Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D90

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

You own

Nikon

D3S

£268

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D90

£25 (-£243)

2008

❌

Skip it

The D90 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	D90
Price	£268	£25
Released	2009	2008	↓
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	12MP	↑
Video	720p/24	720p/24
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; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	9fps	4.5fps	↓
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~850 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	700g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D90 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D90 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3S

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