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Nikon D1H vs D3S

The Nikon D1H and the Nikon D3S are two professional cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2001 and October 2009. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D1H) and a full frame (D3S) sensor. The D1H has a resolution of 2.6 megapixels, whereas the D3S provides 12.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D1H
versus
Nikon D3S
Nikon D1H   Nikon D3S
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
2.6 MP – APS-C sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 720/24p Video
ISO 200-800 (200 - 3,200) ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.0" LCD – 120k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge4200 shots per battery charge
157 x 153 x 85 mm, 1100 g 160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D1H and the Nikon D3S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D1H and the Nikon D3S are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D1H vs Nikon D3S
Compare D1H versus D3S top
Comparison D1H or D3S rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3S is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Nikon D1H. Moreover, the D3S is markedly heavier (13 percent) than the D1H. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D3S) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D1H). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D1H gets 1200 shots out of its Nikon EN-4 battery, while the D3S can take 4200 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL4a power pack. As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D1H was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the D3S, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D1H features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D3S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D3S is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D1H and Nikon D3S sensor measures

With 12.1MP, the D3S offers a higher resolution than the D1H (2.6MP), but the D3S has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.43μm versus 11.93μm for the D1H). Yet, the D3S is a much more recent model (by 8 years and 8 months) than the D1H, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D1H are 10 x 6.6 inches or 25.4 x 16.7 cm for good quality, 8 x 5.2 inches or 20.3 x 13.3 cm for very good quality, and 6.7 x 4.4 inches or 16.9 x 11.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D1H has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 200-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3S are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D1H is build around a CCD sensor, while the D3S uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D1H versus D3S MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
2.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
3.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
4.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
5.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
6.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
7.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
8.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
9.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
11.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
12.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
13.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
14.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
15.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The D3S indeed provides for movie recording, while the D1H does not. The highest resolution format that the D3S can use is 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The D1H and the D3S are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D3S offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D1H (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D3S has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D1H and Nikon D3S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The Nikon D3S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D1H and the D3S write their files to Compact Flash cards. The D3S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D1H only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D1H and Nikon D3S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
2.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
15.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
padding

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D1H and the D3S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D1H was replaced by the Nikon D2H, while the D3S was followed by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D1H and D3S can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D1H Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3S Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D1H or the Nikon D3S – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Nikon D1H:

  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/16000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 140g or 11 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2001).


Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3S:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (12.1 vs 2.6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 114%.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/24p video.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 120k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4200 versus 1200) out of a single battery charge.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years and 8 months of technical progress since the D1H launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D3S is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D1H 04:15 D3S

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D1H and the Nikon D3S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D1H and the D3S in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As 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: Nikon D1H vs Nikon D3S

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2001 October 2009
    Launch Price USD 4,499 USD 5,199
    Sensor Specs Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    Sensor Technology CCD CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 2.6 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 2000 x 1312 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 11.93 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 0.71 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 800 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 102,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 82
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 3253
    Screen Specs Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 120k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector Firewire USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D1H Nikon D3S
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-4 Nikon EN-EL4a
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge4200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 157 x 153 x 85 mm
    (6.2 x 6.0 x 3.3 in)
    160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1100 g (38.8 oz) 1240 g (43.7 oz)
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    Check D3S offers at
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