Nikon D3Schat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Owners report shutter counts from 60,000 to over 300,000 with no failures, describing the camera as tank-like and able to survive years of heavy professional use. Many say Nikon's pro bodies from this era simply don't fail under normal conditions.

@2112CG

D3s files are fantastic. There's a lot more detail with those 12mp than many realize. Best 12mp sensor ever made. Try up-rezing them to 24mp sometime. That's the limit I found before artifacts show up, but it highlights the extra detail that we can't see until the resolution is increased. Also LOVE the shutter sound, to much ado was made of shutter sounds. I find that I like it and also it helps when I'm doing portraiture because people know when I've made an image of them. It's an audio stimuli that is natural to us, an analog \"signal\" to the brain and body that we are naturally tuned to. Too much electronic in a camera isn't good I find. A nice balance of analog and digital, is as perfect as it gets. Send me into combat anywhere in the world with a D3s, and I'll still get fantastic images for any assignment.launch

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February 17, 2025

@erickbrown5385

You are so correct. I bought one at full price when this was the top of the line Nikon. I used it for 10-12 years and got over 300000 clicks on the shutter. I just loved that camera and didn't see \"moving up\" as a solution. After some on line hunting I found one with 6000 on it. Like new. What a great camera. Now I'm starting a small collection of prime lenses to make magic with it.launch

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October 26, 2023

@CircuitBurger

Absolutely bang on mate, well explained and superbly detailed review. Like I've said before, my D3 is still in use and likely to remain so until it finally gives out. Made me smile about the loud shutter and people at weddings comment. I never was bothered by it, nor bothered now, but it has been an issue with wildlife photography, as it sounds like a rifle being cocked, and I did experience birds and foxes dashing away after a couple of frames were fired 🤣Keep up the quality show mate 👍launch

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February 2, 2023

@karney44m

I take delivery of my lightly used (60k) D3s tomorrow, March 2022. Its an early 50th birthday present to myself. Been a lifelong Nikon user, like you, not much into \"upgrading\" but have owned a number of excellent Nikon SLR's, all of which are still in my collection. I jumped at the D300 when if first came out and used it solid for 10 years, even the day I was in the store to buy the 300, I really really wanted the D3, couldn't stretch the budget. Years roll on, D300 earning me money, finally pull the trigger on a D850. But, something inside me still yearns for a pro body from the D3 era. Usual Saturday morning walking around in town, go past the only camera store left, they get some great trade in's. They inform me they were about to trade in a D3, D3s, D4, and a ton of glass and speedlights! Sure enough, the gear came in a couple weeks later, the D3 and D4 looked like they were dragged behind a truck on a gravel road...but the D3s, like new!! I pick it up in 12 hours from writing this. Going to also grab the SB910's (virtually unused) that came in and some of the glass.\n\nSuddenly I feel like I have been transported back in time to a very happy period in my life. I couldn't care less about technical specs, age of gear, modern upgrades bla bla. The color output of these old Nikons is truly amazing! Yes, my D850 is a studio workhorse, megapixels to burn, and I will own it forever, but the older generation processors worked a little different to the modern ones. Try going into the WB fine tune menu on your D3s, move the little box straight down into the magenta region and take a sunset photo with the camera set to cloudy WB......Its crotch melting good! Tomorrow will be the first time I have used a single digit D Nikon, going to be a long sleepless night :)launch

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March 11, 2022

Many users highlight clean, usable images at very high ISOs (up to 12800 and beyond), with some noting it rivals or beats newer cameras in noise control. The sensor's dynamic range and gamut are called superior even to more modern bodies at higher ISOs.

@LaurensZwartYoutubeGoogle

I recently bought a good looking Nikon D3s For €600 with about 170000 clicks And I thought to myself, oke 12 megapixel? But the files it produces are very clean and bright indeed, even at high iso. So the 12 megapixel doesnt matter as it has a very good sensor. 9000 iso is no problem. No noise at all. There are cameras with higher iso capabilities but the quality of the iso is less good. Look at the sports value on Dxomark, that tells the quality of the iso performance. If you look Dxomark it goes on par with the modern camera's from today as it comes to the sports test of the iso. For example the Much newer nikon Z6II mirrorless. has a slightly better performence. Really amazing for a camera who is 15 years old. I love the D3s very much.launch

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April 13, 2025

@TFUTM

I've got a D3s which I still use for low light work. It makes great pictures and still has better noise control than some of the latest mirrorless cameras (particularly the ones with over 50 megapixels). Huge pixels rock.\nThe focus system isn't quite as good as D4s and later cameras (still better than the equivalent Canon, haha) but is matched to the sensor performance. If it doesn't get focus you wont get well exposed pictures at ISO 12800. Ergonomics are great and the camera feels like it is set up to take lots if pictures with frequent changes in settings.\nMatch it with almost any pro dslr lens from before 2020 and you will have a great combination for around £1000.launch

