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Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonD3SNikonD3X
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2009December 2008
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatFull frameFull frame
Sensor typeCMOSCMOS
Sensor dimensions36 × 23.9 mm35.9 × 24 mm
Effective resolution12.1 MP24.5 MP
Largest image4256 × 28326048 × 4032
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range200–12800100–1600
Sensor detail12.87 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 system25.72 million total pixels; FX, DX and 5:4 image areas; maximum DX image 3968 × 2640 and 5:4 image 5056 × 4032. No automatic sensor-cleaning mechanism; Image Dust Off reference data can be used with optional Capture NX 2
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 100–102400; Auto ISO; high-sensitivity movie mode extends to equivalent ISO 102400Expanded equivalents ISO 50–6400; Auto ISO
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 fps5 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 cycles; Quiet release mode1/8000 to 30 seconds and Bulb; flash sync 1/250 second; shutter tested to 300000 cycles
Burst detailApproximately 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 supportedApproximately 5 fps at full FX resolution or in 5:4; up to 7 fps in the 10.5-megapixel DX crop. Recording 14-bit NEF RAW reduces the maximum to 1.8 fps in FX/5:4 or 2.6 fps in DX. Maker rates require continuous-servo AF, shutter-priority or manual exposure, at least 1/250 second and other specified default settings
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
Video
Highest video resolution1280 × 720 at 24 fps–
Video detailMotion-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 autofocusNo movie recording. Handheld live view uses phase-detection AF; Tripod live view uses contrast-detection AF
AudioBuilt-in mono microphone and stereo microphone input; voice memo recording and playback for still photographsVoice memo recording and playback for still photographs; not movie audio
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size3″3″
Screen dots921,000920,000
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed 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 panelsFixed TFT with 170° viewing angle; dots count subpixels; separate top and rear status panels
Viewfinder detailPentaprism; 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 shutterPentaprism; 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 shutter
Connections and design
Wi-FiNoNo
Battery life (maker's claim)4200 photographs4400 photographs
Body weight1240 g1220 g
Release detailNikon's original US announcement specifies late November 2009 availability; Japan records 27 November. Main retains the monthNikon's original US announcement specifies December 2008 availability; Japan records 19 December. Main retains the month
Recording mediaTwo CompactFlash Type I slots, including UDMA; overflow, backup, separate RAW/JPEG recording and card-to-card copying. Type II and Microdrive unsupportedTwo CompactFlash Type I/II slots, including UDMA and Microdrive support; overflow, backup, separate RAW/JPEG recording and card-to-card copying
PortsUSB 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 equipmentUSB 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 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 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 supportedEN-EL4a; approximately 4400 shots under CIPA conditions with AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8G ED and no live view. Separate Nikon continuous test claims approximately 5300 with AF-S VR 70–200mm f/2.8 ED; EN-EL4 also supported
ChargingExternal MH-22 charger; optional EH-6 AC adapterExternal MH-22 charger; optional MH-21 charger and 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 1220 g excluding battery, card, body cap and accessory-shoe cover
MaterialsMagnesium-alloy construction 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

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