Nikon D3s

The legendary low-light full-frame powerhouse

Nikon D3s
84/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 15
Performance 19
Durability 20
Price 12
Usability 18
Brand Nikon
Model 25458

Key Features

SENSOR 12.1 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR EXPEED image processing system
AUTOFOCUS Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor with 51 focus points
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated TTL phase detection, 15 cross-type sensors
VIDEO 720p HD video recording at 24fps
STABILIZATION None (lens-based stabilization only)
BURST RATE 9 fps in FX mode, 11 fps in DX crop
VIEWFINDER Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI Type C, 10-pin terminal, Ethernet
MEMORY CARD Dual CompactFlash (Type I) slots
WEATHER SEALING Magnesium alloy body, extensive weather and dust sealing
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 4,200 shots per charge (EN-EL4a)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Nikon D3s

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✗ Not Present Uses Mode button + Command dial
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Lens aperture ring or command dial
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ✗ Not Present Command dial
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present Uses Live View shutter release
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present Dedicated dial

How-to Use Nikon D3s

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Nikon D3s Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Nikon D3s

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Full-frame CMOS
Resolution 12.1 MP
ISO Range 200-12,800 (expandable to 102,400)
Autofocus 51-point AF system
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 9 fps
Video 1280 x 720 (24 fps)
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 3.0-inch Fixed
Memory Card Dual CF
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet
Battery Life 4,200 shots
Weight 1240g
Dimensions 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm