Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D3000

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D3S

£168 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D3000

£29 used (-£139)

2009

❌

Skip it

The D3000 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D3S. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

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.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D3S	D3000
Price	£168 used	£29 used
Released	2009	2009
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	10.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	10MP	↓
Video	720p/24	No video
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	9fps	3fps	↓
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~500 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	485g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D3000 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3000 against your specific genres — not just specs.

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Camera family history