Nikon D3S
Encyclopedia
The Nikon D3S is a 12.1 megapixel professional-grade full frame
(35mm
) digital single-lens reflex camera
(DSLR) announced by Nikon Corporation on 14 October 2009. The D3S is the fourth camera in Nikon's line to feature a full frame sensor, following the D3
, D700
and D3X
. It is also Nikon's first full frame camera to feature HD video recording. While it retains the same number of pixels as its predecessor, the imaging sensor has been completely redesigned. Nikon claims improved ultra-high image sensor sensitivity
with up to ISO 102400, HD movie capability for extremely low-lit situations, 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.
was improved up to 2 stops
compared 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 the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
, which is rated 1.3 stops lower by DxOMark on their low-light ISO score (1320 ISO vs. 3253 ISO for the D3s).
Low noise videos 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.
On December 21 2009, Nikon announced that NASA had purchased 11 D3s bodies and assorted lenses for use in the US space program, including on the International 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". In August 2010, the European 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.
Full frame digital SLR
A full-frame digital SLR is a digital single-lens reflex camera fitted with an image sensor that is the same size as a 35 mm film frame....
(35mm
135 film
The term 135 was introduced by Kodak in 1934 as a designation for cartridge film wide, specifically for still photography. It quickly grew in popularity, surpassing 120 film by the late 1960s to become the most popular photographic film format...
) digital single-lens reflex camera
Digital single-lens reflex camera
Most digital single-lens reflex cameras are digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera....
(DSLR) announced by Nikon Corporation on 14 October 2009. The D3S is the fourth camera in Nikon's line to feature a full frame sensor, following the D3
Nikon D3
The Nikon D3 is a 12.1 megapixel professional grade full frame digital single lens reflex camera announced by the Nikon Corporation on 23 August 2007 along with the Nikon D300 DX format camera. The D3, along with the Nikon D3X, was a flagship model in Nikon's line of DSLRs, superseding the D2Hs...
, D700
Nikon D700
The Nikon D700 is a professional grade full-frame digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by the Nikon Corporation in July 2008 and manufactured in Japan. It uses the same 12.1 megapixel "FX" CMOS image sensor as the Nikon D3, and is Nikon's second full-frame digital SLR camera...
and D3X
Nikon D3X
The Nikon D3X is a 24.5 megapixel professional-grade full frame digital single-lens reflex camera announced by the Nikon Corporation on 1 December 2008. The D3X is the third camera in Nikon's line to offer a full frame sensor, following the D3 and D700...
. It is also Nikon's first full frame camera to feature HD video recording. While it retains the same number of pixels as its predecessor, the imaging sensor has been completely redesigned. Nikon claims improved ultra-high image sensor sensitivity
Image noise
Image noise is random variation of brightness or color information in images, and is usually an aspect of electronic noise. It can be produced by the sensor and circuitry of a scanner or digital camera...
with up to ISO 102400, HD movie capability for extremely low-lit situations, 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.
Features
- Redesigned 12.1 megapixel Full-Frame (36 mm × 24 mm) sensor 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 lateral chromatic aberrationChromatic aberrationIn optics, chromatic aberration is a type of distortion in which there is a failure of a lens to focus all colors to the same convergence point. It occurs because lenses have a different refractive index for different wavelengths of light...
for JPEGJPEGIn computing, JPEG . The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality....
s. Correction-data is additionally stored in RAW-files and used by Nikon Capture, 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, 50/60Hz flicker reduction, HDMIHDMIHDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA...
HD video output and stereoStereophonic soundThe term Stereophonic, commonly called stereo, sound refers to any method of sound reproduction in which an attempt is made to create an illusion of directionality and audible perspective...
input (3.5-mm diameter) with optional manual sound level control. Single frames can be saved afterwards as JPEGJPEGIn computing, JPEG . The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality.... - 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 6 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)
- New Expeed image processor with 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
Reception
Many independent reviews and comparisons show that image noiseImage noise
Image noise is random variation of brightness or color information in images, and is usually an aspect of electronic noise. It can be produced by the sensor and circuitry of a scanner or digital camera...
was improved up to 2 stops
F-number
In optics, the f-number of an optical system expresses the diameter of the entrance pupil in terms of the focal length of the lens; in simpler terms, the f-number is the focal length divided by the "effective" aperture diameter...
compared 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 the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
The EOS-1D Mark IV is a professional 16.1 effective megapixels digital single lens reflex camera camera body produced by Canon. The EOS-1D Mark IV is the successor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and was announced on October 20, 2009, just four days after Nikon announced the D3s...
, which is rated 1.3 stops lower by DxOMark on their low-light ISO score (1320 ISO vs. 3253 ISO for the D3s).
Low noise videos 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.
On December 21 2009, Nikon announced that NASA had purchased 11 D3s bodies and assorted lenses for use in the US space program, including on the International 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". In August 2010, the European Imaging and Sound Association
European Imaging and Sound Association
European Imaging and Sound Association is a collaboration between different multimedia magazines, that offer tests of cameras, videocameras, audio equipment, mobile phones, etc. The organization was established in 1982. The current president of EISA is Jorge Gonçalves.- External links :*...
(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.
External links
- Nikon D3S global product page at Nikon.com
- Nikon D3S / D3X Microsite (Requires Flash Player)