TheNikon D3Sis a 12.1-megapixel professional-gradefull frame(35mm)digital single-lens reflex camera(DSLR) announced byNikon Corporationon 14 October 2009.[2]The D3S is the fourth camera in Nikon's line to feature a full-frame sensor, following theD3,D700andD3X.It is also Nikon's first full-frame camera to feature HD (720p/30) video recording. While it retains the same number of pixels as its predecessor, the imaging sensor has been completely redesigned.[2]Nikon claims improved ultra-high imagesensor sensitivitywith up to ISO 102400,[3]HD movie capability for extremely low-lit situations,[4][5]image sensor cleaning, optimized workflow speed, improved autofocus and metering, enhanced built-in RAW processor, quiet shutter-release mode, up to 4,200 frames per battery charge and other changes compared with the D3.[2]It was replaced by theD4as Nikon's high speed flagship DSLR.
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Overview | |
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Type | Digital single-lens reflex camera |
Released | 14 October 2009 |
Lens | |
Lens | Interchangeable,Nikon F-mount |
Sensor/medium | |
Sensor | 36.0 mm × 23.9 mmCMOS,Nikon FX format|DX format |
Sensor maker | Nikon[1] |
Maximumresolution | 12.1 effective megapixels (4,256 × 2,832 pixels) |
Film speed | ISO equivalency 200 to 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, Boost: 100–102400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps |
Storage media | TwoCompactFlash(Type I) card slots |
Focusing | |
Focusmodes | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual |
Focusareas | 51-area Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX |
Focus bracketing | none |
Exposure/metering | |
Exposure modes | Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], Manual [M] |
Exposuremetering | TTL full aperture exposure metering system |
Metering modes | 1,005-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Variable Center-Weighted, Spot AF |
Flash | |
Flash | n/a |
Flash bracketing | 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV |
Shutter | |
Shutter | Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
Shutter speedrange | 30 to 1/8000 second and bulb |
Continuous shooting | 9 frame/s (11 frame/s in DX crop mode) |
Viewfinder | |
Viewfinder | Optical-type fixed eye level pentaprism |
Image processing | |
White balance | Auto, Presets (5), Manual, and Color temperature inkelvins |
WB bracketing | 2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30MIREDsteps |
General | |
LCD screen | 3-inch diagonal, 307,000 pixels (920,000 dots), TFT VGA |
Battery | Li-ion EN-EL4a |
Optionalbattery packs | EH-6 AC Adapter |
Weight | 1,240 g (2.73 lb) |
Made in | ![]() |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Nikon D3 |
Successor | Nikon D4 |
Features
edit- Full-frame (36 mm × 24 mm) 12.1megapixelsensor with ISO 200–12800 (ISO 100–102400 Boost) using reworked gapless microlenses
- 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
- Image sensor cleaning (dust removal with 4 frequencies)
- Nine to eleven frames per second in continuous and FX/DX mode
- Quiet shutter-release mode
- Faster operation workflow
- Automatic correction of lateralchromatic aberrationforJPEGs.Correction-data is additionally stored in RAW-files and used by NikonCapture NX,View NX and some other RAW tools.
