D3S Power. Precision. Performance. The Blueprint for Versatility

Rugged construction houses barrier-breaking technologies, delivering low-noise 12,800 ISO still shooting at up to 9-fps, with exceptionally rich 24-fps HD video.
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Supplied Accessories

  • EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • MH-22 Quick Charger
  • UC-E4 USB Cable
  • EG-D2 Audio Video Cable
  • AN-DC5 Camera Strap
  • BF-1B Body Cap
  • BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cap
  • DK-17 Eyepiece
  • BL-4 Battery Chamber Cover
  • USB Cable Clip
  • Software Suite CD-ROM

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

D3S 4.9 5 182 183
Simply the best camera on the market The pictures I can make with this camera are simply stunning. There is no other word for it. The performance is superb, the colors are spot on, exposure is consistent and the focus speed is fantastic. I would buy this camera again and again. For me the decision was between the D3X and the D3S, and I am glad I chose as I did. While, I am certain that the D3X is quite a camera, the speed and ISO capabilities of the D3S are worth sacrificing the pixels. It is a great buy. November 22, 2011
Spectacular Simply...this is a magnificent camera. Worth every penny. November 17, 2011
perfect This camera is perfect. A real investment piece, but you get your money's worth. I can't think of a single thing I dislike about this camera. I print pictures in magazines all around the world, and only use this camera. The ONLY thing I would change about it is the fact that it's only 12 mpxls. I will definitely invest in the next version, simply for that Still deserves 5 stars though for it's speed and crisp pictures it takes November 16, 2011
expensive but worth the price As a professional shooting almost all sports, low noise, 11 fps speed, high ISO it's perfect for sports. I used to buy cars for this kind of money but if you do lots of low light photography at high speeds, it's worth the cost. October 19, 2011
Great ISO and image quality I use this camera at work for taking pictures of university events (sports, social outings, etc) and I must say it does it all very well. I can easily pop the iso up to 2000-3200 and still get great pictures. The continuous raw count is very high, great for sports. Focusing is really good. Only has 12 mp, which after you crop down some can get kind of low. Still decent though. When we first got the D3s (after having a D2Xs), it did have some problems with overexposure and memory card writing, but after a few trips to Nikon it works like a charm now. October 2, 2011
Page: 2 3 4 5 ... 7
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Industry Recognition

EISA

Award for Best Professional Camera 2010-2011
The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) crowned the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010-2011 EISA European Professional Camera award. This marks the third year in a row that Nikon has been recognized; the D3S follows in the footsteps of Nikon’s D3 and the D3X digital SLR cameras. EISA was impressed with the low-light capabilities of the D3S and its “unsurpassed” low noise levels and richness of detail. Together with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing, excellent battery life and quality build, EISA deemed the D3S the “perfect D-SLR for professional sports, action and low-light photography.”

Popular Science

Popular Science Best of What's New 2010

The Nikon D3S has been awarded with Popular Science Best of What's New 2010 honors for its low light sensitivity and high 102,400 ISO that lets photographers capture images in dim conditions with little noise, thanks to the camera's 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor and processing power. Each year, for more than two decades, Popular Science magazine has presented these awards to the top innovations that indicate where future technologies are headed.

DP Review

February 2010, Nikon D3S In-Depth Review | Barnaby Britton
Barnaby Britton of DP Review recounted the "formidable challenge" Nikon made to its competitors with the launch of the D3 in 2007 and praised the "significant improvements" the D3S made from its predecessor, most notably, the bar-setting ISO abilities.  Britton added that other changes, including the new 720p HD video capabilities and Quiet Shutter Release modes, make the D3S "more competitive."  Britton concluded that the Nikon D3S is an "absolutely excellent camera."

Photo.net

May 2011 | Photo.net Editor's Choice Award

The Nikon D3S D-SLR has received an Editor’s Choice award in the High End SLRs category from the photo.net website, which states that products receiving the Editor’s Choice nod are “highly recommended by Photo.net’s editors, admins, writers, moderators and gear testers.” Notable features of the D3S include its improved sensor, 720p HD video capability and silent shutter mode.

