Nikon D3S Review
Nikon’s original D3 was released back in 2007 and its ghost seems to have been resurrected somewhat by Nikon’s latest offering, the Nikon D3S. Those looking for a 24 mega pixel behemoth like in the recent Nikon D3X will be disappointed as the D3S only possesses a 12 megapixel sensor. Nonetheless, 12 megapixels should get the job done in style on most occasions. Besides, the new sensor completely eradicates any perceived lack of benefit of having a lesser pixel count. The Nikon D3S offers you 9 frames per second with continuous shooting and an astonishing ISO of 102,400. For those of you who don’t know, a high ISO level is essential for high performance in low light.
Design
In terms of design, the Nikon D3S is remarkably similar to the aforementioned D3. The body is made from a magnesium alloy ensuring durability and it weighs slightly less than 44 ounces (2.75 pounds). Its dimensions are 6.3×6.2×3.4 inches so it is in no way a small camera. That it resembles the D3 is no bad thing as that was a well-designed piece of kit. It is both easy and comfortable to hold despite its seemingly awkward looking shape.
The aforementioned ISO capabilities are certain to draw avid photographers to the Nikon D3S. Besides having the ability to bring the ISO level up to a whopping 102,400, it is also possible to drag it down to just 100. Having dual CF card slots really is a major advantage. The second slot can be used to backup or overflow. It is also possible to record RAW and JPEG on different cards. Best of all, one slot can be used for video recordings. Naturally, the ability to copy an image from one card to another comes as standard.
The D3S has more features than a non-professional photographer would ever need and enough to satisfy even the most avid taker of pictures. There is in-camera retouching, side-by-side comparison, noise reduction, image overlay and interval time shooting plus seemingly dozens more options.
Controls
If you used or owned a D3, the D3S will take little or no time to get used to. The only differences are miniscule such as new info and Live View buttons. The D3S is comfortably gripped despite its size with the shutter button easy to reach. In fact, all visible controls on this camera are easily utilized thanks to clever placement. It is also easy to make the transition from portrait to landscape thanks to the integrated vertical grip.
The power button is located near the shutter release with the sub-command dial placed conveniently by the front of the grip. The mode button is found directly behind the shutter release and controls the shooting modes. The status display screen is large and has the metering mode selector to its left and the Exposure Compensation button to the right.
The front of the camera holds the focus mode selector but an enormous amount of the D3S controls lie at the back. This includes the playback button, ISO settings, Live View button and image size controls. The good news with the design is that it is easily understood and mastered by experienced photographers. The bad news is that people with small hands will not find it so easy nor will newcomers.
Menu And Display
Those used to Nikon will also find that navigating through the menu is a breeze. Even those unacquainted with Nikon products will be ok with the basics such as Playback, Setup, Retouch and Custom Setting. There are dozens of custom settings and this is where things start to get tricky for non-Nikon users. The D3S is one example of a camera where the User Guide equipment should not be thrown away!
This camera has options oozing from everywhere with the Metering/Exposure section of the menu filled with different choices. Movie Mode offers 24 frames per second and also allows users to choose between slots when it comes to deciding where the video should be recorded. There are also microphone sensitivity choices too with low, medium, high and auto all on offer.
The monitor is high resolution and 3 inches high. It can be seen from a 170 degree angle with the menu easily read regardless of the lighting conditions. The viewfinder displays shooting information such as shooting mode and metering speed and is also crystal clear.
How It Performs
A high speed card is best for ultimate performance with Compact Flash cards speeding up the already lightening quick D3S. The shutter lag has almost been eradicated at 0.01 seconds with the auto focus the joint best on the market with the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV at 0.18 seconds. When shooting in continuous mode in full-frame, the D3S performs at 9 frames a second. When the DX option is utilized, this rises to 11 frames a second. The D3S can store approximately 80 full-frame images.
Video And Image
In terms of video, the D3S offers 720p which is shy of the ideal 1080p. The Live View button needs to be pressed along with the PV button on the front to start the video. An external microphone is needed to stop the noise you can hear when clicking the camera on video. The enormous ISO range ensures that high quality videos can be shot in low light.
The best quality images are shot in RAW format. The color of photos comes out reasonably well though White Balance shots do not always come out perfectly. Although the 102,400 ISO may never be used, it’s nice to know that it’s there. The best results of course are found at 3,200 ISO but the D3S produces great pictures regardless of the light quality.
Nikon D3x Photos
Overall
The Nikon D3S is one of the best DSLR’s available. It has the speed, flexibility and image quality that allows professionals to use it even though it only has a 12 megapixel sensor. The incredible ISO performance is a welcome bonus too. Nikon users will find it easy while newcomers to this brand of camera may struggle with the wealth of options. It carries a hefty price tag for non-professionals ($5,000+) but it certainly provides value for money overall.
