The Nikon D3s shoots at up to 11 frames per sec, at up to ISO 102,400, but is it the ultimate DSLR?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

95%

Nikon D3s

Overall score:95%
Value:95%
Performance:95%
Image Quality:95%
Design:95%
Features:95%

Pros:

  • A solid workhorse that really delivers the results. High ISO is stunning, as is the focus system, and everything else is a bonus

Cons:

  • Movie mode could do more, price is limiting

Product:

Nikon D3s Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£3,600.00
Back in 2007 Nikon announced its first ever full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D3, and promptly changed the face of professional cameras. It offered high-quality results at high speed and offered a huge ISO range (up to 25,600 expanded) which was, at the time, way beyond the competition. The shots it was capable of caused many to prick their ears up and even convinced many well- established Canon pros to switch allegiances to Nikon. Since then a more consumer-friendly D700 version and a more studio-based D3x have followed. But it is only now with the D3s that we see the next real progression for this titan of a camera.

The Nikon D3s is aimed predominantly at press and sports photographers. The ‘s’ is a common addition to Nikon models to suggest an improved or upgraded version and has previously been seen on the likes of the D300, D70 and the D2 models. The main improvements are in the form of a greater ISO range which extends up to ISO 102,400, and an HD video function. However, closer inspection also reveals improvements to allow faster operation and shooting.

So does this new and improved model offer enough to justify upgrading from the D3, and is it enough to stay at the top of its game?

 

Nikon D3s test image

Low light: Taken in early evening, this kind of shot would be impossible to hand- hold with most cameras but was effortless with the D3s thanks to its high ISO settings. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, 35mm, f/8, 1/250sec ISO Hi1 (25,600) AWB

More info:

Nikon D3s features

Nikon D3s design

Nikon D3s performance and value for money

Nikon D3s key features

Nikon D3s image quality

Nikon D3s verdict

Nikon D3s specification

Use our compare tool to compare the Nikon D3s with other DSR’s

 


  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Features
  3. 3. Design
  4. 4. Performance and Value
  5. 5. Key features
  6. 6. Image Quality
  7. 7. Verdict
Page 1 of 7 - Show Full List