I took some photos in a very, very dark venue at ISO 6400 the other night and they came out with some added help from noise ninja. Everyone else around me just put their cameras away. Basically, if the D3s has double the ISO capabilities of the D3, i.e. 12,800 without going into the extended mode, it should be quite a capable camera in very, very low light .
Personally, I don't care for the video mode since I have a video camera that has sat in a drawer for a long time--I just don't want to take the time to edit anything; however, the low light capability and already installed "optional" buffer is appealing.
The thing is I guess is how low of light does one want to shoot if they don't need to shoot in that dark of conditions and how fast one wants to fill up a card in RAW. Of course, someone into survellience would probably love the D3s.
Date:
2009-12-18 - 12:57:23
Author:
Keny
Rating:
Making an already exceptional good camera better is what Nikon did with the D3S. I owned the D3 almost since it's release and what was possible missing in the D3 is what they added in the D3S.
Quiet shutter, (quick) movie functionality, outstanding focusing and extreme high iso capabilities is what a photo journalist demands (dreams about) today. Nikon makes it
Problems
Owning the camera only a couple of days. The only negative comment I can have is about the software package coming with it. A fully working version of Nikon RAW/NEF editing software "Capture NX2" is not added. For a camera at this price point and aimed at professional usage right out of the box it should be.
Date:
2010-04-15 - 12:53:35
Author:
Bernard
Rating:
finest Digital SLR available
I was using a Canon 5D Mark II camera for over a year but became more and more disappointed with it as time went on. The focusing system used on the Canon was poor and the high ISO was good but not great.
Finally tiring of the soft focus of the 5D Mark II, I decided to either upgrade to the 1D Mark IV or the Nikon D3S. The decision was a very painful one to make and I dwelled on the subject for weeks before making a decision.
I finally decided on the Nikon D3S because of its full frame sensor and how its relatively large pixel size would be an advantage in low light situations (i.e., High ISO). Also, it didn't hurt that it was available right away through Amazon and I needed it for my trip to Europe at the end of December.
Now, after having used the Nikon D3S for around 2 months in a variety of situations I can say without hesitation that this is the finest DSLR available. Its ability to shoot sports action in low light is stunning and the focus is very responsive and always spot on! The lenses which I have purchased have all been superior to their Canon equivalent counterparts. Although, the Nikon does have some wholes in their lineup, most notably the the 85mm f/1.2.
While I believe that the filming features of the 1D Mark IV are likely superior it was a mute point for me after a year of experiences with the 5d Mark II. Unless you are very serious you will not get good results filming with any DSLR so I did not consider this when deciding which camera to buy.
In conclusion, I was very nervous about buying the Nikon D3S instead of the Canon 1D Mark IV. However, after using the D3S in a variety of situations I have absolutely fallen in love with this camera.
Date:
2010-04-20 - 08:38:25
Author:
Ireland
Rating:
Well worth the price
I have been a professional photographer for 30 years and this is by far the best camera I have ever owned. The low light performance of this camera is nothing short of amazing. If I had had this camera in 1991 on a trip to Africa I could have taken the two best photographs of my career, photographs that were impossible to take before this camera. Well worth the price.
Date:
2010-05-10 - 09:17:01
Author:
propixel
Rating:
I have had the good fortune of being able to have this camera to shoot for a couple of weddings and stage plays, have even tried it with sports...I would say this is the best FF DSLR made till now. Period.
I am amazed by its image quality at high ISOs...simply unbeatable, having compared it with competitors' cameras.
Additionally, of course you have the magnificient build, excellent ergonomics, the AF speed and accuracy(always spot on!) and the fps...and little tweaks from the D3 which make this mean machine a MUST BUY for any professional photographer.
Two thumbs up!
Date:
2010-05-17 - 09:07:53
Author:
Michael444
Rating:
Nikon D3s - 12800iso testshot
Testshot taken with my Nikon D3s at 12800 iso.
Date:
2010-06-02 - 08:54:36
Author:
Raul
Rating:
D3s sample: evening highway traffic @ ISO3200
I have had the D3s for about two weeks now and it is everything I expected and more. The high ISO image is spectacular and better than I thought it would be. The overall build is solid. The weight is very manageable even with a beefier lens. Very pleased with the purchase. If you are coming from another Nikon, this gear will be an easy upgrade to pick up.
Here is a night shot:
Nikkor 85mm/1.4 AF-D lens (@ 1/400 sec, f/2.2), Nikon D3s camera (ISO 3200). Aparature priority auto exposure (matrix metering); auto white balance; focus point on the school bus. 14 bit NEF converted to jpg in ACR 5.6 beta, otherwise unmodified.
