--- lang: en type: Product record_kind: entity-profile title: Nikon D3S - Specifications and Summary description: "Nikon D3S (2009): 12MP 9 - 11 fps, 1430 g. Pro DSLR." llms_summary: "Nikon D3S. (Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan). Product. Battery EN-EL4a · 4200 / 4700. Features E, AF, AI. Finder 100% · 0.7× · 18 mm. FPS 9-11 · 36/122 fps. ISO 200 - 12800 · 100 -102400 ISO. Release Year 2009. Screen 3\" · 640 x 480 · RGB. Sensor 12MP · FX · 4256 × 2832 MP. Shutter 30 - 1/8000 · 1/250 · 300K. Size 160 × 157 × 88 mm. Storage CF x2. Weight 1430 (1,430) g. Photography. Nikon D3S (2009): 12MP 9 - 11 fps, 1430 g. Pro DSLR. canonical profile on High-Velocity Content Engine" canonical: "https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3s/?format=md" og_image: "https://hypersonicseo.com/images/nikon-d3s.webp" primary_image: /images/nikon-d3s.webp hvce_version: 1 site: high-velocity-content-engine slug: nikon-d3s record_kind: entity-profile content_sha256: 2e34206a74c45a28f228173d1851735cd380f584459174ce5e53b5a007524959 indexed_at: 2026-07-21 date_modified: 2026-07-24 license: citation-free entities: - role: subject slug: nikon-d3s name: Nikon D3S type: Product profile_url: "https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3s/?format=md" --- # Nikon D3S Released in 2009, the Nikon D3S delivers 12-megapixel full-frame imaging with an ISO range of 200-12800, enabling professional photographers to capture clean images in challenging lighting conditions. The camera shoots at 9 fps in standard mode and 11 fps in DX crop mode, while dual CF card slots provide redundancy for critical assignments. Weighing 1430 g with a magnesium alloy construction, the D3S offers the durability and handling characteristics required for wedding, event, and photojournalism work. *Last updated: 2026-07-24* ## Record - **Title**: [Nikon D3S](https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3s/?format=md) - **Place**: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan - **Range**: japan · tokyo · shinagawa · asia - **Use case**: Photography - **Website**: https://www.nikon.com/ - **Phone**: +81-3-3773-1111 - **Contact address**: 1-5-20 Nishioi, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 140-8601, Japan - **Coordinates**: 35.6028, 139.725 ### Summary Released in 2009, the Nikon D3S delivers 12-megapixel full-frame imaging with an ISO range of 200-12800, enabling professional photographers to capture clean images in challenging lighting conditions. The camera shoots at 9 fps in standard mode and 11 fps in DX crop mode, while dual CF card slots provide redundancy for critical assignments. Weighing 1430 g with a magnesium alloy construction, the D3S offers the durability and handling characteristics required for wedding, event, and photojournalism work. ### Description The Nikon D3S features a magnesium alloy body measuring 160 × 157 × 88 mm and weighing 1430 g, constructed to withstand the demands of professional field assignments while maintaining ergonomic balance during extended shooting sessions. The camera's integrated vertical grip and substantial build provide confident handling when working with professional F-mount lenses, from fast primes to telephoto zooms. The 100% coverage optical viewfinder with 0.7× magnification and 18 mm eyepoint delivers clear composition and focusing confirmation across the full frame, essential for precise framing in fast-moving situations. The 12-megapixel FX-format sensor captures images at 4256 × 2832 pixels, a resolution that balances file size with image quality for professional workflows spanning editorial photography, wedding documentation, and event coverage. The ISO range of 200-12800 enables photographers to work in available light without relying on flash, preserving natural ambiance in reception halls, concert venues, and dimly lit interiors. The shutter mechanism is rated for 300,000 actuations with speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second and flash sync at 1/250 second, providing reliable performance across diverse shooting scenarios. Dual CF card slots offer redundancy options for protecting irreplaceable images during weddings, corporate events, and documentary assignments, with flexible recording configurations to suit different workflow requirements. The EN-EL4a battery provides extended shooting capacity for full-day coverage without interruption. The 3-inch LCD screen with 640 × 480 RGB resolution allows for image review and menu navigation in the field, while the camera's compatibility with E, AF, and AI lenses ensures access to decades of Nikon optics. Continuous shooting at 9 fps in FX mode and 11 fps in DX crop mode enables photographers to capture decisive moments during ceremonies, sporting events, and dynamic action sequences. The camera's full-frame sensor and high-speed performance make it well-suited for photojournalists covering news assignments, wedding photographers working in mixed lighting, and event specialists who require both image quality and frame rate. The D3S represents a tool designed for professionals who need reliable performance in challenging conditions where lighting and timing are beyond their control. ### Categories - pro dslr ### Attributes | Property | Value | | --- | --- | | Battery | EN-EL4a · 4200 / 4700 | | Features | E, AF, AI | | Finder | 100% · 0.7× · 18 mm | | FPS | 9-11 · 36/122 fps | | ISO | 200 - 12800 · 100 -102400 ISO | | Release Year | 2009 | | Screen | 3" · 640 x 480 · RGB | | Sensor | 12MP · FX · 4256 × 2832 MP | | Shutter | 30 - 1/8000 · 1/250 · 300K | | Size | 160 × 157 × 88 mm | | Storage | CF x2 | | Weight | 1430 (1,430) g | ## Frequently asked questions ### What sensor resolution and ISO range does the Nikon D3S offer? The Nikon D3S features a 12-megapixel FX-format sensor capturing images at 4256 × 2832 pixels, with a native ISO range of 200-12800 that enables professional photographers to work in low-light environments while maintaining image quality suitable for editorial and commercial reproduction. ### What storage media and battery does the D3S use? The D3S is equipped with dual CF card slots for redundant recording or overflow storage, providing protection for critical images during weddings and events. The camera is powered by the EN-EL4a battery, which delivers extended shooting capacity for full-day professional assignments. ### Who is the Nikon D3S designed for? The D3S is designed for professional photographers working in challenging lighting conditions, including wedding photographers who need to capture ceremonies and receptions in available light, photojournalists covering news and events, and sports shooters who require both high ISO performance and continuous shooting speed. ### How much does the Nikon D3S weigh and what are its dimensions? The D3S weighs 1430 g and measures 160 × 157 × 88 mm. The magnesium alloy body provides professional-grade durability while the integrated vertical grip design ensures balanced handling with larger F-mount lenses during extended shooting sessions. ### What viewfinder specifications does the D3S provide? The D3S features an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, 0.7× magnification, and 18 mm eyepoint. This combination delivers clear, accurate composition across the entire full-frame sensor area, essential for precise framing in professional photography applications. ### What continuous shooting speeds does the Nikon D3S achieve? The D3S shoots at 9 fps in standard FX full-frame mode and 11 fps when using the DX crop format. These frame rates enable photographers to capture fast action during sporting events, weddings, and photojournalism assignments where timing and sequence are critical.