Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3→Nikon D3S
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D3. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the D3S
-
Weather sealingAdded — fully sealed body
-
Generation2 years newer (2009 vs 2007)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (12MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D3 | D3S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | -0.3 | ||
| Travel | +0.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.5 | ||
| Documentary | +1.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.4 | ||
| Landscape | +0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.5 | ||
| Casual | -0.2 | ||
| Food | -0.1 | ||
| Macro | -0.1 | ||
| Architecture | — | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.4 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3 | D3S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £97 used | £168 used | |
| Released | 2007 | 2009 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | |
| Video | No video | 720p/24 | |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; phase or contrast AF in live view | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode) | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 9fps | |
| Battery Life | ~4300 shots (CIPA) | ~4200 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1240g (body only) | 1420g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Yes | ↑ |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Dual CompactFlash slots |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D3 and D3S next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3S against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D3
Related buying guides
Camera family history