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Nikon D3S vs Olympus PEN-F

The Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN-F are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2009 and January 2016. The D3S is a DSLR, while the PEN-F is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D3S) and a Four Thirds (PEN-F) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 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
Olympus PEN-F
Nikon D3S   Olympus PEN-F
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400) ISO 80-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4200 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g 125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g
logo
Check D3S offers at
ebay.com
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Check PEN-F offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN-F? 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 Olympus PEN-F is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The PEN-F can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D3S is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3S vs Olympus PEN-F
Compare D3S versus PEN-F top
Comparison D3S or PEN-F rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus PEN-F is considerably smaller (64 percent) than the Nikon D3S. Moreover, the PEN-F is substantially lighter (66 percent) than the D3S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3S is splash and dust resistant, while the PEN-F does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3S) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (PEN-F). Mirrorless cameras, such as the PEN-F, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3S gets 4200 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the PEN-F can take 330 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 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 table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 PEN-F was launched at a markedly lower price (by 77 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3S features a full frame sensor and the Olympus PEN-F a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the PEN-F is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D3S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the PEN-F offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3S and Olympus PEN-F sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the PEN-F offers a higher resolution of 20.2 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 3.34μm versus 8.43μm for the D3S). However, it should be noted that the PEN-F is much more recent (by 6 years and 3 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the PEN-F has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus PEN-F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the PEN-F for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 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.

Unlike the D3S, the PEN-F has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

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 Olympus PEN-F are ISO 80 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. 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 PEN-F MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the D3S has a notably higher overall DXO score than the PEN-F (overall score 8 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.4 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. 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
# image 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.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
5.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
6.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
7.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
8.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
9.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
10.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
11.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
16.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
17.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the PEN-F provides a better video resolution than the D3S. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the PEN-F has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D3S has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D3S has a higher magnification than the one of the PEN-F (0.70x vs 0.62x), 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 D3S and Olympus PEN-F 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 D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the D3S, but is missing on the PEN-F is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The PEN-F has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3S does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the PEN-F is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN-F 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 PEN-F uses SDXC cards. The D3S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the PEN-F 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 D3S and Olympus PEN-F 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 D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
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It is notable that the PEN-F 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.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3S (unlike the PEN-F) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3S and the PEN-F have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3S was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the PEN-F does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3S and PEN-F can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3S Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus PEN-F Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN-F? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3S:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.62x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4200 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2009).

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Advantages of the Olympus PEN-F:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 27%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/24p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (125x72mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 813g or 66 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (77 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 3 months of technical progress since the D3S launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the PEN-F is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3S 12:17 PEN-F

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN-F place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings 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 D3S and the PEN-F 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 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check D3S offers at
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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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3S vs Olympus PEN-F

    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 Olympus PEN-F
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2009 January 2016
    Launch Price USD 5,199 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3S Olympus PEN-F
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 80 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED TruePic VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 82 74
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 23.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3253 894
    Screen Specs Nikon D3S Olympus PEN-F
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3S Olympus PEN-F
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3S Olympus PEN-F
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3S Olympus PEN-F
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)4200 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    125 x 72 x 37 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1240 g (43.7 oz) 427 g (15.1 oz)
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