The D3S was released in November 2009 as the latest flagship model for Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras. This camera is equipped with a new CMOS sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm) developed by Nikon and supports standard sensitivity settings of ISO 200 to 12800. Sensitivity can be set as high as Hi 3 (ISO 102400 equivalent) or as low as Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent). The influence of noise has been minimized to enable shooting at high sensitivities under even extremely dim lighting. In addition, the D3S is equipped with the D-Movie function that includes high-sensitivity movie mode and movie editing functions for trimming footage or saving selected frames as JPEG stills. Naturally, the camera itself is representative of an all-round flagship model offering basic performance and operation that meet the strict demands (fast, support for high sensitivities, superior image quality) of professional and advanced amateur photographers in a number of fields, including the press, and sports and nature photography. What’s more, the superior durability and reliability of the D3S has also been recognized by NASA, which ordered several models that are currently used aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The D3S cameras currently used in space are the same models available to consumers, with no special modifications or improvements.
Reason for selection
Taking up most of the functions that made the success of the Nikon D3, the D3S marks a milestone in the history of photography: it is indeed the first digital-SLR camera to sport the record “push” sensitivity of equivalent 102400 ISO. Superbly constructed, with an excellent viewfinder and a top-level autofocus system, it is ideal for digital SLR for the pros, in particular for reportage and sport photography.
