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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D3S

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonD3NikonD3S
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2007November 2009
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatFull frameFull frame
Sensor typeCMOSCMOS
Sensor dimensions36 × 23.9 mm36 × 23.9 mm
Effective resolution12.1 MP12.1 MP
Largest image4256 × 28324256 × 2832
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range200–6400200–12800
Sensor detail12.87 million total pixels; FX, DX and 5:4 image areas; maximum DX image 2784 × 1848 and 5:4 image 3552 × 283212.87 million total pixels; FX, 1.2×, DX and 5:4 image areas. Maximum 1.2× image 3552 × 2368, DX image 2784 × 1848 and 5:4 image 3552 × 2832; sensor-cleaning system
Image formats12-bit or 14-bit NEF RAW, uncompressed, compressed or losslessly compressed; JPEG, TIFF RGB and RAW plus JPEG12-bit or 14-bit NEF RAW, uncompressed, compressed or losslessly compressed; JPEG, TIFF RGB and RAW plus JPEG
ISO detailExpanded equivalents ISO 100–25600; Auto ISOExpanded equivalents ISO 100–102400; Auto ISO; high-sensitivity movie mode extends to equivalent ISO 102400
Image processorEXPEED image-processing system; Scene Recognition SystemEXPEED image-processing system; Scene Recognition System
Lens and shooting
Lens mountNikon F mountNikon F mount
StabilisationOptical lens stabilisationOptical lens stabilisation
Maximum continuous burst9 fps9 fps
Lens detailAF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses; DX lenses supported with automatic crop. Supported non-CPU AI lenses permit aperture-priority and manual exposure, with colour matrix metering when lens data is entered; IX and F3AF lenses unsupportedAF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses; DX lenses supported with automatic crop. Supported non-CPU AI lenses permit aperture-priority and manual exposure, with colour matrix metering when lens data is entered; IX and F3AF lenses unsupported
AutofocusMulti-CAM 3500FX phase detection; 51 points including 15 cross-type; single-point, auto-area and dynamic 9/21/51-point modes with 3D tracking; AF fine-tuningMulti-CAM 3500FX phase detection; 51 points including 15 cross-type; single-point, auto-area and dynamic 9/21/51-point modes with 3D tracking; AF fine-tuning
Shutter1/8000 to 30 seconds and Bulb; flash sync 1/250 second; shutter tested to 300000 cycles1/8000 to 30 seconds and Bulb; flash sync 1/250 second; shutter tested to 300000 cycles; Quiet release mode
Burst detailApproximately 9 fps at full FX resolution with AF/AE; up to 11 fps in the lower-resolution DX crop, with focus locked at the first frame at 11 fps. Maker rates require continuous-servo AF, shutter-priority or manual exposure, at least 1/250 second and other specified default settingsApproximately 9 fps at full FX resolution and in 1.2× or 5:4 crops; up to 11 fps in lower-resolution DX. At 10/11 fps focus locks to the first frame, and exposure also locks in poor light; VR and Auto ISO can reduce the rate. Both 12-bit and 14-bit RAW supported
Stabilisation detailOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisationOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation
FlashNo built-in flash; hot shoe and PC sync terminal; compatible external Speedlights provide i-TTL and Creative Lighting System functionsNo built-in flash; hot shoe and PC sync terminal; compatible external Speedlights provide i-TTL and Creative Lighting System functions
Exposure controlsP/S/A/M; 1005-pixel RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering II; ±5 EV compensation; Active D-LightingP/S/A/M; 1005-pixel RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering II; ±5 EV compensation; Active D-Lighting
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size3″3″
Screen dots920,000921,000
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed TFT with 170° viewing angle; dots count subpixels; separate top and rear status panelsFixed TFT with 170° viewing angle and tempered-glass cover; dots count subpixels. Original US announcement and brochure specify approximately 921000 dots; Japan rounds to approximately 920000. Separate top and rear status panels
Viewfinder detailPentaprism; approximately 100% FX coverage, 97% DX coverage and 100% vertical/97% horizontal in 5:4; 0.7× magnification with 50mm at infinity; 18 mm eyepoint; replaceable focusing screen and eyepiece shutterPentaprism; approximately 100% FX coverage, 97% in 1.2× and DX, and 100% vertical/97% horizontal in 5:4; 0.7× magnification with 50mm at infinity; 18 mm eyepoint; replaceable focusing screen and eyepiece shutter
Connections and design
Wi-FiNoNo
Battery life (maker's claim)4300 photographs4200 photographs
Body weight1240 g1240 g
Release detailNikon's original US announcement specifies November 2007 availability; Japan records 30 November. Main retains the monthNikon's original US announcement specifies late November 2009 availability; Japan records 27 November. Main retains the month
Recording mediaTwo CompactFlash Type I/II slots, including UDMA and Microdrive support; overflow, backup, separate RAW/JPEG recording and card-to-card copyingTwo CompactFlash Type I slots, including UDMA; overflow, backup, separate RAW/JPEG recording and card-to-card copying. Type II and Microdrive unsupported
PortsUSB 2.0 Hi-Speed, analogue NTSC/PAL output, full-size HDMI Type A, ten-pin accessory terminal and PC flash sync; optional GP-1 or MC-35 connects external GPS equipmentUSB 2.0 Hi-Speed, analogue NTSC/PAL output, mini-HDMI Type C, 3.5 mm microphone input, ten-pin accessory terminal and PC flash sync; optional GP-1 or MC-35 connects external GPS equipment
Wireless connectionsOptional WT-4 transmitter supplies network transfer; Wi-Fi is not built into the bodyOptional WT-4 transmitter supplies network transfer; Wi-Fi is not built into the body
Battery life detailEN-EL4a; approximately 4300 shots under CIPA conditions with AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8G ED and no live view. Separate Nikon continuous test claims approximately 4700 with AF-S VR 70–200mm f/2.8 ED; EN-EL4 also supportedEN-EL4a; approximately 4200 shots under CIPA conditions with AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8G ED and no live view. Separate Nikon continuous test claims approximately 4700 with AF-S VR 70–200mm f/2.8 ED; EN-EL4 also supported
ChargingExternal MH-22 charger; optional MH-21 charger and EH-6 AC adapterExternal MH-22 charger; optional EH-6 AC adapter
DimensionsApproximately 159.5 × 157 × 87.5 mmApproximately 159.5 × 157 × 87.5 mm
Weight detailApproximately 1240 g excluding battery, card, body cap and accessory-shoe coverApproximately 1240 g excluding battery, card, body cap and accessory-shoe cover
MaterialsMagnesium-alloy exterior with dust and moisture seals; integrated vertical grip; not a waterproof ratingMagnesium-alloy construction with dust and moisture seals; integrated vertical grip; not a waterproof rating
Video
Highest video resolution–1280 × 720 at 24 fps
Video detailNo movie recording. Handheld live view uses phase-detection AF; Tripod live view uses contrast-detection AFMotion-JPEG AVI at 1280 × 720, 640 × 424 or 320 × 216, all 24 fps; maximum five minutes at 720p or 20 minutes at lower resolutions. Handheld live view uses phase-detection AF with mirror interruption; Tripod live view uses contrast-detection AF, including initiated movie autofocus
AudioVoice memo recording and playback for still photographs; not movie audioBuilt-in mono microphone and stereo microphone input; voice memo recording and playback for still photographs

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