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Nikon D4 vs D3S

The Nikon D4 and the Nikon D3S are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2012 and October 2009. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D4 has a resolution of 16.2 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 D4
versus
Nikon D3S
Nikon D4   Nikon D3S
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 720/24p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 204,800) ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
2600 shots per battery charge4200 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1340 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 D4 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D4 and the Nikon D3S. 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.

Size Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3S
Compare D4 versus D3S top
Comparison D4 or D3S rear

In this particular case, the Nikon D4 and the Nikon D3S have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the D3S is markedly lighter (7 percent) than the D4. 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 D4 gets 2600 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18 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 following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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 D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.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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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 D3S was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the D4, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. 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 and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of chip-set technology, the D4 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 3) than the D3S (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D4 and Nikon D3S sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the D4 offers a higher resolution of 16.2 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3S. This megapixels advantage translates into a 16 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the D4 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 7.29μm versus 8.43μm for the D3S). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the D4 is much more recent (by 2 years and 2 months) than the D3S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D4 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D4 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 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 D4 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. 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.

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.

D4 versus D3S 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 D4 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the D3S (overall score 7 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 stops of reduced 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 D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
2.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
3.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
4.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
5.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
6.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
7.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
8.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
9.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
10.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
11.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
12.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D4 provides a higher video resolution than the D3S. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the D3S 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. The D4 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 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 D4 and Nikon D3S 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 D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The Nikon D4 and the Nikon D3S 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 D4 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the D3S uses Compact Flash cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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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 D4 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 D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
5.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
9.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D4 has a microphone port, which is missing on the D3S. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

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

Both the D4 and the D3S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3S was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the D4 was followed by the Nikon D4S. Further information on the features and operation of the D4 and D3S can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3S Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D4 and the Nikon D3S? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D4:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.2 vs 12.1MP) with a 16% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 3 vs EXPEED).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/24p).
  • 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 modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D3S launch.


Advantages of the Nikon D3S:

  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4200 versus 2600) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2009).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D4 is the clear winner of the match-up (10 : 3 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D4 10:03 D3S

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4 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 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 D4 or the D3S perform in practice. 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 table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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 D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu 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 D4 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 D4 Nikon D3S
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2012 October 2009
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 5,199
    Sensor Specs Nikon D4 Nikon D3S
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.29 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 1.88 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 3 EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 89 82
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.7 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.1 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2965 3253
    Screen Specs Nikon D4 Nikon D3S
    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 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D4 Nikon D3S
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations300 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XQD cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D4 Nikon D3S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D4 Nikon D3S
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18 Nikon EN-EL4a
    Battery Life (CIPA)2600 shots per charge4200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 91 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
    160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1340 g (47.3 oz) 1240 g (43.7 oz)
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