TIPA

2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) presented the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award. TIPA applauded the milestone the D3S made in the history of photography: being the first digital SLR camera to feature the record “push” sensitivity of equivalent 102,400 ISO. TIPA was also impressed with the D3S’ “superbly constructed” body, “excellent” viewfinder and “top-level” autofocus system, deeming it “ideal for digital SLR for the pros.”

Engadget

June 2010, Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: field review | Darren Murph
Engadget's Darren Murph reviewed the Nikon D3S and praised the ISO range, adding that it will allow previously impossible shots to be captured.  Murph also highlighted the shutter speeds and video capability of the D3S, stating that the D3S makes use of its "full talents." Murph concluded that the D3S will not only shake up the industry, but will also "radically change the consumer camera."

Popular Photography

January 2010, Camera Test: Nikon D3S | Phil Ryan
Phil Ryan of Popular Photography reviewed the Nikon D3S and crowned it a "groundbreaking achievement" due to its high ISO capabilities.  After putting the D3S through a series of tests in the Pop Photo Lab, Ryan was impressed with the D3S' outstanding color reproduction and its impressive autofocus and AF tracking. Ryan concluded that the D3S is "one of the most powerful imaging tools available."

Popular Photography

2010 Popular Photography POP Award
The Nikon D3S D-SLR received a 2010 POP Award from Popular Photography magazine. The first camera to break through the ISO 100,000 barrier—able to go up to 102,400 ISO—the camera was cited for its low-light autofocus capabilities, and high 9 frames-per-second burst rate. The award highlights Photography's Outstanding Products, as chosen by the magazine.

Imaging-Resource

April 2010, Nikon D3S Overview | Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig Weidelich
Imaging-Resource editors Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig Weidelich reviewed the Nikon D3S and agreed that it improves many of the features from its predecessor, the D3, and adds new features, which make the D3S "more intuitive."  With the increased sensitivity of the D3S and expanded ISO settings reaching 102,400, the editors touted that the "possibilities just multiplied."  The editors also highlighted the low-light and HD video capabilities and crowned the Nikon D3S a "Dave's Pick."

Photo District News (PDN)

January 2010, Nikon D3S and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm | Dan Havlik
PDN's Dan Havlik and portrait photographer Jordan Matter reviewed the Nikon D3S alongside the AF-S Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8 ED VR II lens. Havlik concluded that the Nikon D3S paired with the 70-200mm VR II lens "packs a powerful one-two punch."  He later highlighted the effectiveness of the D3S for a variety of uses and praised the "stellar" ISO range and HD movie capability.  When referring to the low light/high ISO performance of the D3S, both Havlik and Matter agreed that it was the best they had seen from any camera on the market.
11 Questions | 15 Answers

Product Q&A

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can this camera take photos while recording video

May 15, 2011 by
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Anonymous
nyatl
 on D3S
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1 year ago
by
Anonymous
nyatl
Location : 
nyatl
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
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Answer: 
No - You can shoot one or the other, or switch, but cannot take a still while videoing. and when shooting video it does not allow changing the zoom on a lens
Jun 23, 2011 by
by
former nikon advocate
Pittsburgh. PA
Location : 
Pittsburgh. PA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist

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Answer: 
This camera doesn't have the feature to take photos while recording videos.
May 17, 2011 by
by
NikonStaff
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D3S
 
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Is Nikon D3s water resistant?

Jul 17, 2011 by
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Abhi
Houston, TX
 on D3S
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I want to know if D3s or any other Nikon SLR is resistant to water.
 
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10 months ago
by
Abhi
Houston, TX
Location : 
Houston, TX
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
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Answer: 
From my reading of reviews and my use of my own D3s in rainy conditions, it is at least water-resistant. Whether it is water "proof", I don' t know. So, I don't hesitate to take images on short notice for limited periods of time in light to medium rain, but I don't think I would dunk it in water or just keep it completely exposed in heavy rain.
Aug 15, 2011 by
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vms

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Answer: 
It, along with the other pro spec bodies, are dust and moisture resistant, not totally water resistant, it will hold off a light rain shower for example but would not survive a dunking, say, in a swimming pool.
Jul 17, 2011 by
by
KeithD
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What is the best use of this camera?

