Nikon D3S Competitors

As well as being compared against other pro DSLRs, the Nikon D3S is also often compared to entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless. The Nikon D3S's top rivals come from Nikon (such as the D700 and the D4) and Canon (such as the EOS 5D Mark II and the EOS-1D Mark IV)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Nikon D3S compared to other pro DSLR competitors include: it is much less noisy at high ISO (3,253 ISO vs 1,992 ISO), slightly higher maximum light sensitivity (12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO), shoots faster continuously (9 fps vs 5 fps), has an external mic jack and has a much longer battery life (4400 shots vs 1000 shots).

However, on average it takes significantly lower resolution photos (12.1 MP vs 21 MP), lacks a built in HDR feature, doesn't focus continuously while recording movies, has slightly more shutter lag (197 ms vs 88 ms) and is slightly larger (large 160x157x88 mm vs large 146x123x82 mm).

Nikon D700 1 year older $2,750 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D700 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Large 147x123x77 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Significantly thinner: 3" vs 3.5" Built-in flash Significant disadvantages of the D700 (vs the D3S) Significantly more noise at high ISO: 2,303 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 1000 shots vs 4400 shots Does not take movies: None vs 720p @ 24fps common strengths of the D700 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 2,303 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 80.0 vs 82.0 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm
	Compare the D700 vs the D3S
Nikon D4 2 years newer $6,000 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D4 (vs the D3S) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Significantly larger screen: 3.2" vs 3.0" Has in-camera HDR Significant disadvantages of the D4 (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 2600 shots vs 4400 shots common strengths of the D4 and D3S Great battery life: 2600 shots vs 4400 shots Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm Many focus points: 51 vs 51
	Compare the D4 vs the D3S
Nikon D3X 10 months older $8,000 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D3X (vs the D3S) Much higher true resolution: 24.4 MP vs 12.1 MP Significant disadvantages of the D3X (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 1,992 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Lacks an external mic jack Shoots significantly slower: 5 fps vs 9 fps common strengths of the D3X and D3S Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,992 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 88.0 vs 82.0 Very long battery life: 4400 shots vs 4400 shots
	Compare the D3X vs the D3S
Nikon D800 2 years newer	Significant advantages of the D800 (vs the D3S) Much higher true resolution: 36.2 MP vs 12.1 MP Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Significantly larger screen: 3.2" vs 3.0" Significant disadvantages of the D800 (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 900 shots vs 4400 shots Shoots significantly slower: 4 fps vs 9 fps Worse boost ISO: 25,600 ISO vs 102,400 ISO common strengths of the D800 and D3S Large sensors: Full frame 35.9x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm Many focus points: 51 vs 51 Multiple storage slots: 2 vs 2
	Compare the D800 vs the D3S
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 1 year older $2,400 (body only) $2,799 - $2,839 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the D3S) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Significantly higher true resolution: 21 MP vs 12.1 MP Much smaller: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Significant disadvantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 1,815 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 850 shots vs 4400 shots Many fewer focus points: 9 vs 51 common strengths of the 5D Mark II and D3S Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,815 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 79.0 vs 82.0 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm
	Compare the Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs the Nikon D3S
Nikon D3 2 years older $6,682 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D3 (vs the D3S) Significantly less shutter lag: 88 ms vs 197 ms Significant disadvantages of the D3 (vs the D3S) Significantly more noise at high ISO: 2,290 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Does not take movies: None vs 720p @ 24fps Lacks a self cleaning sensor common strengths of the D3 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 2,290 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 81.0 vs 82.0 Very long battery life: 4300 shots vs 4400 shots
	Compare the D3 vs the D3S

Generally, some of the advantages of the Nikon D3S compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it is much less noisy at high ISO (3,253 ISO vs 977 ISO), has slightly better image quality (82.0 vs 73.0), much larger viewfinder (0.70x vs 0.54x), significantly higher maximum light sensitivity (12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO) and has a weather sealed body.

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), takes slightly lower resolution photos (12.1 MP vs 16.1 MP), lacks a built in HDR feature, doesn't focus continuously while recording movies and lacks autofocus (none vs contrast detection).

