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Nikon D3S FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
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Nikon D3S FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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Features Specifications Package Contents Reviews
 
October 14, 2009 - Just Announced By Nikon!
The Nikon D3S exhibits FX-format multimedia versatility engineered for demanding pro use at up to 9 fps. Both still images and smooth 24 fps HD video render edge-to-edge sharpness, rich color and broad tonal range, while barrier-breaking performance enables low-noise shooting at ISO 12,800. What was once impossible is now reality thanks to Nikon ingenuity and exclusive technologies such as EXPEED image processing, reinforced by Nikon's Scene Recognition System.

    Nikon-original FX-format CMOS Sensor
    Newly engineered for striking image fidelity and low-noise, optimizing pixel size and count in a 12.1-megapixel sensor to produce extraordinarily rich files.

    Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 12,800
    Renowned low-noise performance at 12,800, plus expanded settings to an astounding ISO 102,400 (equivalent) and ISO 100 (equivalent).

    Continuous Shooting Up to 9 FPS
    Secure exacting moments in time with an expanded buffer, allowing continuous capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.

    HD Video Capture
    Record smooth 24 fps HD video, leveraging low noise D3S image quality along with high fidelity stereo sound capability.

    One-button Live View with Two Shooting Modes
    Two modes for studio or remote shooting?Tripod Mode offers 27x magnification for precise focus confirmation.

    3-Inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
    D3S monitors are individually calibrated during assembly to assure accuracy.

    Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
    Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust on the optical low pass filter, safeguarding image quality.

    Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
    Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low noise and fast image processing.

    Fast, Accurate 51-Point AF System
    4 Dynamic modes and 15 cross-type sensors deliver AF precision and razor sharpness.

    1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
    Nikon-pioneered RGB metering includes color information to intelligently determine more accurate exposures.

    Scene Recognition System
    Referencing an onboard image database, teamed with RGB metering, SRS enhances exposure and white balance evaluation and improves AF speed and accuracy.

    Rugged and Precise Magnesium Alloy Construction
    Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.

    Nikon Picture Control
    Four preset options and 9 customizable settings provide personalized style control.

  • Dual CF Card Slots with Overflow, Backup and Copy Option
  • Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
  • Up to 4,300 Images per Battery Charge
Power. Precision. Performance. The Blueprint For Versatility

The D3S is uniquely qualified to meet the changing needs of photographers whose assignments demand 100% from them and their equipment.

Leading with uncompromising FX-format multimedia versatility and engineered for demanding professional use at up to 9 fps, the D3S' rugged magnesium alloy construction, comprehensively sealed against dust and moisture, delivers on its promises of superiority.Exacting moments in time are captured to an expanded buffer, allowing continuous capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.

Nikon's newly engineered, original 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, teamed with exclusive technologies such as EXPEED image processing, Nikon's Scene Recognition System and a fast, accurate 51-area AF system, work together to assure that both still and smooth 24 fps HD video files exhibit incredible edge-to-edge sharpness, rich color depth and broad tonal range, while barrier-breaking performance enables low-noise ISO sensitivity to 12,800.

Expanded ISO sensitivities of 25,600, 51,200 and an astounding 102,400, shatter many long-standing rules of photography. Audio to accompany HD video is preserved with a built-in microphone, while high fidelity stereo sound is recorded through the external Mic input using an optional microphone. More proven technologies include Nikon's renowned 1,005-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, assuring exacting exposure evaluation and white balance detection.

Precise image review and menu access comes to life with the D3S' tempered glass-protected and individually factory-calibrated 3-inch, 921,000-dot Live View monitor.

A self-diagnostic shutter, tested to beyond 300,000 cycles, and a myriad of inherent benefits stemming from decades of Nikon design experience, round out the D3S' qualifications

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Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera Body Specifications

Type:

  • Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
  • Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
  • Picture Angle: Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected) Effective pixels
    • Effective pixels: 12.1 million
    Image sensor
    • Image sensor: CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; Nikon FX format
    • Total Pixels: 12.87 million
    • Dust-reduction System: Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
    Storage
    Image Size (pixels)
    • Image area FX format (36x24): (Large) 4,256 x 2,832 (Medium) 3,184 x 2,120 (Small) 2,128 x 1,416
    • Image area 1.2 x (30x20): (Large) 3,552 x 2,368 (Medium) 2,656 x 1,776 (Small) 1,776 x 1,184
    • Image area DX format (24x16): (Large) 2,784 x 1,848 (Medium) 2,080 x 1,384 (Small) 1,392 x 920
    • Image area 5:4 (30x24): (Large) 3,552 x 2,832 (Medium) 2,656 x 2,120 (Small) 1,776 x 1,416
    • File format:
      1) NEF (RAW): 12- or 14-bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
      2) TIFF (RGB)
      3) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression (Size priority); Optimal quality compression available
      4) NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
    • Picture Control System: Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted
    • CompactFlash: (Type I, compliant with UDMA)
    • Double Slot: Slot 2 can be used for overflow or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; pictures can be copied between cards
    • File system: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF, Exif 2.21, and PictBridge
    Viewfinder
    • Viewfinder Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
    • Frame Coverage FX (36x24): Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal), 1.2x (30x20): Approx. 97% (vertical/horizontal), DX (24x16): Approx. 97% (vertical/horizontal), 5:4 (30x24): Approx. 100% (vertical) and approx. 97% (horizontal)
    • Magnification Approx. 0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
    • Eyepoint 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
    • Diopter Adjustment: -3 to +1 m -1
    • Focusing Screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen with AF area brackets
    • Reflex Mirror: Quick return
    • Depth-of-field Preview: When Pv (depth-of-field preview) button is pressed, aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)
    • Lens Aperture: Instant return, electronically controlled
    Lens
    • Compatible Lenses:
      1) Type G or D AF NIKKOR *1: All functions supported (PC Micro-NIKKOR does not support some functions
      2) DX NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX format (36x24)/1.2x (30x20)/5:4 (30x24) image size
      3) Other AF NIKKOR*2: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
      4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II
      5) Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; color matrix metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data (AI lenses only) Electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
      *1 IX- NIKKOR lenses cannot be used
      *2 Excluding AF- NIKKOR lenses for F3AF
    Shutter
    • Type: Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
    • Speed: 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb, X250
    • Flash Sync Speed: X = 1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/250s
    Shutter Release
    • Release Modes: Single frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, quiet shutter-release, self-timer, mirror-up
    • Frame Advance Rate (CIPA Guidelines):
      DX (24x16): Up to approx. 9 fps (CL) or approx. 9 to 11 fps (CH)
      Other image areas: Up to approx. 9 fps
    • Self-timer: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20s
    Exposure
    • Metering TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
    • Metering System
      1) Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data)
      2) Center-Weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12mm circle in center of frame, diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12mm circle or average of entire frame)
      3) Spot: Meters 4mm circle (about 1.5% of frame)centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
    • Metering Range 1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering),
      2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)
    • Exposure Meter Coupling: Combined CPU and AI
    • Exposure Modes
      1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program,
      2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S),
      3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A),
      4) Manual (M)
    • Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
    • Exposure Bracketing: 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
    • Exposure Lock: Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
    • ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 12800 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2 or 3 EV (ISO 102400 equivalent) above ISO 12800; auto ISO sensitivity control available
    • Active D-Lighting: Can be selected from [Auto], [Extra high], [High],[Normal], [Low] or [Off]
    • ADL Bracketing: 2 frames using selected value for one frame or 3 to 5 frames using preset values for all frames
    Focus
    • Autofocus: Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection; 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors); AF fine-tuning possible
    • Detection Range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 C/68 F)
    • Lens Servo:
      1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
      2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder
    • Focus Point: Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points AF-area Mode 1) Single-point AF, 2) Dynamic-area AF [number of AF points: 9, 21, 51, 51 (3D-tracking)], 3) Auto-area AF Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF)
    Flash
    • Flash Control:
      1) TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor are available with SB-900, 800, 600 or 400
      2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, 800 and CPU lens
      3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, 800, 28, 27 or 22S
      4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900 and 800
    • Flash Modes 1) Front curtain sync, 2) Slow sync, 3) Rear-curtain sync, 4) Red-eye reduction, 5) Red-eye reduction with slow sync
    • Flash Bracketing: 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
    • Flash-ready Indicator: Lights when Speedlight such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks after flash is fired at full output
    • Accessory Shoe ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts, and safety lock
    • Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-900, SB- 800 or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
    • Sync Terminal: ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread
    White Balance
    • White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 options), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, preset manual (up to 5 values can be stored), and color temperature setting (2,500 K to 10,000 K), all with fine tuning
    • White Balance Bracketing: 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3
    Live View
    • Modes: Tripod, Hand-held
    • Autofocus
      Tripod: Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame
      Hand-held: TTL phase-detection AF with 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors)
    • Flicker Reduction: 50 Hz and 60 Hz
    Movie
    • Frame Size (pixels): 1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
    • File Format: AVI
    • Compression Format: Motion-JPEG
    • Audio: Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted
    • ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 12800 (ISO 6400 to Hi 3 in high-sensitivity movie mode)
    Monitor
    • LCD Monitor: 3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA), 170-degree wideviewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
    Playback
    • Playback Function: Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, slide show, histogram display, highlight display, auto image rotation, image comment (up to 36 characters), and voice memo input and playback
    Interface
    • USB: Hi-Speed USB
    • Video Output: NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available
    • HDMI Output: Type C HDMI connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected
    • Audio Input: Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter)
    • 10-pin Remote Terminal: Can be used to connect optional remote control, GPS Unit GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA 0183 version 2.01 and 3.01 (requires optional GPS Cable MC-35 and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector)
    Supported Languages
    • Supported Languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
    Power Source
    • Battery: One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4
    • AC Adapter: AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
    Tripod Socket
    • Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
    Dimensions/Weight
    • Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm/6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.
    • Weight: Approx. 1,240 g/2 lb. 12 oz. without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover
    Operating Environment
    • Temperature 0-40 C/32-104 F
    • Humidity Under 85% (no condensation)
    Optional Accessories
    • Wireless Transmitter WT-4A/B/C/D/E*, GPS Unit GP-1, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-6, Capture NX 2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software


  • - Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera Body
    - Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
    - Quick Charger MH-22
    - USB Cable UC-E4
    - Audio Video Cable EG-D2
    - Camera Strap AN-DC5
    - Body Cap BF-1B
    - Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
    - Eyepiece DK-17
    - Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
    - USB Cable Clip
    - Software Suite CD-ROM

    * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area

    Review Snapshot® by PowerReviews
    Nikon D3S FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
    Avg. Customer Rating:
     
    4 stars
    (based on 1 review)
    Displaying Review 1 of 1Back to Top
     
    a bit pricey but worth it
    By phil photoVerified Reviewer from westchester,ny on 3/7/2010
    Pros:
    Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Quick Focus, Rugged, Strong Construction
    Cons:
    Heavy
    Best Uses:
    Indoors/Low Light, Landscape/Scenery, Night Photography, Sports/Action, Travel, Video, Weddings/Events, Wildlife Photos
    Describe Yourself:
    Semi-pro Photographer
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about Nikon D3S FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only):

    a little heavy, can take a picture in your closet
    record time on video could be longer, and it should be full 1080p not 720

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes / No- You may also flag this review.

    Displaying Review 1 of 1Back to Top
     
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