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February 21, 2025

@HolgerBarske

I am shooting my D3s for 11 years now. I am not a sports photographer, so my shuter count isn't that astronomical. I agree with most of what you said. Truth: This is the most rugged camera I ever had my hands on. It never let me down - not even a bit. One big advantage ist the use o CF cards. They just don't die, wheres SD cards do on a regular basis (I know from experience in my D800). There's two problems with the D3s. First: NPS dropped it. So you don't get the fast and cheap professional service any more, which really is a pity. Second: I am on my my third sleeving now. Nikon just doesn't get how to do this reliably. Apart from that: I open my beers with it. No kidding.launch

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April 7, 2021

@mpc8239

I agree with everything mentioned. I purchased a Nikon D3s on eBay in 2019 for $1,000 with 6K shutter clicks. The real take away from this is the VALUE of the camera. Some of the events I shoot are tennis and dance. Both require high shutter speed to stop the action, good low light sensitivity, high frame rate and big buffer. I was surprised how clean the pictures are at ISO 12,800. I can easily get 2,000 pictures on one battery. That's the VALUE for me. If you don't need value, buy the latest and greatest. I use other cameras for other types of events. When I'm shooting studio shots, I would nerver use this camera (I use a Canon 5DS).launch

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November 25, 2020

Multiple commenters say the D3S produces warmer, more analog-looking files with a unique pixel structure that resembles film grain rather than digital noise. This is attributed partly to the Panasonic-made sensor shared with the D700 and D3.

@TheMikeharris7

The sensors made in the D700, D3, and D3s were all made by Matsushita aka Panasonic. I believe they were the only Nikons that used them which might be why (I feel) they have a unique and beautiful look to the images. I think the sensor in the D3s was tweaked a bit for better high ISO performance. I'm shopping now as the AF in my D700 has gotten glitchy. Also considering things like the D200 - love the look of it's CCD sensor and D7000. However kind of leaning to having a full frame sensor around.launch

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February 3, 2026

@ishtiaqahmed5678

After starting my full-frame journey with the Nikon D600, I upgraded to the D850 and later added the Fujifilm GFX50S to my kit for landscape photography. However, my fascination with the Nikon D3S never faded, and I'm thrilled to have finally acquired one in 2026. Its legendary status is well-deserved, and I've found it to be an exceptional camera that delivers outstanding results. The D3S has quickly become my go-to choice for everyday photography, thanks to its remarkable low-light performance and intuitive handling. Much like driving a classic Ferrari, using the D3S is an exhilarating experience that brings joy to my photography. While I reserve my D850 and GFX50S for landscape work, the D3S has earned a special place in my camera collection.launch

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January 11, 2026

@2112CG

D3s files are fantastic. There's a lot more detail with those 12mp than many realize. Best 12mp sensor ever made. Try up-rezing them to 24mp sometime. That's the limit I found before artifacts show up, but it highlights the extra detail that we can't see until the resolution is increased. Also LOVE the shutter sound, to much ado was made of shutter sounds. I find that I like it and also it helps when I'm doing portraiture because people know when I've made an image of them. It's an audio stimuli that is natural to us, an analog \"signal\" to the brain and body that we are naturally tuned to. Too much electronic in a camera isn't good I find. A nice balance of analog and digital, is as perfect as it gets. Send me into combat anywhere in the world with a D3s, and I'll still get fantastic images for any assignment.launch

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February 17, 2025

@HelenRigbyPhotographer

I adore my D3s, had it years, I shoot corporate work, weddings, horses & dogs. I love the weight, shutter sound, small files, easy CF cards, & the lovely, almost filmic, files it gives me. I get it serviced by my local guys, what’s not to love. I will remain ‘old skool’ for as long as possible 💪launch

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February 24, 2023

Many buyers found excellent bargains, paying $500-$1000 for bodies that originally sold near $5000, and consider the camera outstanding value versus newer gear.

@jessepalacios7252

Ok, so im going to add to the comments myself on this magical D3s camera. I bought it brand new in 2011. After numerous weddings and special events, I also did my fair share of wildlife photography with it, too. I finally traded it for some new Z lenses 😢 in 2024. Even though i own 2 Z9's and a ZF......i missed my D3s , well, i just repurchased another with only 4,320 clicks on it. It's practically brand spanking new! It gets even better as i only paid $525 for it ! Can you believe it ? The quality of photos this beast produces is fantastic, and i just had to rebuy it for the wonderful camera that it is. Good thing i kept 5 old AIS lenses to give the photos that old-fashioned Nikon rendering.launch

