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Nikon D3S vs D780

The Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2009 and January 2020. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D3S has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the D780 provides 24.3 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3S
versus
Nikon D780
Nikon D3S   Nikon D780
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 2359k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
4200 shots per battery charge2260 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g 144 x 116 x 76 mm, 840 g
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Check D3S offers at
ebay.com
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Check D780 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D3S vs Nikon D780
Compare D3S versus D780 top
Comparison D3S or D780 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D780 is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Nikon D3S. Moreover, the D780 is markedly lighter (32 percent) than the D3S. 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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D3S gets 4200 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the D780 can take 2260 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15b power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3S has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the D780 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D780 144 mm 116 mm 76 mm 840 g 2260 i Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 i Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 i Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 i Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 i Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 i Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 i Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 i Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D7500 136 mm 104 mm 73 mm 720 g 950 i Apr 2017 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
17.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 i Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D780 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 56 percent) than the D3S, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the D780 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D3S (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3S and Nikon D780 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the D780 offers a higher resolution of 24.3 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 8.43μm for the D3S). However, it should be noted that the D780 is much more recent (by 10 years and 2 months) than the D3S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D780 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D780 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3S are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The D780 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D3S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D780 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3S is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D780 uses a BSI-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.

D3S versus D780 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty 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.
 
Nikon D780 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3287795
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592i22.711.7107871
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2229081
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
12.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
13.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
14.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2230380
15.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
16.
 
Nikon D7500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.314.0148386
17.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D780 provides a better video resolution than the D3S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the D3S is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3S and the D780 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), as well as the same magnification (0.70x). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3S and Nikon D780 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Nikon D780optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D6optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D300Soptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon D500optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
14.
 
Nikon D700optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
15.
 
Nikon D750optical i3.2 / 1229 tilting i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
16.
 
Nikon D7500optical i3.2 / 922 tilting i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
17.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The D780 has a touchscreen, while the D3S has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780 both have 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.

The D3S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the D780 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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 D3S and Nikon D780 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Nikon D780istereo / monoiimini3.1iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVistereo / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D6istereo / monoiimini3.1iii
12.
 
Nikon D300Sistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Nikon D500istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
14.
 
Nikon D700ii / iiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Nikon D750istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Nikon D7500istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Nikon Z6 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the D780 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3S does not provide wifi capability.

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

The D780 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D3S has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3S was succeeded by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D3S and D780 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3S Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D780 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Nikon D3S:

  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4200 versus 2260) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2009).


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D780:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 42%.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 6 vs EXPEED).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/24p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More compact: Is smaller (144x116mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 400g or 32 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (56 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D3S launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D780 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 3 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

D3S 03:18 D780

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3S and the Nikon D780 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D3S or the D780 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D7805/5..5/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D75004.5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Apr 2017 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
17.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check D3S offers at
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Check D780 price at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Nikon D3S vs Nikon D780

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 D3S Nikon D780
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
Launch Date October 2009 January 2020
Launch Price USD 5,199 USD 2,299
Sensor Specs Nikon D3S Nikon D780
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 858.01 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.1 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 5.94 μm
Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 720/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 6
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 D3S Nikon D780
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.70x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
LCD Resolution 921k dots 2359k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D3S Nikon D780
Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D3S Nikon D780
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D3S Nikon D780
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Nikon EN-EL15b
Battery Life (CIPA)4200 shots per charge2260 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
(6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
144 x 116 x 76 mm
(5.7 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
Camera Weight 1240 g (43.7 oz) 840 g (29.6 oz)
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