Nikon D3s vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3s and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3s were released 2009 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3s 2009
Nikon D3 2007

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3s 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D3s has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3s 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

ISO range

Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3s 200-102400
Nikon D3 200-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3s 11
Nikon D3 9

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D3s. Unfortunately Nikon D3 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 5% heavier than Nikon D3s and its 1240 gr (or 2.73 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3s 1240 gr
2.73 lb
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb

Nikon D3s vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3s and Nikon D3, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Name Nikon D3s Nikon D3
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Release Year 2009 2007
Release Date 2009-10-14 2007-08-23
MSRP 5199 USD 4999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 12,1 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED
Image
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
ISO Range 200 - 102400 200 - 25600
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW + TIFF RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 51 51
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3”
Screen dots 921000 922000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD N/A
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Frames per second 11 fps 9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Video recording Yes No
Video format Motion JPEG
MPEG4
H.264
N/A
Video resolution 1280 x 720
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Optional
No
Remote Control Yes Yes
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 4200 shots 4300 shots
Width 160 mm 160 mm
Height 157 mm 157 mm
Depth 88 mm 88 mm
Weight 1240 gram 1300 gram