Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D4

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

You own

Nikon

D3S

£168 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

£283 used (+£115)

2012

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D3S. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D4

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	D4
Price	£168 used	£283 used
Released	2009	2012	↑
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	16.2MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	12MP	16MP	↑
Video	720p/24	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/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	11fps	↑
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~2600 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	1340g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	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

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D4 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D4 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3S

Related buying guides

Camera family history