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How much dynamic range does the Nikon D3S offer?

According to measurements carried out by DXO Mark, the sensor in the Nikon D3S provides a maximum of 12.0 EV of dynamic range (DR). DR is defined as the ratio between the highest and lowest brightness a camera can capture. A value of 12 EV or above is considered excellent.

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High dynamic range of a camera sensor is particularly desirable for scenes with a mix of very bright and very dark parts, such as in some landscape photography settings. It helps to avoid that highlights get washed out or that detail in shadows is lost.

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Sensor specs and performance

The table below compares the sensor specs of the Nikon D3S to those of several similar cameras. The reported DXO values are indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). In addition to dynamic range (DXO Landscape), the listing also covers color depth (DXO Portrait) and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
4.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
5.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
6.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
7.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
8.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
9.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
10.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
11.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
Further information on the sensor in the Nikon D3S and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.

In the United States, the D3S was initially launched in October 2009 at a price of $5,199.

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Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon D3S
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2009
    Launch Price USD 5 199
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 860 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 256 x 2 832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 102 400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 82
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3253
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)4200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1 240 g (43.7 oz)

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