Nikon D7000 1 year newer $1,097 (body only) $1,227 55-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the D7000 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Professional size 132x105x77 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 24fps Significantly higher true resolution: 16.1 MP vs 12.1 MP Significant disadvantages of the D7000 (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 1,167 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 1050 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the D7000 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 1,167 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Extremely good image quality: 80.0 vs 82.0 Good color depth: 23.5 bits vs 23.5 bits
	Compare the D7000 vs the D3S
Pentax K-5 1 year newer $1,008 - $1,500 (body only) $1,293 - $1,650 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the K-5 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Prosumer size 130x96x72 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 25fps vs 720p @ 24fps Significant disadvantages of the K-5 (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 1,162 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 740 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.7mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the K-5 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 1,162 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Extremely good image quality: 82.0 vs 82.0 Good color depth: 23.7 bits vs 23.5 bits
	Compare the Pentax K-5 vs the Nikon D3S
Nikon D5100 1 year newer $650 - $749 (body only) $600 - $750 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 660 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the D5100 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Extremely good image quality: 80.0 vs 82.0 Good color depth: 23.5 bits vs 23.5 bits
	Compare the D5100 vs the D3S
Nikon D90 1 year older $869 - $897 (body only) $1,099 - $1,200 18-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the D90 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Professional size 132x103x77 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm More lenses available: 169 lenses vs 121 lenses Much lighter: 703 g vs 1,240 g Significant disadvantages of the D90 (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 977 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 850 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the D90 and D3S Relatively low noise at high ISO: 977 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 73.0 vs 82.0 High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 921k dots
	Compare the D90 vs the D3S
Nikon D3100 10 months newer $500 - $984 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 24fps Much lighter: 505 g vs 1,240 g Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 550 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.1x15.4mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the D3100 and D3S Relatively low noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms
	Compare the D3100 vs the D3S
Canon Rebel T2i 3 months newer $499 - $949 (body only) $579 - $867 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Much higher true resolution: 17.9 MP vs 12.1 MP Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the D3S) Much more noise at high ISO: 784 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much shorter battery life: 440 shots vs 4400 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x23.9mm common strengths of the T2i and D3S High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 921k dots Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms
	Compare the Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs the Nikon D3S

Generally, some of the advantages of the Nikon D3S compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it is much less noisy at high ISO (3,253 ISO vs 655 ISO), has significantly better image quality (82.0 vs 60.0), has a significantly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5"), has a significantly higher resolution screen (921k dots vs 460k dots) and has higher quality type of viewfinder (pentaprism vs none).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), takes significantly lower resolution photos (12.1 MP vs 18.1 MP), doesn't have a touch screen, doesn't have a screen which flips out and lacks a built in HDR feature.

Leica M9 similar age $7,714 - $7,955 (body only)	Significant advantages of the M9 (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Mid size 139x80x37 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Significantly higher true resolution: 18.1 MP vs 12.1 MP Much lighter: 585 g vs 1,240 g Significant disadvantages of the M9 (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 600 shots vs 4400 shots Much more noise at high ISO: 884 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0" common strengths of the M9 and D3S Relatively low noise at high ISO: 884 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Good image quality: 69.0 vs 82.0 Viewfinders: Rangefinder vs Pentaprism
	Compare the Leica M9 vs the Nikon D3S
Sony NEX-7 1 year newer	Significant advantages of the NEX-7 (vs the D3S) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 24fps Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Much higher true resolution: 24 MP vs 12.1 MP Significant disadvantages of the NEX-7 (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 430 shots vs 4400 shots Much more noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 121 lenses common strengths of the NEX-7 and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Extremely good image quality: 81.0 vs 82.0 High resolution screens: 921k dots vs 921k dots
	Compare the Sony NEX-7 vs the Nikon D3S
Sony NEX-5N 1 year newer $599 - $600 (body only) $698 - $699 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the D3S) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 24fps Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 460 shots vs 4400 shots Much more noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 121 lenses common strengths of the NEX-5N and D3S Very low noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Extremely good image quality: 77.0 vs 82.0 High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 921k dots
	Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs the Nikon D3S
Pentax Q 1 year newer	Significant advantages of the Q (vs the D3S) Much smaller: Compact 98x57x31 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the Q (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 230 shots vs 4400 shots Much more noise at high ISO: 189 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much fewer lenses available: 4 lenses vs 121 lenses common strengths of the Q and D3S None found
	Compare the Pentax Q vs the Nikon D3S
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 1 year newer $1,199 - $1,499 14-140mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the D3S) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 24fps Much smaller: Prosumer size 124x90x76 mm vs Large 160x157x88 mm Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the D3S) Much shorter battery life: 330 shots vs 4400 shots Much more noise at high ISO: 655 ISO vs 3,253 ISO Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 121 lenses common strengths of the DMC-GH2 and D3S Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentaprism Both support 24p, which is uncommon in cameras similar to these Many lenses available: 26 lenses vs 121 lenses
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 vs the Nikon D3S