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Nikon D3S DSLR Camera Body {12.1MP}
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$615.00
Nikon D3S: the full-frame workhorse built for darkness
The D3S earned its reputation in newsrooms and on sidelines by doing one thing better than almost anything else at its release: shooting in the dark. Its 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor runs a native ISO range of 200 to 12800, expandable to an eye-opening ISO 102400, and that extended ceiling is not a marketing footnote, reviewers at dpreview confirmed it produces usable images at levels that would reduce other cameras to noise soup. Pair that with 11 fps continuous shooting in DX crop mode and 9 fps at full frame, and you have a body built for situations where the light is wrong and the action won't wait.
The 51-point AF system includes color-tracking data from a 1005-pixel AE sensor, and autofocus fine-tuning supports up to 20 individual lens profiles. The Kevlar and carbon fiber composite shutter is rated to 300,000 exposures. Dual CompactFlash slots let you split RAW and JPEG to separate cards, or run stills on one and video on the other. The EN-EL4a battery is rated to 4200 shots per charge by CIPA standards, which means the D3S will still be shooting long after most bodies have gone dark. Water and dust resistance rounds out a body designed to take punishment in the field without complaint. At this point in its life, the D3S trades at a fraction of its original asking price, and the physics that made it remarkable in 2009 have not changed.
Who It's For
Photojournalists and documentary shooters working under mixed or failing light get the most from the D3S's ISO 102400 ceiling and 9 fps full-frame burst rate. Sports photographers can push that to 11 fps in DX crop mode when the extra reach matters. Wedding photographers shooting candid reception work in dark venues will find the high-ISO performance keeps flash off the table in moments that need it. The 4200-shot CIPA battery rating makes the D3S a reliable pick for any multi-day assignment where charging opportunities are scarce and failure is not an option.
Key Features
- 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 200–12,800 native, expandable to 102,400
- 11 fps burst in DX crop, 9 fps full frame
- 51-point autofocus with color-tracking from 1005-pixel AE sensor
- Dual CompactFlash slots with UDMA support
- Kevlar and carbon fiber composite shutter rated to 300,000 exposures
- Water and dust resistant body
- 4200-shot battery life per CIPA standard
FAQ
- What makes the D3S special for low-light shooting?
- The native ISO 200-12800 range expands to 102400, and dpreview confirmed it produces usable images at those extended levels - a significant advantage over competitors at its 2009 release. Pair that with 11 fps burst in DX crop mode and you have a camera built for situations where light is scarce and action won't wait.
- How many autofocus points does the D3S have?
- 51 AF points with color-tracking data pulled from a 1005-pixel AE sensor. The camera also supports autofocus fine-tuning across up to 20 individual lens profiles, letting you dial in calibration per lens.
- What's the burst rate on the D3S?
- 9 fps at full frame, 11 fps in DX crop mode. The Kevlar and carbon fiber composite shutter is rated to 300,000 exposures.
- Can I split RAW and JPEG to separate cards?
- Yes. The D3S has dual CompactFlash slots (UDMA supported) that let you send RAW to one card and JPEG to the other, or stills to one and video to the other.
- How long does the battery last on a single charge?
- The EN-EL4a is rated to 4200 shots per CIPA standards - enough to carry you through a full day of shooting without a second battery.
- Does the D3S have video?
- Yes, 1280x720 at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format, with stereo microphone input. Three resolution options available: 1280x720, 640x424, and 320x216.
- Is the D3S weather-sealed?
- The body is water and dust resistant, built to take punishment in the field without complaint.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) |
| Resolution | 12.0 MP |
| Mount | Nikon F |
| AF Points | 51 |
| ISO Range | 200-12,800 (100-102,400 with boost) |
| Burst Rate | 11.0 |
| Video | 1280x720 |
| Stabilization | No |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Connectivity | Optional |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger |
| ISO Boosted Min | 100 |
| ISO Boosted Max | 102,400 |
| Image Ratio | 5:4, 3:2 |
| Other Resolutions | 3,552 x 2,832, 3,552 x 2,368, 3,184 x 2,128, 2,784 x 1,848, 2,656 x 1,776, 2,128 x 1,416, 2,080 x 1,384, 1,776 x 1,416, 1,776 x 1,184, 1,392 x 920 |
| Uncompressed Format | RAW + TIFF |
| JPEG Quality Levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| Digital Zoom | No |
| Manual Focus | Yes |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen Size | 3? |
| Screen Dots | 921,000 |
| Screen Type | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 sec |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8,000 sec |
| Aperture Priority | Yes |
| Shutter Priority | Yes |
| Manual Exposure | Yes |
| Subject Scene Modes | No |
| External Flash | Yes (Hot-shoe plus Sync connector) |
| Flash Modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
| Video Resolutions | 1,280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) |
| Video Format | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Storage Types | CompactFlash (Type I) x 2, UDMA supported |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Battery Life Cipa | 4,200 |
| GPS | Optional (GP-1) |
| Dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46?) |
| Weight | 1,240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Flash System | Nikon i-TTL |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (camera motor), Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount Ai, Nikon F Mount Ai-S, Nikon F Mount Ai & contacts (Ai-P), Nikon F Mount AF (pre-D), Nikon F Mount D Type, Nikon F Mount G Type, Nikon F Mount E Type |
| Memory Card Type | Compact Flash (Type I) |
