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Nikon D3S vs Panasonic G6

The Nikon D3S and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2009 and April 2013. The D3S is a DSLR, while the G6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D3S) and a Four Thirds (G6) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 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
Panasonic G6
Nikon D3S   Panasonic G6
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400) ISO 160-12,800 (160 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4200 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g 122 x 85 x 71 mm, 390 g
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Check D3S offers at
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Check G6 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3S and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3S and the Panasonic G6. 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 measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G6 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the D3S is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3S vs Panasonic G6
Compare D3S versus G6 top
Comparison D3S or G6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G6 is considerably smaller (59 percent) than the Nikon D3S. Moreover, the G6 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D3S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3S is splash and dust resistant, while the G6 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 (G6). Mirrorless cameras, such as the G6, 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 G6 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 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 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
# 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.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.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.
 
Panasonic G7 125 mm 86 mm 77 mm 410 g 350 n May 2015 649ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G6 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 88 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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 Panasonic G6 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G6 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 G6 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3S and Panasonic G6 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G6 offers a higher resolution of 15.9 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 3.76μm versus 8.43μm for the D3S). However, it should be noted that the G6 is much more recent (by 3 years and 6 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 Panasonic G6 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G6 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 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 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 160-25600.

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 G6 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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 provides substantially higher image quality than the G6, with an overall score that is 21 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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 D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
2.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
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.
 
Panasonic G7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.490471
14.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
15.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
16.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
17.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the G6 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 variety of features. For example, the G6 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k 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%), as well as the same magnification (0.70x). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3S and Panasonic G6 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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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.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
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.
 
Panasonic G72360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
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 G6 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 G6 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 G6 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 Panasonic G6 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 G6 uses SDXC cards. The D3S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G6 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 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.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
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.
 
Panasonic G7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
15.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
16.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the G6 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 G6) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3S and the G6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3S was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the G6 was followed by the Panasonic G7. Further information on the features and operation of the D3S and G6 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3S Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic G6 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3S or the Panasonic G6 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Nikon D3S:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.3 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4200 versus 340) 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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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (15.9 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 13%.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/24p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k 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 (122x85mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 850g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (88 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D3S launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G6 is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 13 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 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 13:17 G6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3S and the Panasonic G6 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3S or the G6. 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 why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.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.
 
Panasonic G74/5+ +3.5/580/1005/54.5/5 May 2015 649ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. 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? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3S vs Panasonic G6

    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 Panasonic G6
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2009 April 2013
    Launch Price USD 5,199 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3S Panasonic G6
    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 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 102,400 ISO 160 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 82 61
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 21.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 11.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3253 639
    Screen Specs Nikon D3S Panasonic G6
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k 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 1036k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3S Panasonic G6
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/4000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3S Panasonic G6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3S Panasonic G6
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)4200 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    122 x 85 x 71 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1240 g (43.7 oz) 390 g (13.8 oz)
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