- Larger buffer for 48 RAW frames in one burst
- Enhanced built-in RAW processing with extended Retouch menu for image processing without using a computer
- 720p/24 frames HD movie mode for extremely low-lit situations,[4][5]50/60 Hz flicker reduction,HDMIHD video output andstereoinput (3.5-mm diameter) with optional manual sound level control. TheMotion JPEGcompression allows easy extraction of single frames afterwards asJPEG
- Supports DX lenses (5.1 megapixels), viewfinder automatically masks. Newly added 1.2x crop factor
- Multi-CAM3500FX Auto-focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage) with improved acquisition and tracking and Auto-focus calibration for up to 20 separate lens settings
- 1005-pixel AE sensor enables Auto-focus tracking by color, highlight analysis and Scene Recognition System
- Kevlar/carbon fibre composite shutter with a rating of 300,000 actuations
- Live View with either phase detect or improved contrast detect Auto Focus
- Virtual horizon indicates in Live View mode, also available during video capture
- "Active D-Lighting" with six settings and bracketing (adjusts metering and D-Lighting curve)
- Dual Compact Flash UDMA card slots (mirror, overflow, back-up, RAW on 1/JPEG on 2, Stills on 1/Movies on 2, copy)
- Expeed 2 image processorwith power management for up to 4,200 frames per battery charge
- Dual battery charger as standard
- Fully weather sealing with series of O-rings and other specialized seals available
- GPS interface for direct geotagging, supported byNikon GP-1
Reception
editMany independent reviews[6][7]and comparisons[8][9][10]show thatimage noisewas improved up to 2stopscompared to the Nikon D3 or D700. Other functions, especially autofocus and speed, support this, causing PhotographyBlog to conclude: "hand-held photography anytime, anywhere, without flash". There are comparisons with theCanon EOS-1D Mark IV,[11]which is rated 1.3 stops lower by DxOMark on their low-light ISO score (1320 ISO vs. 3253 ISO for the D3s).[12]
Low-noise videos[4][5][13]are valuated useful. While not officially documented in user's manual, D3s indeed features the full manual control in D-Movie mode, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO. This feature was reported and posted by various users and eventually confirmed officially.[14]
On 21 December 2009, Nikon announced[15]thatNASAhad purchased 11 D3s bodies and assorted lenses for use in the United States space program, including on theInternational Space Station.The D3s cameras are identical to the model sold to terrestrial users and will be used unmodified.
In April 2010, the D3S received a Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) 2010 Award in the category of "Best Digital SLR Professional".[16]In August 2010, theEuropean Imaging and Sound Association(EISA) presented the D3S with the European Professional Camera 2010-2011 award, citing high ISO sensitivity combined with low noise and a high level of detail.[17][18]
References
edit- ^Full Frame DSLR Cameras Part I - Nikon vs SonyArchived2019-05-21 at theWayback MachineChipworks
- ^abc"Digital SLR Camera Nikon D3S".Nikon Corporation. October 14, 2009.RetrievedDecember 16,2009.
- ^"Nikon D3S Sample Images".Nikon Corporation. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-11-04.RetrievedDecember 16,2009.
- ^abcMelanson, Donald (October 14, 2009)."Nikon D3S shows its high ISO prowess in two sample videos".Engadget.RetrievedOctober 16,2009.
- ^abc"NIKON D3S TEST".Scanout.com.October 13, 2009.RetrievedDecember 16,2009.[dead YouTube link]
- ^"Nikon D3S – Digital Camera Reviews".Digital Camera Tracker.RetrievedJanuary 7,2010.
- ^"Nikon D3S review summary".Dcviews.RetrievedJanuary 7,2010.
- ^A first look at Nikon D3S high ISO image quality, plus the new 70-200mm f/2.8Rob Galbraith digital photography
- ^Review: Nikon D3S & 70-200VR IIWebshooter: Joe McNally
- ^dkamera.de: Nikon D3sImage quality comparison (German)
- ^Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3s ISO ComparisonEric Reagan on Photography Bay
- ^Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3sDxomark
- ^Atherton, Nigel (October 14, 2009)."Video: Nikon D3s First Look".What Digital Camera.RetrievedDecember 16,2009.
- ^Rob (Dec 8, 2009)."Nikon officially confirmed D3s with manual settings for video".Slashcam.com.RetrievedJan 1,2010.
- ^"NASA Orders D3S Digital SLR Cameras and Interchangeable Lenses from Nikon".Nikon. Dec 21, 2009.RetrievedOct 31,2010.
- ^"Nikon receives 2 TIPA Awards 2010".Nikon Corporation. 2010-04-27.Retrieved2010-05-01.
- ^"European Professional Camera 2010-2011 - Nikon D3S".European Imaging and Sound Association. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-08-18.RetrievedAugust 16,2010.
- ^"Nikon D3S Digital SLR camera and AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II interchangeable lens for SLR cameras receive EISA awards".Nikon Corporation. August 16, 2010.RetrievedAugust 16,2010.
External links
edit- Nikon D3S global product pageat Nikon.com