Nikon D3s : Specifications and Opinions

Nikon D3s

The Nikon D3s is a reflex camera with FF (1.0x) sensor and 12.1 megapixels manufactured from 2009 to 2012 (discontinued). The average price, when it has been added to the JuzaPhoto database, is 4200 €; The average price was 4200 €;

74 users have given it an average vote of 9.6 out of 10

Sensor
Format	Fullframe, 36 x 24 mm (image ratio 3:2, crop factor 1.0x in comparison with FF)
Resolution	12.1 megapixel (pixel pitch 8.49 μm)
ISO sensitivities	100 - 102400
File formats	RAW, JPEG
Esposure
Shutter speeds	30" - 1/8000
Exp. compensation	+/- 5 stops at 1/2 steps
Exp. modes	P, S, A, M
Metering modes	Multi-Area, Semi-Spot, Spot
Features
Mount	Nikon F (click here to view all compatible lenses)
Stabilization	No
Autofocus (AF areas)	51
Continuos shooting	9 FPS x 34 RAW / 130 JPEG
Pre-Burst	No
Live View	Yes
MLU/SS	Yes, Mirrok Lock Up
Video mode	1280x720p @ 24 FPS
WiFi	No
GPS	No
USB
USB Charging
Camera body and built
Touchscreen	No
LCD	3.0", 640 x 480 pixels, fixed
Viewfinder	Optical, coverage 100%, 0.70x
Flash	No
Storage	CF
Storage, Slot 2	CF
Shutter
Battery	Nikon EN-EL4a, 27.19 Wh
Weather sealing	Yes
Weight	1240 g
Dimensions	160 x 157 x 88 mm
Buy
Nikon D3s, buy on Ebay JuzaPhoto contains affiliate links from Amazon and Ebay and JuzaPhoto earn a commission in case of purchase through affiliate links.

Publish your advertisement on JuzaPhoto (info)

Reviews

What do you think?

Do you want add your opinion? You do it by joining JuzaPhoto, it is easy and free!

There is more: by registering you can create your personal page, publish photos, receive comments, join discussions and you can use all the features of JuzaPhoto. With more than 259000 members, there is space for everyone, from the beginner to the professional.

user238344

sent on 28 Gennaio 2023

Pros: High ISO capabilities; especially low noise and high dynamic range; built extremly robust, in case of danger wildlife photographers can knock down even lions with the camera body; reliable AF;

Cons: low resolution (for me no problem), relative bad dynamic range at low ISO, but still enough to get good photos

Opinion: Working horse for reportage, wildlife, sport. War correspondents can take photos while toyota pick-ups with taliban are driving around them - the camera will be reliable under pressure. Every button is at the right place, no malfunction will happen at the wrong moment. You will get all pictures which are possible, at acceptable quality. Nowadays the camera is outdated due to its low resolution - but still in use, even with the one or the other professional.

Captainmilos

sent on 02 Aprile 2020

Pros: Ergonomics, High ISO, Durability, Integrated vertical grip, Single digit Nikon's top quality flagship

Cons: Limited cropping due to "low" resolution nowadays.

Opinion: Coming from top Nikon DX camera at the time, the D7100, Nikon D3s felt so good in my, not big hands, right from the start. I regret I eventually sold it and went to D4, every day. Don't get me wrong, the D4 is absolutely fantastic, but the D3s, as my first Nikon single digit pro body, it is greatly missed. Sure it's heavy but I always loved heavy cameras, it felt sturdier and more stable in my hands. Especcialy paired with my favorite AF Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D ED. This combination gave me superb results, even at 200mm and f/2.8. I would get it again in a second if I could only afford another body.

Arnosiemons

sent on 01 Giugno 2019

Pros: Build quality, fast AF, low noise performance, ergonomic, button lay-out.

Cons: None

Opinion: One of the most reliable camera's I have owned. Currently working with a Nikon D4 but I decided to once more buy a D3s as a backup camera. I have worked extensively with the D3S in the past so for me it is the best option when it comes to owning a second camera that I can fully trust in the field. Balances well with longer and heavier lenses and can take a beating due to its sturdiness and weather sealing.

