Used Nikon D3S Digital SLR Body
Condition & contents
| Grading | Excellent used condition. Rubber grips in good order with only light signs of use. All functions fully operational, LCD protector present. Shutter count ~90K |
|---|---|
| Testing | Fully tested |
| Warranty | 6 month warranty |
| Includes | Boxed inc. strap, batter, charger. |
At a glance: Nikon D3S body - 2009 pro full-frame DSLR, 12MP FX CMOS, legendary low-light performance.
About this lens
The Nikon D3S is Nikon's 2009 professional full-frame DSLR - renowned for industry-leading low-light performance at launch (ISO 12800 native, 102400 expanded). 12.1MP FX sensor, 9 fps, 51-point AF, integrated vertical grip, weather-sealed pro body. A legendary sports, wildlife and press camera.
Build & handling
| Type | Full-frame DSLR (F mount / FX) |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 12.1 megapixel full-frame (FX) CMOS |
| ISO range | 200-12800 (expandable to 100-102400) |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 9 fps (11 fps in DX crop mode) |
| Autofocus points | 51 (15 cross-type) |
| Video | 720p at 24fps |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism optical viewfinder, 100% coverage |
| Screen | 3.0-inch fixed LCD, 921k dots |
| Weight (body) | 1240g (includes integrated grip) |
| Weather sealing | Yes - pro-grade magnesium body with integrated vertical grip |
Works with
- Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses - AF-S, AF-P, AF-I (full AF) and older AF/AF-D (full AF via built-in body motor)
- Also accepts manual-focus AI/AI-S Nikon lenses with aperture ring
- Will accept DX and FX lenses (DX lenses auto-crop)
- Cannot mount Nikon Z lenses
Best for
One of the most admired Nikon pro DSLRs - the D3S's 12MP full-frame CMOS had industry-leading low-light performance in 2009-2010, routinely shooting clean images at ISO 6400 and usable ones at 12800 when competitors struggled above 3200. 9 fps, 51-point AF, pro build. Still a capable working camera today for available-light photographers and working pros who value the handling.
Frequently asked questions
Is the D3S still useful today?
Yes, particularly for available-light work - the D3S still delivers class-leading low-light character, and pro-body handling is still first-rate. Video is dated (720p only). For purely modern feature sets a D750/D780/D850 are more capable cameras, but for the 'Nikon pro DSLR experience' the D3S still has fans.
What's the difference between the D3 and D3S?
The D3S added cleaner high-ISO performance (up to ISO 12800 native), 720p video, quieter shutter, and reduced camera shake. Same body and AF system.