Nikon Z5 vs Nikon D3s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z5 and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z5 were released 2020 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 11 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Z5 2020
Nikon D3s 2009

Type of camera

Nikon Z5 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3s is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

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 Z5 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3s 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

Nikon Z5 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3s has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Z5 24 MP
24160256 pixels
6016 x 4016
Nikon D3s 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Nikon Z5 has a 100 % 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 Z5. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon Z5 has 100 to 51200.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z5 100-51200
Nikon D3s 200-102400

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 Z5
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z5 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z5 4,5
Nikon D3s 11

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon Z5 and Nikon D3s 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 84% heavier than Nikon Z5 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z5 675 gr
1.49 lb
Nikon D3s 1240 gr
2.73 lb

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon D3s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z5 and Nikon D3s, 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 Z5
Nikon D3s
Name Nikon Z5 Nikon D3s
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Release Year 2020 2009
Release Date 2020-07-21 2009-10-14
MSRP 1399 USD 5199 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
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 6016 x 4016 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 24 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 6 EXPEED
Image
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
ISO Range 100 - 51200 200 - 102400
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor Shift (5 axis))
No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 273 51
Lens Mount Nikon Z

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 Z5
Nikon D3s
Articulated LCD Tilting Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3”
Screen dots 1040000 921000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type TFT LCD Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 200% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8x 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution 3689400 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Frames per second 4,5 fps 11 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
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
Motion JPEG
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Built-in (802.11ac (dual band) + Bluetooth)
Yes
Optional
Remote Control Yes (via smartphone) Yes
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3s
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL15c lithium-ion battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 470 shots 4200 shots
Width 134 mm 160 mm
Height 101 mm 157 mm
Depth 70 mm 88 mm
Weight 675 gram 1240 gram