Nikon D3S

12.1 megapixels | 3" screen | Full frame sensor

User reviews

Average rating: 4.58
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(23)
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therathman
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: therathman edited on Jun 23, 2011 UTC

Opinion: The camera gets a 6 at the highest. Good points - The High ISO is awesome. The camera, at the high end of Nikon's professional cameras does not meet even an advanced consumer's needs, let alone a professional. Obviously Nikon has paid for the glowing reviews.
Granted, the camera has an exceptional ISO range. Continuous shots a 9-11 fps is great
It provides very quick auto focus when it works.
video is OK - But you cannot change Zoom during Videoing.

I would suggest this camera only for those needing the high ISO - and caution them to double check images when finished shooting to be sure you got what you expected. I have lost critical pictures - even though pictures on both sides are fine.
Previously
I have recommended 5 Nikons to my immediate family. I do not know if these recommendations will continue.

Problems: 1] Individual shots occassionally are extremely underexposed (Photos on both sides in same condition and settings are OK)
2] Camera freezes when reviewing photos / videos - only solution is to disconnect battery (even powering down does not stop freeze)
3] camera stops Auto-focusing on its own - again - only cure is to disconnect power source and then re-connect.
4] Occassionally - using 2 memory cards 1 for NEF and one for JPG - picture counts do not match. Some jpegs never happen - and yes - I was using approved cards with plenty of space (16G) and speed.
Critical shots have been lost
Granted some shots are awesome. Lastly - my wife has said many shots with my old D70 were far superior.
file sizes preclude uploading the poor images.
Nikon has been extremely slow to respond. For a flagship camera like this - totally poor.

BTW - I have used Nikon Camera for 30+ years, dating back to the film "F" body.
Very overpriced for the quality received

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Noctclassic
0 out of 1 users have found this review helpful
By: Noctclassic posted on Jul 19, 2010 UTC

Opinion: Wonderful !

Problems: Heavy

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Carl 107
0 out of 1 users have found this review helpful
By: Carl 107 posted on Jun 16, 2010 UTC

Opinion: to Princhov........... " 6.0 "

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Rich__K
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: Rich__K posted on May 16, 2010 UTC

Opinion: Wonderful, amazing and stunning are all words I would use to describe this camera. ISO performance not only lives up to the hype, it truly is amazing to experience first hand. I didn't think I was interested in getting into the world of high-ISO cameras, but it's sure a welcome addition and one that completely opens up new possibilities. This camera is every bit better than my D2H, other than it not being a LBCAST sensor, which I adored.

I expect I can keep this one around longer than my D2H as it's addressed the few major limitations that were appearant with the D2H. Regardless of what comes next, this camera offers more than what you could have asked Nikon R&D to design. It's a great camera and I don't think you'll find it hard to fall in love with at all.

Problems: none to date

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Zeikos
1 out of 1 user have found this review helpful
By: Zeikos posted on Apr 3, 2010 UTC

Opinion: Best camera in the world.

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DoctorNikon
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: DoctorNikon posted on Apr 2, 2010 UTC

Opinion: Having owned quite a few Nikon dSLRs, from D1H to the D3, I am delighted with the D3s. It improves on the D3 in so many areas, and having already been blown away by the high ISO performance of the original D3, the D3s is just staggering in its ability.
Added to which is the usual granite-like build quality.
A superb camera - just make sure you use it with proper professional glass.

Problems: My Mac (Snow Leopard, with latest update)has difficulty seeing the camera, either directly or via card reader.
Can't figure this one out - no such probs with the D700 I also use.

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Gaspar Dominguez
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: Gaspar Dominguez posted on Mar 13, 2010 UTC

Opinion: Magnífica cámara.
Sólida construcción, manejo intuitivo, visor excelente, velocidad increíble...
Pero, como era de esperar, lo más asombroso es que nos abre una puerta para disfrutar de la alta sensibilidad con la que soñaba desde que usaba Kodak Vericolor.
En combinación con el 14/24, siento que tengo en mis manos la herramienta ideal.

Problems: Con 18 megas sería la cámara perfecta.

Tengo que pasar por caja de nuevo para comprar un software que me permita trabajar mis fotografías?

Por qué no se incluye NX2 con una cámara de ese precio?

*

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Paul Rapanault
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: Paul Rapanault posted on Mar 9, 2010 UTC

Opinion: I have had the D3s for about two weeks now and it is everything I expected and more. The high ISO image is spectacular and better than I thought it would be. The overall build is solid. The weight is very manageable even with a beefier lens. Very pleased with the purchase. If you are coming from another Nikon, this gear will be an easy upgrade to pick up.

Problems: None.

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Sparington
0 out of 0 users have found this review helpful
By: Sparington posted on Feb 18, 2010 UTC

Opinion: My 2nd FF camera after the D700 since I started shooting a lot more sports for a living!

Mind blowing in every aspect. I wouldn't want to repeat what has already been captured before in the sensible user reviews from other owners!

But again , cannot help but mention the following:

-Excellent ergonomics
-low light/high ISO performance is wow!
-Build quality is as it has always been with Nikon...Superb
- Blistering focus speed
-Focus accuracy is pleasing

Overall the camera is mindblowing. It's my most priced possession :-)

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