Six-digit sensitivity and 720p grace Nikon D3 update

(Credit: Nikon USA)

Budget for a smaller turkey this Thanksgiving; you'll need to save your pennies if you want to upgrade to Nikon's latest pro dSLR when it ships at the end of November. With a few substantial changes that should appeal to nighttime shooters or the video-inclined pro, packed into the old D3 body, the slightly more expensive D3S seems like it'll be a decent successor.

Nikon D3S photos

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Though it retains the same 12.1-megapixel resolution and 8.45-micron pixels of its predecessor, the D3S uses a new sensor. Combined with updated image-processing firmware, Nikon manages to eke out sensitivity of up to ISO 102,400 (Hi 3), for a whopping 10-stop sensitivity range. How much of that will be usable? Well, the D3's looked pretty good as high as ISO 12,800--formerly Hi 1 and the new top of the standard range--and given the tweaks it should at least gain another usable couple of stops, which is worthwhile in itself. I saw some prints from Hi 3 shots taken with a preproduction model, and they looked pretty serviceable for emergency shooting in the dark.

The other major enhancement is support for Nikon's 24fps, 720p video implementation, which allows for shooting with sensitivities up to ISO 6400, shutter and aperture adjustments in preview mode and selectable sound levels. Like most models it has a built in mono mic, though it has a minijack for stereo audio. Plus Nikon supplies some postprocessing for trimming video and extracting frames.

One of the biggest complaints about dSLR-based video is the rolling shutter artifacts, which tend to be more pronounced at the 24fps frame rate Nikon uses over Canon's 30fps. Nikon claims it's tweaked the video processing to reduce the artifacts by half.

As you can see, there aren't a lot of spec differences between the D3S, the disappearing D3 and the current top-of-Nikon's-line D3X:

	Nikon D3	Nikon D3S	Nikon D3x
Sensor (effective resolution)	12.1-megapixel CMOS	12.1-megapixel CMOS	24.5-megapixel CMOS
	36.0 x 23.9mm	36.0 x 23.9mm	35.9 x 24.0mm
Magnification factor	1.0x	1.0x	1.0x
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 6400/25,600 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 12,800/102,400 (expanded)	ISO 50 (expanded)/100 - ISO 1,600/6,400 (expanded)
Continuous shooting	9 fps 20 raw/64 JPEG	9 fps 36 raw/82 JPEG	5 fps 24 raw/76 JPEG
Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification	100% coverage 0.70x/0.70x	100% coverage 0.70x/0.70x	100% coverage 0.70x/0.70x
Autofocus	51-pt AF 15 cross-type	51-pt AF 15 cross-type	51-pt AF 15 cross-type
Metering	1,005 pixel 3D color matrix	1,005 pixel 3D color matrix	1,005 pixel 3D color matrix
Shutter speeds	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/250 sec max flash X-sync (1/8000 focal plane sync)	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/250 sec max flash X-sync (1/8000 focal plane sync)	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/250 sec max flash X-sync (1/8000 focal plane sync)
Live View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video	None	1280x720 at 24fps MJPEG AVI	None
LCD size	3 inches fixed 920,000 dots	3 inches fixed 920,000 dots	3 inches fixed 920,000 dots
Shutter durability	300,000 cycles	300,000 cycles	300,000
Battery life (CIPA rating)	4,300 shots	4,300 shots	4,400 shots
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4
Body operating weight (ounces)	50.4	50.4 (estimated)	50.4 (estimated)
Mfr. Price (body only)	$4,999.95	$5,199.95	$7,995.95

There are a few subtle differences in the D3S as well. Nikon increased the buffer memory to significantly boost burst depth, added sensor vibration to its dust reduction system, inserted a DX crop mode, and incorporated the same Quiet shutter release mode that debuted in the D300s. There are also more custom settings banks (to accommodate movie settings, if memory serves) which now support saved shutter speed and aperture values--a small thing, but nevertheless one of my pet peeves with the Nikon models.

Rumors abound for the D3S's main competitor, the next Canon pro model, speculatively named 1D Mark 4 (Mark IV?), but I put more credence in the Q1 2010 prognostications than the ones for next week. It's quite possibly Canon's turn to leapfrog Nikon in the neverending game. But for now, the D3S looks like it stacks up pretty well compared to what's currently available. Of course, there's also that huge price differential to consider:

	Canon EOS-1D Mark III	Nikon D3S	Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Sensor (effective resolution)	10.1-megapixel CMOS	12.1-megapixel CMOS	21.1-megapixel CMOS
	28.1 x 18.7mm	36.0 x 23.9mm	36.0 x 24.0mm
Magnification factor	1.3x	1.0x	1.0x
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/6400 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 12,800/102,400 (expanded)	ISO 50 (expanded)/100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)
Continuous shooting	10 fps 30 raw/110 JPEG	9 fps 36 raw/82 JPEG	5 fps 12 raw/56 JPEG
Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification	100% coverage 0.76x/0.58	100% coverage 0.70x/0.70x	100% coverage 0.76x/0.76x
Autofocus	19-pt AF all cross-type	51-pt AF 15 cross-type	45-pt AF 19 cross-type
Metering	63 zones	1,005 pixel 3D color matrix	63 zones
Shutter speeds	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/300 sec max flash X-sync	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/250 sec max flash X-sync (1/8000 focal plane sync)	1/8000 to 30 sec; bulb; 1/250 sec max flash X-sync
Live View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video	None	1280x720 at 24fps MJPEG AVI	None
LCD size	3 inches fixed 230,000 dots	3 inches fixed 920,000 dots	3 inches fixed 230,000 dots
Shutter durability	300,000 cycles	300,000 cycles	300,000 cycles
Battery life (CIPA rating)	2,200 shots	4,300 shots	n/a
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1	6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4	6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in.
Body operating weight (ounces)	47.3	50.4 (estimated)	50.0
Mfr. Price (body only)	$3,999.99	$5,199.95	$6,999.99

