| The Good |
|---|
| ISO Speeds from 100-102,400 with extensions, 720p 24fps Video, 11fps Snapshot/continuous shooting, 3” LCD and fast running capabilities. |
| The Bad |
| 720p Video, 12.1 Megapixel Imaging, Poor Sound Quality |
| Yay or Nay |
| Buy this camera! This is simply the best professional DSLR camera available today. |
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Overview
Nikon has a history of being at the leading edge of technology, and pushing it to the limit and beyond. The D3S is no different from their previous professional cameras in terms of price; however, that is where the similarities end.
This D3 model is simply the best. Nikon has taken everything good about their previous cameras and combined it to make one of the best all around cameras ever conceived. With ISO speeds reaching into the stratosphere, this Nikon can even take pictures in moonlight that capture elegance almost never before seen with a digital camera. Some people may complain about the size, but once you consider all the bells and whistles that come along with this camera, you may find yourself asking “How did they do that?”
Snapshots
The Nikon D3S benefits greatly from its extreme ISO speeds, and likes to show off just what it can do by taking eleven pictures every second when using continuous shooting. This is by far one of the best cameras available for sporting event work and nature shoots, as you can capture nearly everything with this camera. To top it all off, Nikon added their new Expeed image processor with power management controls to allow for around 4,000 pictures out of every battery charge.
Video
Despite all of its advancements in photography, video seems to be the one place this Nikon is lacking. When compared to even low end professional and high end hobby models by Canon, it just doesn’t stack up. Nevertheless, the 720p digital recording at 24fps isn’t anything to turn your nose up at. Combined with all of the other great extras on this camera, you can record amazingly clear and well defined video in almost any lighting condition. However, if you want quality sound, many people recommend using an external microphone to make sure you’re getting everything.
Photo Quality and Extras
Even though the Nikon D3S only registers 12.1 megapixels, the image quality is still the highest that money can buy. This camera has a ton of special features that aren’t found on others from Nikon’s professional series of cameras, and even more than what you can find on most other professional cameras from other manufacturers.
Between the ISO speeds and the newly designed image processor, the quality of even darkened photos is up there with the best of the best film cameras. There are also improvements to increase its durability and longevity. Where as many camera manufacturers still conform to a certain set of materials to create their cameras, Nikon has taken things to a whole new level and conducted stress tests to ensure that they haven’t gone awry in their theories. One of the most notable pieces of ingenuity is the Kevlar/Carbon Fiber composite shutter that is good (according to Nikon) for up to 300,000 exposures.
Another great feature of the D3S is that Nikon decided to build it on a frame that will still accept the F-Mount lenses. This reduces the need to purchase copious amounts of lenses if you’re already a Nikon owner and, thereby, lowers your cost of operation.
Downside
The only real downside to this camera is that the market is relatively limited to just professionals. From an average consumer standpoint, many people would enjoy the numerous upgrades and options that this camera offers, but there are very few people that aren’t professionals who would be willing to spend the $4,999.95 to get them. Also, if the average consumer were to purchase this camera, there is a good possibility that they would get lost with all of the buttons and options available to them.
Conclusion
On a whole, this camera is, for most people, the epitome of what it means to be a professional photographer. If you’re serious about being the best in your field, or even just serious about getting into photography, then the Nikon D3S is a great investment. With all of the options and the low-light capabilities, you will almost never find yourself in a situation your camera can’t handle.
