Yes
Normal Focus Range:   40 cm to Infinity
15.6 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   1 - 20 cm
0.4 - 7.9 in
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 1.95x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors Contrast Detection: Auto, Spot, Tracking , AF Select (25 Points), Infinity Landscape, Manual Focus, Pan Focus, AF Point Switching
Auto Focus Assist Light? No Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD No / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0  
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x  
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 920,000 dots 921,000 dots (307,000 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x 10.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 12800
Minimum ISO (native): 200 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 200 - 12,800, plus down to 100 in Lo-1, up to 102,400 in Hi-3 Auto (100-12800 with selectable upper limit), 100-12800
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, twelve manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent light (D:Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White),Tungsten, Flash
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Natural Skin Tone, Handheld Night Snap (5M), Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Digital Panorama (2M per frame), High Speed Movie (VGA, 120 FPS capture, 30 FPS playback), Time Lapse Movie, Landscape, Blue Sky, Sunset, Flower, Digital SR (ISO 3200-6400 5M), Kids, Pet, Portrait, Food, Fireworks, Surf & Snow, Sport, Fisheye, Sketch, Miniature Filter, Text, Frame Composite (3M); Digital filters (capture): Movie (B&W, Sepia, Fisheye, Miniature, Sketch); Dynamic Range adjustment: Yes (shadow, highlight)
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds 2 or 10; 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   No
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: n/a Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red-eye, Slow-speed synchro, Slow-speed+Red-eye, Trailing Curtain Sync
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a 1.31 - 40’ (wide, auto ISO), 1.31 - 29’ (tele, auto ISO)
Max Flash Sync: 1/250  
Flash Exposure Compensation:   -2 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr 12-bit DNG RAW
Movie File Format: Motion JPEG MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) with stereo sound
Included Memory: No memory included 75.3 MB
Included Memory Type:   Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes No
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired Optional IR
Connections (extended): HDMI Out, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal, External Stereo Mic Micro (Type D) HDMI
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.34 1.43
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.34 1.91
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 58 7
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.34  
Camera penalizes early shutter press? Yes No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 9.0 4.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 90 10
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 0.24 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):   0.25 seconds
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 0.178 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.30 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds 0.016 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 2.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds 1.4 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:   4.8 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   290 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 4200 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL4a Proprietary D-Li106
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary D-Li106 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PictureProject Software CD-ROM including SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 LE for PENTAX RICOH IMAGING RAW development software
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Image Stabilization: Still: Sensor-Shift SR, Digital SR (ISO 100-12800), Dual (SR & Pixel Track SR); Movie: Movie Shake Reduction Mode (Movie SR); (Maximum effect of 3 stops using Sensor-Shift SR); 12-bit RAW (DNG) support, Dual-axial digital level, Dual remote control sensors. Available in black or two-tone silver and black.