Nikon D3s vs Nikon Z fc

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3s and Nikon Z fc. 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 Z fc was released 2021. That is a 12 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3s 2009
Nikon Z fc 2021

Type of camera

Nikon D3s is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z fc is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3s has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon Z fc has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3s 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Z fc 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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

Nikon D3s has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z fc has 21 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 Z fc 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon Z fc has a 71 % larger resolution than Nikon D3s. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Z fc. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon Z fc has 100 to 51200.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3s 200-102400
Nikon Z fc 100-51200

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 Z fc

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 Z fc can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3s 11
Nikon Z fc 11

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D3s and Nikon Z fc can shoot movies.

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 D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 179% heavier than Nikon Z fc and its 445 gr (or 0.98 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3s 1240 gr
2.73 lb
Nikon Z fc 445 gr
0.98 lb

Nikon D3s vs Nikon Z fc Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3s and Nikon Z fc, 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 Z fc
Name Nikon D3s Nikon Z fc
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Release Year 2009 2021
Release Date 2009-10-14 2021-06-29
MSRP 5199 USD 959 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Camera Type DSLR Mirrorless
Sensor
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 12,1 MP 21 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 6
Image
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
ISO Range 200 - 102400 100 - 51200
White Balance Presets 12 8
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 Z fc
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
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 209
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon Z

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
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Articulated LCD Fixed Fully articulated
Screen size 3” 3”
Screen dots 921000 1040000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 2360000
Photography features
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Frames per second 11 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 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
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format Motion JPEG
MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Optional
Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Remote Control Yes Yes (via smartphone)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3s
Nikon Z fc
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4200 shots 300 shots
Width 160 mm 135 mm
Height 157 mm 94 mm
Depth 88 mm 44 mm
Weight 1240 gram 445 gram