Nikon D3S

Review Date
January 15, 2010

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by
photodoggy , Professional

Price Paid
$5199.00 at JR music world

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Other

Summary
Scared out of my mind, a couple weeks ago I sold $10,000 Canon equipment to get this camera and switch to Nikon. I shoot concerts professionally and was using a 5d mark 2. I used it because I love full frame and using super wide angle lenses. I have not shot any concerts with the D3s yet, but not being bias toward either brand, Let me just say this camera is amazing. Canon I feel has led the race until now. I've been testing the camera since I received it about a week ago, I usually shoot 3200 Iso with my 5d mark 2, besides the autofocus being terrible in low light, I would always have a battle with noise. This camera I tested in low light in my house on some christmas figurines and I shot at 6400, I AM TRULEY AMAZED!!!!!!!!! Almost no noise with no noise filters added. With adding Noiseware Pro added, All noise was gone and looked like 400 iso. I am in total disbelief. Also low light focusing is amazing as well. Also, I personally need super wide angle. I personally switched because my Canon 16-35L 2.8 on the new mark 4 would be roughly 21mm at its widest setting. NO GOOD for me. The new D3s with the 14-24 will be a true 14 mm. Last the duel CF slots and Manual controls secured my decision. After using the manual controls instead of searching Canon menus for the same options that have a manual control on the Nikon, I will never go back. If I may also add, and most who read this will think I am crazy but in addition to the camera I purchased the 70-200 2.8 VR II, This rez this lens can produce is breath taking, sharpness beyond anything I've ever seen come from a zoom lens and many prime lens. Super Tack sharp, even when zoomed way in on the Camera LCD. The D3s with this lens is a surreal combo.

Strengths
Duel CF slots, manual controls, Absolute incredible high ISO, silent mode,

Weaknesses
Price, Low light cameras should have buttons that light up as well - I could really use that feature,

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Review Date
December 29, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
knowbody , Professional

Price Paid
$5200.00 at Amazon.com/CameraHer

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
With a few weeks of use under my belt, the D3S certainly lives up to all the hype. My shots at ISO 12,800 with standard in camera high ISO NR are close to perfect. All my experimental shots at ISO 25,600, 51,200 and even 102,400 are better than acceptable, especially if I apply noise reduction using Dfine 2.0 using a standard profile. Shots taken at ISO 102,400 were in what I'd call darkness, so I was impressed that the camera could even focus and take any shot. I saw things in those images that were not visible to the naked eye.

Although it's not the reason I bought the camera, the movie mode is fun. The camera uses the contrast detection focusing system and auto-focuses very nicely while making a movie. I have been able to take pictures in near darkness since it can go all the way to ISO 102,400, which is pretty amazing. The video quality is excellent even at 720p.

Strengths
Low noise at unbelievably high ISO ranges. Extremely fast in all respects such as continuous shooting, focus and high shutter speeds due to its ISO range.

Weaknesses
I haven't really found any weaknesses yet, other than it's very big and heavy (of course for a pro body). Lenses are also bigger because of the full frame FX sensor to get the focal lengths I need.

Similar Products Used
Nikon D2Xs, Mamiya 645 Pro TL, Zenza Bronica ETRS II, various Canon bodies.

Customer Service
I haven't had any need yet.

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