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Pkkleopard

sent on 28 Gennaio 2026

Pros: File quality and lightness from iso 200 to 12800, construction, ergonomics, battery life, speed of use, optical viewfinder, low light AF, current price (01/2026)

Cons: None (maybe just shutter noise in certain situations)

Opinion:

Mariano949

sent on 12 Ottobre 2025

Pros: Lightweight, workable and high-quality files, high ISO maintenance, focusing, balance with any lens.

Cons: Nobody

Opinion: I come from a D610 and before that from film, but the comparison is not possible as there is an abyss between the two cameras, the weight, the size, I consider them positive of the camera, for the number of pixels it depends on the type of photography that one takes but for 40x50 cm prints no problem. I recommend it to those who want to understand what photography is and above all to photograph him without electronic shortcuts that replace you. So my vote is 10 full.

There are 20 more reviews. Show all »

Photos taken with Nikon D3s

MY dream

by J.rigo
361 comments, 69539 views [editors pick]

Dear Cat .. Once upon a time ...

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
212 comments, 71924 views [editors pick]

Energy

by Bonali Giuseppe
195 comments, 42796 views [editors pick]

Lost in the woods

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
166 comments, 40801 views [editors pick]

ShowTime

by Max Rinaldi
195 comments, 46240 views [editors pick]

The dip dell'acquaiolo!

by Zana08
229 comments, 73984 views [editors pick]

Untitled Photo

by Devid Ballari
203 comments, 26065 views [editors pick]

The house with the broken fence

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
83 comments, 17686 views [editors pick]

Publish your advertisement on JuzaPhoto (info)

Courage is my duty

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
95 comments, 30050 views

Prayer

by Lara Zanarini
108 comments, 25839 views [editors pick]

Red Squirrel

by Zana08
101 comments, 43178 views [editors pick]

Just before the storm

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
128 comments, 28628 views [editors pick]

Thunderstorm over Waterfall of the Gods

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
111 comments, 26273 views [editors pick]

Now that you wake me you better start running

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
82 comments, 17710 views

Dating in the Serengeti

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
67 comments, 24238 views

Out of darkness

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
80 comments, 22677 views [editors pick]

Untitled Photo

by Marchese75
100 comments, 17047 views [editors pick]

Icy Rain

by Eneadalforno
93 comments, 12220 views [editors pick]

The tunnel of zebras

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
96 comments, 23917 views [editors pick]

Mom crested grebe in the fairy-tale atmosphere

by Alain Ghignone
115 comments, 27670 views [editors pick]

Short-eared Owl

by Antino
161 comments, 24069 views

The escarpment

by Moro
117 comments, 39995 views [editors pick]

Harrier f.

by Franco Pelizza
155 comments, 22677 views

Question of looks

by Lara Zanarini
70 comments, 18130 views

Points of view

by J.rigo
174 comments, 30963 views

Lynx in the snow

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
37 comments, 17893 views

Martino

by Franco Pelizza
131 comments, 16473 views

Love

by -Eric Draven-
89 comments, 10117 views

The prey

by Alain Ghignone
122 comments, 31126 views [editors pick]

The true meaning of happiness

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
55 comments, 27335 views

The closest, the most beautiful

by Alain Ghignone
120 comments, 28187 views [editors pick]

Publish your advertisement on JuzaPhoto (info)

Under the waterfall

by J.rigo
77 comments, 5180 views [editors pick]

Too big ...

by Alain Ghignone
91 comments, 15433 views

Sunset in Manhattan

by Luca160
204 comments, 11746 views

Varying hare

by Schivogian
76 comments, 10409 views [editors pick]

The time of Chay

by Marchese75
86 comments, 10085 views [editors pick]

Holes

by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
88 comments, 12218 views

The sample photos are selected automatically between all photos posted by JuzaPhoto members, using the camera and the lens selected in the techs. If you find evident errors (e.g. photos taken with cameras and lenses that are not available yet), you can contribute to improve the page by sending a private message to the user that has entered incorrect values in the photo caption.

Nikon D3s : Specifications and Opinions

Buy

Offerte Usato RCE

Reviews

What do you think?

Photos taken with Nikon D3s