Oct 5, 2011 by
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DaBoy2Raw
 on D3S
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I like taking nature shots but I am occasionally ask to take pictures for parties and such is it good for all of that or just one purpose
7 months ago
by
DaBoy2Raw
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
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Answer: 
This is a serious camera for professional photographers, unless you are running a business or have money to spend this camera will probably be too much for you. There is no specific area of photography this camera can't do, it is full frame so if all you have is DX format lens's you are wasting the cameras potential, it also workes better with newer lens's made with high performance glass and engineering. This is a go big or go home camera, no sense spending $6000 on the camera and buying older cheaper lens's.
 
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Nov 13, 2011 by
by
Snapshot
Carmel, IN
Location : 
Carmel, IN
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Professional photographer

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Answer: 
That will depend on the type of lens you're using. Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; it will help you to make the decision on what lens you need.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
Oct 5, 2011 by
by
NikonStaff
1 person is following this questionFollow This Question
D3S
 
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SU-800 with D3s

Oct 21, 2011 by
by
Deb F
Harrisburg PA
 on D3S
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I guess I was unclear with my original question. Is the SU-800 controllable through the camera menus or only on the control panel on the SU-800?
7 months ago
by
Deb F
Harrisburg PA
Location : 
Harrisburg PA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Professional photographer
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Answer: 
No, you have to use the SU-800 to control the flashes as there is not in built commander in the D3s.
Oct 22, 2011 by
by
KeithD

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Answer: 
I think it's just on the flash? Not sure though, sorry.
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or after the initial recording is your storage space full?
7 months ago
by
Customer
U.S.
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Answer: 
Individual movie files can be up to 2 GB in size. The maximum lenght is 5 movies for each one.
Oct 5, 2011 by
by
NikonStaff
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when will the d700 replacement be out?

Oct 10, 2011 by
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jswan
evergreen co
 on D3S
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7 months ago
by
jswan
evergreen co
Location : 
evergreen co
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Role: Professional photographer
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Answer: 
Thanks for your question about Nikon products. Unfortunately we cannot speculate about future products until official information is announced on our web site: www.nikonusa.com.
Oct 11, 2011 by
by
NikonStaff
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D3s and SU-800

Oct 21, 2011 by
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Deb F
Harrisburg PA
 on D3S
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Can you control off camera flash with the D3s from the camera menu (commander mode) and the SU-800 as you can with the D700?
7 months ago
by
Deb F
Harrisburg PA
Location : 
Harrisburg PA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Professional photographer
1 answer

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Answer: 
The D3s doesn't have a built-in flash to use as a commander like the D700. You will need the SU-800 commander to control other Speedlights.
 
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Oct 21, 2011 by
by
NikonStaff
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dx mode using lx lens?

Jan 1, 2012 by
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Anonymous
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4 months, 2 weeks ago
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Anonymous
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Answer: 
Please click on the link below for information:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-E...
Jan 2, 2012 by
by
NikonStaff
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D3S
 
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What is on the Software Suite CD-ROM

Mar 3, 2012 by
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Anonymous
Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
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2 months, 2 weeks ago
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Anonymous
Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
Location : 
Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
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Answer: 
View NX2 is on the disc.
Mar 4, 2012 by
by
KeithD
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D3S
 
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is it good for bird photo

Apr 8, 2012 by
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Anonymous
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1 month, 1 week ago
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Anonymous
Age: 55-65
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
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Answer: 
With the correct lens.
Apr 8, 2012 by
by
JoeR
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Product Q&A

11 Questions | 15 Answers
Page: 2
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Close

Award Winner

Award for Best Professional Camera 2010-2011

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) crowned the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010-2011 EISA European Professional Camera award. This marks the third year in a row that Nikon has been recognized; the D3S follows in the footsteps of Nikon’s D3 and the D3X digital SLR cameras. EISA was impressed with the low-light capabilities of the D3S and its “unsurpassed” low noise levels and richness of detail. Together with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing, excellent battery life and quality build, EISA deemed the D3S the “perfect D-SLR for professional sports, action and low-light photography.”
Close

