Monday, November 9, 2009
First Look: Nikon D3S
The D3S is Nikon’s latest FX-format (full-frame) D-SLR. It adds 720p HD video capability and an almost unbelievable maximum ISO of 102,400
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The latest top-level pro model from Nikon, the D3S, has arrived. With a newly designed, 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that has a standard ISO range of 200 to 12,800, you can capture low-light images that would have been all but impossible before. The Nikon’s expanded sensitivity settings let you push the ISO to 25,600 (which was top of the range for the D3), 51,200 and all the way up to 102,400. The new ISO capability is nothing short of incredible. A fast film emulsion would have been ISO 800. Many photojournalists and sports shooters would have sacrificed color saturation and sharpness, and might have pushed to ISO 1600 or even 3200. This new Nikon can shoot usable images up to 5 stops beyond that.
The new D3S also has HD video, which is accessed in Nikon’s D-Movie mode. The full-frame sensor’s 720p capture at 24 fps will give you a cinematic look. Professionals looking to add video to their repertoire also will appreciate the built-in monaural microphone and stereo microphone input.
| Image Sensor: | 12.1-megapixel (effective) CMOS |
| CMOS Resolution: | 4256x2832 pixels |
| Sensor Size: | 36x23.9mm FX format |
| LCD Monitor: | 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot Live View |
| Video Mode: | HD 1280 x 720p 24 fps; VGA 640 x 424p 24 fps; QVGA 320 x 216p 24 fps |
| AF System: | 51-point |
| Shutter Speeds: | 1⁄8000 to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1⁄250 sec. |
| ISO Settings: | 200 to 12,800 (1/3 increments), expandable to 100 to 102,400 |
| Continuous Firing Mode: | Firing Mode: 9 fps (full FX format) |
| Recording Format: | JPEG, 14-bit RAW |
| Metering: | 1005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Variable Center-weighted, Spot AF |
| Storage Media: | Two CompactFlash slots (UDMA-compliant) |
| Dimensions: | 6.3x6.2x3.4 inches |
| Weight: | 43.7 ounces |
| Power Source: | Rechargeable EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 Li-Ion |
| Estimated Street Price: | $5,199 |
| Contact: | Nikon, (800) NIKON-US, www.nikonusa.com |
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