Nikon D3s review
- Brand: Nikon
- Subject: Digital Cameras
- Category: Camera Reviews
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PMA 2018 Report
There is not much to comment about when it comes to the Nikon D3, however, Nikon has yet again updated the model. Most striking is the increase in sensitivity. The default sensitivity of the Nikon D3s ranges up to ISO 12,800, and using Hi3, an ISO equivalent of a staggering 102,400 can be reached. The number can already hardly be pronounced, let alone that you can actually imagine how sensitive it is. It's only a few years ago that it was considered a miracle if you were able to take pictures at ISO 1600, and in the film era, ISO 800 was in fact the limit.
Nikon D3s - High ISO photos
The high ISO values are certainly not just marketing talk. Although at the same time, marketing departments are of course happy to have a new figure that stands for: 'more is better'. The Megapixel Race now gives way to the ISO-race, or so it seems. However, this race comes with actual benefits for the photographer, while it enables shooting in low light conditions without the risk of motion blur or having to work with small depth of field. This is a blessing, for example, to sports photographers covering Formula 1. In the Far East, these races gradually more often take place at night, so that the Western viewer can watch the race at a decent time. The high speed of racing cars requires slow shutter, which is why high sensitivity comes in handy in low light.
Nikon D3s video function
The high sensitivity is not the only thing that has changed on the Nikon D3s compared to the D3. The Nikon D3s digital SLR camera now offers video capture. As goes for all Nikon models, the format is not 1080p, but the smaller 720p. This does put the Nikon D3s camera one small step behind its major rival, however, since many of the recorded videos are shown on the Internet, it should not be much of a problem. Filming is possible even at the highest sensitivities.
Nikon D3s Live View mode
The dedicated Live View button I consider an improvement too. You will now use this function more often and it has its advantages. Especially now that the camera is able to record videos, it is important that you can quickly access this feature. The dedicated button makes it easy. Filming is fine, although the resolution stays a bit behind compared to that of its closest competitors. However, in itself, this does not have to be a problem. Read the full Nikon D3s review and take a look at the High ISO picture gallery.
