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D3s

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3S img 3543.jpg
Overview
Type Digital single-lens reflex camera
Lens
Lens Interchangeable, Nikon F-mount
Sensor/Medium
Sensor 36.0 mm × 23.9 mm CMOS, Nikon FX format
Maximum resolution 12.1 effective megapixels (4,256 × 2,832 pixels)
ASA/ISO range ISO equivalency 200 to 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, Boost: 100–102400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Storage Two CompactFlash (Type I) card slots
Focusing
Focus modes Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual
Focus areas 51-area Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX
Focus bracketing none
Exposure/Metering
Exposure modes Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], Manual [M]
Exposure metering TTL full aperture exposure metering system
Metering modes 1,005-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Variable Center-Weighted, Spot AF
Flash
Flash n/a
Flash bracketing 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Shutter
Shutter Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed range 30 to 1/8000 second and bulb
Continuous shooting 9 frame/s (11 frame/s in DX crop mode)
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical-type fixed eye level pentaprism
Image Processing
Custom WB Auto, Presets (5), Manual, and Color temperature in Kelvin
WB bracketing 2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps
General
Rear LCD monitor 3-inch diagonal, 307,000 pixels (920,000 dots), TFT VGA
Battery Li-ion EN-EL4a
Optional battery packs EH-6 AC Adapter
Weight 1,240 g (2.73 lb)
Made in Japan

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 (720p/30) 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. It was replaced by the D4 as Nikon's high speed flagship DSLR.

Many independent reviews and comparisons show that image noise 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 21 December 2009, Nikon announced that NASA had purchased 11 D3s bodies and assorted lenses for use in the United States 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.


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