Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D7000

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

You own

Nikon

D3S

£268

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D7000

£115 (-£153)

2010

✅

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 D7000

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	D7000
Price	£268	£115
Released	2009	2010	↑
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	16.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	16MP	↑
Video	720p/24	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)	39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) 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	6fps	↓
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~1050 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	780g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Dual SD slots

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D7000 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D7000 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3S

Related buying guides

Camera family history