• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 61.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D3S advantages over Sigma fp L

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 3.78 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4200 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/15 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    90 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sigma fp L advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Less expensive
    $2499 vs $5200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    3 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    427g vs 1410g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 920k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    61.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Sigma fp L

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

Sigma fp L
Nikon D3X
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sigma fp L vs Nikon D3X

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon 1DX

Sigma fp L
Canon 1DX
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sigma fp L vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3S
Nikon D4
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D4

Sigma fp L
Nikon D4
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sigma fp L vs Nikon D4

Compared to Sigma fp

Nikon D3S
Sigma fp
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1766
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3S vs Sigma fp

Sigma fp L
Sigma fp
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Newer
  • More pixels
  • $1766
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Sigma fp L vs Sigma fp

Compared to Sony A7C

Nikon D3S
Sony A7C
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1698
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3S vs Sony A7C

Sigma fp L
Sony A7C
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More dots on screen
  • $1698
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma fp L vs Sony A7C

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