Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3S→Nikon D810
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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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 D810
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Resolution36MP vs 12MP (+24MP)
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Generation5 years newer (2014 vs 2009)
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 | D3S | D810 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.8 | ||
| Street | +0.9 | ||
| Travel | +0.9 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.3 | ||
| Documentary | +1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.4 | ||
| Landscape | +1.4 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.1 | ||
| Casual | +0.8 | ||
| Food | +1.0 | ||
| Macro | +0.9 | ||
| Architecture | +1.5 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.6 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3S | D810 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £268 | £348 | |
| Released | 2009 | 2014 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame CMOS | 36.3MP full-frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 36MP | ↑ |
| Video | 720p/24 | Full HD 1080p/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) 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 | 5fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~4200 shots (CIPA) | ~1200 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1420g (with battery) | 980g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D3S and D810 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D810 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D3S
Related buying guides
Camera family history