The D3s has now been officially released by Nikon. Adding a few updates and added features to the highly successful Nikon D3. It’s specs have underwhelmed some, but surprised many. It’s main selling points are increased ISO sensitivity, with H3 now going up to a staggering ISO 102,400!
It also follows on from the Nikon D300s in that it features 720p video. Why Nikon decided to stick with 720p rather than 1080p like the Canon 5Dmk2 has surprised some, although the results are no less impressive. See this video by Vincent Munier, all filmed on the Nikon D3s during a two week assignment in Finland.
[youtube R46ca9zBP4A 450]
It certainly shows what results can be achieved when you combine great SLR lenses and integrated video. Debates as to whether integrating video into DSLRs is a good idea may be as heated as ever, but one thing is for sure; It’s here to stay.
Full specs;
- ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3)
- Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels
- Improved D-Movie function including High-Sensitivity Movie mode and flicker reduction function
- Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function
- Incorporates Nikon’s original EXPEED digital image processing
- Active D-Lighting with bracketing for up to 5 frames
- Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape and Portrait can be downloaded from Nikon website)
- Quick response with approx. 0.12 seconds start-up time and approx. 0.04 seconds shutter-release time lag
- 9-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format, 11 fps in DX crop (CIPA Guidelines)
- Nikon’s original Scene Recognition System, utilizing 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance
- Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module featuring 51 AF points
- Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
- Durable shutter unit proven by 300,000 cycles of testing on fully assembled camera
- Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,200 frames per charge (based on CIPA Standards)
- Easy-to-access Live View modes with dedicated button
- Quiet Shutter-release mode for nonintrusive shooting
- High-definition (approx. 921k-dot), 170˚ viewing angle, 3-in. VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass