Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3→Nikon D4S
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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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 D4S
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Resolution16MP vs 12MP (+4MP)
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Generation7 years newer (2014 vs 2007)
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 | D4S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.4 | ||
| Street | -0.1 | ||
| Travel | -0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.3 | ||
| Documentary | +1.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.5 | ||
| Landscape | +0.3 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.4 | ||
| Casual | +0.1 | ||
| Food | +0.2 | ||
| Macro | +0.2 | ||
| Architecture | +0.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3 | D4S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £97 used | £425 used | |
| Released | 2007 | 2014 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | 16.2MP full-frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | ↑ |
| Video | No video | Full HD 1080p/60 | |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; phase or contrast AF in live view | 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 | 11fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~4300 shots (CIPA) | ~3020 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1240g (body only) | 1350g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Dual slots: XQD + CompactFlash |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D3 and D4S 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 D4S against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D3
Related buying guides
Camera family history