Decision tools · Compare
D3S vs D4S
Quick take: The D4S has the highest resolution at 16MP; the D3S is the most affordable; only the D3S is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D3SNikon · 2009 | D4SNikon · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £168 usedBest | £425 used |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | 16.2MP full-frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.1MP | 16.2MPBest |
| Video | 720p/24 | Full HD 1080p/60 |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode) | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type, 11 at f/8) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~4200 shots (CIPA)Best | ~3020 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1420g (with battery) | 1350g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 159.5 × 157 × 87.5mm | 160 × 156.5 × 90.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Dual slots: XQD + CompactFlash |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic jack, 10-pin remote | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic + headphone |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D3S
D4S
Portrait
5.5/10
5.9/10
Street
3.7/10
3.9/10
Travel
3.8/10
3.4/10
Wedding & Events
6.5/10
6.3/10
Documentary
4.4/10
4.4/10
Sports & Action
6.2/10
6.3/10
Landscape
4.6/10
4.3/10
Wildlife
6.0/10
5.9/10
Casual
2.0/10
2.3/10
Food
3.5/10
3.8/10
Macro
3.1/10
3.4/10
Architecture
4.1/10
4.5/10
Astrophotography
6.6/10
6.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with D3S
Camera family history