Nikon D3S DSLR – The Latest From Nikon Adds Still and Movie Modes

The Digital SLR camera has been plagued in its evolutionary awareness. Nikon’s earlier digital SLR cameras (DSLR) used a DX format. The advantage of changing lenses (while attempting some compatibility with earlier lens formats) confounded the best positioning of the digital sensor behind the lens. Imaging was based on a 24 x 16mm frame. A full frame is considered to be 36 x 24mm, nearly double the surface area. That translated to lower resolution, reduced light sensitivity, and some parallax differentiation. While those DX cameras were still benchmarks of its time. Critical professional photographers were sensitive about these drawbacks. So Nikon revised and corrected these (and other complaints) and produced the FX-series DSLR.

The new Nikon FX-format D3S D-SLR gives professional photographers a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high -peed performance inherited from the groundbreaking D3. The D3S enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. Additionally, expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible.

The amazing low-light ability of the D3S, as well as its astounding image quality can be attributed in large part to the engineering behind the newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, which measures 36×23.9mm. While the pixel size and count that served the D3S were maintained to deliver the pinnacle of image quality, dynamic range, phenomenal tonal gradation and outstanding color, other aspects were engineered to add versatility through broader low-noise ISO sensitivity. Individual pixels measure a large 8.45 microns, which support enhanced sensitivity to light and other qualities leading to superior image fidelity. The D3S captures light and renders images in a way that no other Nikon camera has yet to achieve, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and an unmatched dynamic range for both stills and HD video throughout its broadened ISO range.

The Nikon D3S builds upon the success of the Nikon D3—the professional digital SLR that set new standards for D-SLR performance and utilizes a newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that also integrates its amazing low-light ability to High Definition (HD) video, creating a uniquely capable multi-media tool to meet the needs of a changing imaging landscape. The refined D-Movie mode for the FX-format offers smooth 1280×720 video at a cinematic 24fps, with a new algorithm that severely reduces the phenomenon of “rolling shutter” typical to D-SLRs while panning. The motion JPEG codec allows for easy extraction of single frames from a video clip and the ability to save it as a JPEG file, while the 720p HD format eases storage, provides faster wireless transfers, and offers video files that are generally easier to use in the field. Photographers can also trim movie clips on the fly by revising the start and end points, and save the edited clip as a copy while maintaining the original. Additionally, the D3S features a built-in monaural microphone, augmented by a stereo microphone input, which is perfect for hot-shoe microphone mounting or the use of wireless microphones for interviews or spot news.

Storage integrity and backup have been other areas that professional photographers find crucial. The D3S features two UDMA compatible CompactFlash card slots that can be used for consecutive recording (overflow), simultaneous recording (backup), separating recording of RAW and JPEG files or even copying pictures between the two cards. One or both can also be designated for data-heavy D-Movie recording. Images can be displayed directly from the camera to a High Definition monitor using the camera’s HDMI port and an optional cable.

The Nikon D3S is the perfected DSLR. The transition from 35mm to Digital is complete. Addressing light sensitivity, adding 720p high-definition video, and making space for two versatile memory storage slots make the Nikon D3S a broad leap forward as a DSLR designed to exceed what professional photographers require. At over $5,000 for the D3S body, this Nkon isn’t for everyone. It’s for those unique individuals who earn their living from photography as art under varied situations. The Nikon D3S is a completely uncompromising DSLR for the journalist and studio professional. The DSLR, with still and HDTV-quality video, bring those photographers broad new opportunities to deliver images that were only dreams about a year ago. The D3S makes those dreams come true.

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