In theory, it looks like there's something here to float everyone's boat: if you're not into video, there's still the low-light shooting. Or if you're so inclined, start looking for deals on used D3s. (That's D3 plural, not D3S. Oh, fun Googling for this one.) I'm certainly looking forward to trying it out.

[nikondude]

Shame, nikon, shame!!!

I was expecting big things from the Nikon D3s... only to be let down once again. Why would you release a professional camera with substandard, low end HD video. As a professional photographer and videographer it would be pointless for me to purchase anything but a camera with 1080p (+) and switchable frame rate (24/25/30 etc).

I've been a loyal Nikon man for many years... but enough is enough. You are lagging years behind Canon. Even their 7D (much cheaper toy camera) can manage 1080p...so this is goodbye!

[pjk0]

Yes, Nikon is lagging. Best image-quality in the world (See Dx0 reports), best low-light sensitivity in the world (ibid, even for D3/D700), best ergonomics in the world (my opinion, shared by many), undisputed best flash system in 35mm, 50 years without changing the physical lens mount, state-of-the-art autofocus... a really terrible product!

I honestly don't understand why anyone would want to spend much time trying to shoot video with a 35mm DSLR. NONE of them on the market today even have any sort of decent autofocus while doing video!! Are these people insane? If I wanted to shoot video, I would use a real video camera, with real video camera functionality.

[malacca73]

pjk0 has obviously never shot video with a DSLR and so doesn't realize the amazing quality one can achieve by so doing...

[chriscooksey]

seems like Nikon's been holding back from releasing anything too groundbreaking lately....C'mon I think we'd all take a d700x before a d3s

[pixmouse]

Sadly, the above commenter is correct that Nikon user's are jumping ships. I recently sold all my Nikon gear and headed for the 7D. But bear in mind that Canon's gears are miles behind in craftsmanship, quality, and ergonomics.

I will miss Nikon.

[j.standrews]

So, what happens next year when Nikon starts to refresh it's line with the next generation of equipment, e.g. D400 etc. Last year Nikon shocked the photo world. This year goes to Canon. Next year it will be Nikon, the year after Canon and so on. So where does it end? Must have money burning a hole in your pocket. I am still shooting with my D200 and happy for now. Why not just buy lenses for Canon and Nikon. And when the body comes out for either company that you like buy it. That way you have the best of both worlds.

[jerico211]

Wow!! Nikon announces a camera that will redefine low-light photography and people are picking it apart . Look if any one who knows anything about professional photography you would understand that the one thing that all of us want is more light. This camera gives you that. Shooting at an ISO 12,800 is a godsend for those of us who work in dark churches and can't use flash.
Canon has a good product but at this time they have nothing that will do what The D3s will do. Nikon pros are not jumping ship to Canon Nikon has gained market share on them.
Viva La Nikon!!!!!

[pixmouse]

Indeed, I too love Nikon. But as the multimedia era is upon us, a large faction of us use videography as another avenue of income.

D3/X/S I would love to own... but great video is also a must have tool. Convenience in 1 camera equals 5d and 7d from Canon.

If it's any consolation, I am embarrassed to hold a Canon.

[Gianni_Simplicio]

I swear my D5000 is just as good.

As for Nikon users jumping ship, I certainly see more Canons than Nikons around the city. I love my Nikon, but in the higher-end cameras it's a no-brainer that you get better value with Canon for the time being. Nikon needs to refresh their high-end line and match the sensor quality and price points their competitors are putting out. I figure I'll jump into the market around the time the D900 comes out - with a 50MP full-frame sensor, full HD auto-focus video, and ISO sensitivity up to 4 million. And it'll come with an iPhone built right in. And it's waterproof.

[askj113]

Wow, I wonder what the hi iso sensitivity, will look like; maybe the 104000 will be equal to say the 1600 on an xsi or d60? I'm curious

Also, I don't see what the d3x buys you, outside of packing in the megapixels. The fps suffers because of it, and it lacks video (although its not newly released so not a fair comparison)

[half_n_half17]

Take an old D3 and shoot it at it's highest ISO and underexpose by an equivalent stop, then open it up in photoshop and adjust the levels to give you an equal balance as if you had properly exposed.

[SX10 IS]

Brand loyalty... hmph!

While I am a fan of Canon, that is simply because I find their system to my liking. Would Nikon have something that suited me, I would have no problem using it.

Bear in mind that without Nikon, there would be no Canon. The first Canon cameras used Nikkor lenses.