New Gear: Nikon D3S
Nikon is all about the "S" here in 2009. Nikon's newest pro-level DSLR checks in at $5,199.95, which is about $200 more than its predecessor, the D3. Notable upgrades come in the form of an HD video mode capable of capturing 1280 x 720 (720p) footage at 24 fps. There have also been some substantial upgrades in the ISO department. They have added a ISO 100 setting on the low end, as well as expanded sensitivity settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, 51,200 and an impressive 102,400.
At the heart of the D3S is a newly designed FX-format 36x23.9mm CMOS sensor that boasts the same pixel size and 12.1-megapixel resolution as the D3. They claim the new design gives it a higher signal-to-noise ratio as well as an "unmatched" dynamic range for both stills and video.
Other upgrades include a self-cleaning optical low pass filter that oscillates to shake off particles. There's also a monaural microphone built-in, as well as an input for a stereo microphone if you want higher fidelity sound with your video.
All in all, the changes are few, but also quite signiicant. The increased sensitivity alone is groundbreaking, marking the first time any camera has allowed an ISO over 100,000. Photos are sure to be quite noisy at that level, but will let you capture images that weren’t possible before this camera came along. You can expect the D3S to show up at your Nikon dealer by the end of November. Check after the link for more photos and a rundown of all the critical specs.
--12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (36x23.9mm)
--ISO range from the equivalent of 100 all the way to the equivalent of 102,400
--Self-cleaning optical low pass filter
--Quieter shutter noise
--HD video recording up to 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps
--Full aperture control from f/1.4 to f/16 in video mode
--Full-res image capture at 9 fps in FX format or 11 fps in DX crop mode
--1.2x crop mode
--2 UMDA compatible CompactFlash card slots for consecutive recording or simultatneous recording
--HDMI out port
--Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module with 51 AF points: 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors
--Three AF modes: Single point, dynamic area AF and auto-area AF
--Live view mode
--Latest generation EXPEED Image Processing System provides faster processing and lower power consumption
--3D Color Matrix Metering II references the scene against 30,000 images in its internal database to calculate correct exposure
--Moisture, dust and shock resistant body with a shutter system tested to 300,000 cycles
--100% viewfinder with .7x magnification
--3-inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution
--Up to 4200 shots per single battery charge
--Stan Horaczek
Hi..
prise for this D3S shown in this web site was wrong ... this camara cannot be $51995.95. I think it was an error.. Please make sure the price..
Thanks
Aravinthan from Canada
Posted by: Aravinthan K | October 14, 2009 at 12:11 PM
please check the price for this camara
Posted by: Aravinthan K | October 14, 2009 at 12:12 PM
The price is correct.
Posted by: Jeff | October 14, 2009 at 03:44 PM
It's still a Nikon. Call me when it's a Canon.
Posted by: Matthew MacLeod | October 14, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I'm fine with a Nikon, don't bother calling me about the Canon...
Posted by: Mark R | October 14, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Call me, when you have $5199.
Posted by: rene h | October 14, 2009 at 09:50 PM
It's an impressive response to the Canon EOS 5D mkii.
Posted by: JDM von Weinberg | October 15, 2009 at 12:03 AM
can nikon please make a cheap full frame dslr? how about a full frame for under $1000 ? i would buy that. they dont have to add too many features, they could make it 2.5fps, all menu based (less external buttons), no giant battery, just use a little en-el9 like the d40, no video feature needed, use just a little bitty 2.5 inch lcd, that's all i need. cmon nikon! make it, and we will come. a lot of us will come.
Posted by: albert | October 15, 2009 at 03:48 PM
There are no sub $1000 full frame cameras. Sony just announced the first sub $2000 full frame.
Posted by: Paul | October 15, 2009 at 05:29 PM
I love my D3 and don't think a high dollar video camera is very exciting. So no to the S model,
Posted by: tubeman | October 15, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Nikon has already answered canon's new 5d with the Nikon 700.
Posted by: tubeman | October 15, 2009 at 05:51 PM
The original canon 5d can be found for around $1000 online- which is a lot of camera for not a lot of money.
Still 12mp? It reminds me of when nikon was giving the sales pitch with the d2 and d2x that 'you don't need a full frame' simply because they didn't have the technology. But once they came out with the new FX, suddenly they changed the marketing. The d4 that will probably come out in a year or so will probably have a mid 20 mp sensor- but will they then say that mp's matter? I'll admit 100,000 Iso is impressive, and I'll be open- maybe canon needs to raise the bar for slr's (once again).
Posted by: Travis | October 15, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Nikon always made superior body then canon, since film days. But was trailing behind canon's sensors. Now things are changing.
Posted by: Haris | October 15, 2009 at 08:06 PM
I hope the sensor is still from Sony.
Posted by: Art | October 15, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Too bad some people can't just acknowledge the technology and can't get past the name on the camera.
Posted by: Ken | October 15, 2009 at 09:12 PM
In about 1992 I converted from Canon (I had an A-1 that finally died on me) to Nikon because I needed a sturdy camera and the new Canons had a new lens mount that was going to force me to buy new lenses anyway.
Now I'm going to switch back because Nikons are too expensive for what you get and the Canon 5D Mark II has better features than the new Nikon for half the price.
Thanks Nikon for pointing me back to Canon.
Posted by: Todd | October 15, 2009 at 10:33 PM
great camera would nikon please donate one to me with about 3 or 4 lenses so I can get my photo business off the ground and step into the digital era.....
Posted by: Skip | October 16, 2009 at 01:19 AM
Not only is the price is right, the camera is great. While Canon may have the 5D, this camera packs a greater punch. Face it, Nikon once again have captured the market, look anywhere from Breaking news to Sporting Events to Soccer Moms, Nikon leads the way.....looking forward to another 15 years.
Posted by: Sean | October 16, 2009 at 01:33 AM
nikon still has clumsy lensmount from '59 or whatever... and most their lenses have screw driven autofocus which is..... no comments
Posted by: tomas | October 16, 2009 at 01:59 AM
DON'T put this camera in the same class as the 5D Mk II....main features 12mp vs 21mp photo & video 720p(24 frames) vs 1080p (30 frames) & it costs thousands more ?!?!
Posted by: bruhaphoto | October 16, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Nikon smokes Canon!!!!!!
Posted by: John | October 16, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Nikon stays on top of the pile because of offerings like this,,, These cameras are high end and for specific users and the price reflect it I do worry that the tecnology will soon render this D3S obsosete in a maner of years as Nikon progress into the future, I remember not to long ago the D300 was the one to get then the D5000 hit the market as one of the must haves. I think any camera will do the job if you know how to use it but certainly Nikon is looking into the future
Posted by: Tom | October 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM
That camera will be so noisy at ISO 102,400 I'm going deaf just thinking about it.
Posted by: Don | October 16, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Impressive ISO, Does the autofocus handle the darkness I'd want to shoot it in?
Low megapixel count will be the spoiler for some, but not the market this camera is bult for.
My 5d MkII is a sweet machine, but is not the first camera I'd choose for sports or other action photos.
Can't wait to see Canon's response.
Posted by: John Strong | October 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM
The Equation:
One D3S = Two 5DMark II 's
Posted by: ros | October 17, 2009 at 05:50 AM