Nikon D3S With Low-Light Ability Review by NeutralDay With Rating 8.5/10

The newly announced Nikon D3S camera can support a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. You can also select expanded sensitivity settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, ISO equivalent 51,200 and an incredible ISO equivalent sensitivity of 102,400 which reveals detail in extreme low-light environments. In addition, a setting of ISO equivalent 100 is provided. You would expect the new Nikon D3S can be used to capture videos in the dark, and that's what the following video sets out to show. 

In additions to low-light ability & HD movie support, the camera also adds the extra benefit of an Image Sensor Cleaning function to reduce instances of image degradation resulting from dust accumulation on the optical low pass filter (OLPF) in front of the image sensor. The OLPF oscillates at four specific frequencies to release particles that would disrupt image quality. Sensor Cleaning can be set by the user to cycle automatically when the camera is powered on, turned off, or on demand. The camera is capable to capture images at 9 frames per second (fps) in the FX-format or at up to 11 fps in the DX crop mode, while data is transferred through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal processing speed. Files can also be captured in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats to maintain the images data integrity. Photographers can also select the new 1.2x crop mode for a modest telephoto effect, while minimally impacting resolution, as photos are captured at approximately 8.4 megapixels (9 fps). The Nikon D3S DSLR is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late November 2009 at an estimated selling price of $5,199.95. Here is the summary of the latest review by NeutralDay, giving the camera a high rating of 8.5 out of 10:

"So the Nikon D3s doesn't offer substantial improvements in general image quality, but clearly raises the bar when it comes to ISO performance. Additionally the D3s now provides convergence friendly photographers the ability to shoot HD video that effectively controls the "rolling shutter" effect, but limits the filmmaker to 720p, 5 minute clips, and a less than desirable file format. Outside that the Nikon D3s is a blazing performer that does everything a photographer could want it to outside offering the largest possible prints (for that see the Nikon D3x). Before offering our conclusion, let's take a look at the positives and negatives.

Nearly every aspect of the Nikon D3s, and its capabilities, is inspiring. From low light performance, to its excellent handling characteristics, to it's uncanny ability to deliver typically very tough shots, the Nikon D3s is one of the most capable cameras you'll ever likely use. There remains the issue of those in a position to choose between the Nikon D3s and the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV. To that we'll say that we've used both and found both to be extremely able machines. Without question though, photographers frequently finding themselves relying on higher ISO settings will be rewarded with cleaner out-of-camera shots from the D3s, and I found the D3s to be slightly more capable at accurately rendering any given scene. 

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV does have its advantages, it is slightly faster, its crop factor might be advantageous to some, and unquestionably it offers superior video, and slightly more resolution. Handling issues are very subjective but suffice it to say both cameras are a pleasure to use. We'll have more on the EOS 1D Mark IV in an upcoming review, but in the meantime, there's no question in our mind that the D3s makes for an excellent tool in the hands of professional and serious enthusiast photographers, but is it a worthwhile upgrade? For photographers not needing the absolute best in high ISO performance, and/or those uninterested in shooting HD video, the D3s may not be the most dire of purchases. But for photographers just now moving up to a professional level camera and invested in Nikon glass, or for professionals desiring even higher levels of performance, the Nikon D3s definitely comes Highly Recommended."