Award Winner

2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) presented the Nikon D3S digital SLR camera with the 2010 TIPA Best Digital SLR Professional Award. TIPA applauded the milestone the D3S made in the history of photography: being the first digital SLR camera to feature the record “push” sensitivity of equivalent 102,400 ISO. TIPA was also impressed with the D3S’ “superbly constructed” body, “excellent” viewfinder and “top-level” autofocus system, deeming it “ideal for digital SLR for the pros.”
Close

Award Winner

2010 Popular Photography POP Award

The Nikon D3S D-SLR received a 2010 POP Award from Popular Photography magazine. The first camera to break through the ISO 100,000 barrier—able to go up to 102,400 ISO—the camera was cited for its low-light autofocus capabilities, and high 9 frames-per-second burst rate. The award highlights Photography's Outstanding Products, as chosen by the magazine.
Close

Award Winner

Popular Science Best of What's New 2010

The Nikon D3S has been awarded with Popular Science Best of What's New 2010 honors for its low light sensitivity and high 102,400 ISO that lets photographers capture images in dim conditions with little noise, thanks to the camera's 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor and processing power. Each year, for more than two decades, Popular Science magazine has presented these awards to the top innovations that indicate where future technologies are headed.


Close

Review

June 2010, Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: field review

by Darren Murph

Engadget's Darren Murph reviewed the Nikon D3S and praised the ISO range, adding that it will allow previously impossible shots to be captured.  Murph also highlighted the shutter speeds and video capability of the D3S, stating that the D3S makes use of its "full talents." Murph concluded that the D3S will not only shake up the industry, but will also "radically change the consumer camera."
Close

Review

April 2010, Nikon D3S Overview

by Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig Weidelich

Imaging-Resource editors Andrew Alexander, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins, and Zig Weidelich reviewed the Nikon D3S and agreed that it improves many of the features from its predecessor, the D3, and adds new features, which make the D3S "more intuitive."  With the increased sensitivity of the D3S and expanded ISO settings reaching 102,400, the editors touted that the "possibilities just multiplied."  The editors also highlighted the low-light and HD video capabilities and crowned the Nikon D3S a "Dave's Pick."
Close

Review

February 2010, Nikon D3S In-Depth Review

by Barnaby Britton

Barnaby Britton of DP Review recounted the "formidable challenge" Nikon made to its competitors with the launch of the D3 in 2007 and praised the "significant improvements" the D3S made from its predecessor, most notably, the bar-setting ISO abilities.  Britton added that other changes, including the new 720p HD video capabilities and Quiet Shutter Release modes, make the D3S "more competitive."  Britton concluded that the Nikon D3S is an "absolutely excellent camera."
Close

Review

January 2010, Camera Test: Nikon D3S

by Phil Ryan

Phil Ryan of Popular Photography reviewed the Nikon D3S and crowned it a "groundbreaking achievement" due to its high ISO capabilities.  After putting the D3S through a series of tests in the Pop Photo Lab, Ryan was impressed with the D3S' outstanding color reproduction and its impressive autofocus and AF tracking. Ryan concluded that the D3S is "one of the most powerful imaging tools available."
Close

Review

January 2010, Nikon D3S and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm

by Dan Havlik

PDN's Dan Havlik and portrait photographer Jordan Matter reviewed the Nikon D3S alongside the AF-S Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8 ED VR II lens. Havlik concluded that the Nikon D3S paired with the 70-200mm VR II lens "packs a powerful one-two punch."  He later highlighted the effectiveness of the D3S for a variety of uses and praised the "stellar" ISO range and HD movie capability.  When referring to the low light/high ISO performance of the D3S, both Havlik and Matter agreed that it was the best they had seen from any camera on the market.
Close

Award Winner

Photo.net Editor's Choice Award

The Nikon D3S D-SLR has received an Editor’s Choice award in the High End SLRs category from the photo.net website, which states that products receiving the Editor’s Choice nod are “highly recommended by Photo.net’s editors, admins, writers, moderators and gear testers.” Notable features of the D3S include its improved sensor, 720p HD video capability and silent shutter mode.


May 2011