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July 12, 2025

@LaurensZwartYoutubeGoogle

I recently bought a good looking Nikon D3s For €600 with about 170000 clicks And I thought to myself, oke 12 megapixel? But the files it produces are very clean and bright indeed, even at high iso. So the 12 megapixel doesnt matter as it has a very good sensor. 9000 iso is no problem. No noise at all. There are cameras with higher iso capabilities but the quality of the iso is less good. Look at the sports value on Dxomark, that tells the quality of the iso performance. If you look Dxomark it goes on par with the modern camera's from today as it comes to the sports test of the iso. For example the Much newer nikon Z6II mirrorless. has a slightly better performence. Really amazing for a camera who is 15 years old. I love the D3s very much.launch

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April 13, 2025

@Cotictimmy

May 2024 I just bought myself a second D3s body. I saw one with only 37,000 shutter count and very clean looking so I grabbed it for £440 U.K. Also I sold my Z6 a few weeks back and bought an old D610 (which I lam liking much better than the Z6.) I just don’t like shooting with EVFs. Ps. Check out your D610 RAW files next to your D810 RAW files: they look almost identical with studio strobes.launch

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May 29, 2024

@bailey.nt86

Ty for making this video. I purchased a new to me D3s and it arrived today. I set it up just like how yours is in the video. Your video saved me a lot of time. The only thing I didn't realize is how heavy it would be with my nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR1 (the one with the gold plaque 😉) like you could legit hurt someone if you hit them!\nI love the camera already! Coming from a D600, it's fabulous 👌 I edit on a LG 4K 55\" OLED TV, I can't really tell its 12mp honestly, theres that little difference but It doesn't even matter. All the shots are going to instagram anyways. I'm very pleased. 166k shutter count. $530, and not beat to crap. I don't think o could have don't better in 2022. I give it a solid 10/10 👊 both camera and video!launch

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May 25, 2022

Users repeatedly praise the deep vertical grip, customizable buttons, large exposure compensation dial, and overall comfort compared to smaller consumer bodies and even later pro models like the D4.

@TFUTM

I've got a D3s which I still use for low light work. It makes great pictures and still has better noise control than some of the latest mirrorless cameras (particularly the ones with over 50 megapixels). Huge pixels rock.\nThe focus system isn't quite as good as D4s and later cameras (still better than the equivalent Canon, haha) but is matched to the sensor performance. If it doesn't get focus you wont get well exposed pictures at ISO 12800. Ergonomics are great and the camera feels like it is set up to take lots if pictures with frequent changes in settings.\nMatch it with almost any pro dslr lens from before 2020 and you will have a great combination for around £1000.launch

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February 21, 2025

@romansivers

Hi Chris, thank you for the video! Very informative! 👍\n\nI have the whole D3 lineup: D3, D3s, D3x, and D700. I enjoy them all (although D3x is probably my least favourite of the series). \n\nA couple of things in a D3/D3s that make a practical difference (vs D700):\n* D700 doesn’t have a dedicated bracketing button: I have to sacrifice one of the customizable buttons on a D700\n* D3/D3s have assignable PV and FN buttons with unusual features. \n- For example, you can make button+wheel switch between crop modes — which includes 8x10 shading. I don’t shoot in 8x10 as I prefer to crop in post; however it is super helpful to check the composition that it looks good in 8x10. I do it all the time and it is a split second on a D3/D3s: compose, button+wheel to check 8x10 and go back to full frame to take the shot.\n- Second button+wheel customization is switching between shooting banks. Incredibly useful when need to switch between manual and AutoISO, or when want to switch picture control profiles, or you want to store photos in different folders (think covering 2 different games at the same time. So, same idea: a quick button+wheel and you switched between colour and B&W, or manual and AutoISO — or anything else in the shooting menu banks. \n* D3/D3s have a vertical exposure grid on the right hand side of a viewfinder — and it is a wide range of values. I use easy exposure compensation all the time, and having this large exposure dial is super helpful\n* lastly, D3/D3s are larger/wider/deeper than a D700. I only noticed it when I was wearing gloves — the usage of Pv and Fn buttons is more comfortable with D3/D3s\n* on a flip side, a D700 has a viewfinder grid\n\nContrary to many people who praise D700 colours, I do not see much difference between colours from D3/D700/D3s — all are perfect (to me). \n\nBut everything comes down to preferences and what we like: I use D3 more often than all my other cameras combined. Just happens this way. 🤷🏻‍♂️launch

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August 6, 2024

@sn4rl277

Had the D3 for a short time and was going to move to a D3s, but I didn't like the colors so much as I did the D3. I ended up trading up to a D4 and man what a huge difference the D4 is in low light over the D3. \n\nI agree the grip on the D3/D3s is on a different level of comfort. The D4 is also really nice, but the vertical grip is more shallow compared to the D3/D3s. The buttons on the D4 by far is better than the D3. But you can do a lot with Fn buttons and shooting modes to change things up with one hand on the D4 that it to me is better ergodically then the D3. \n\nCF card, I never remove them. I just jack in with the mini-USB connector and pull pictures over that way. I do not want to damage the CF contacts on my Pro bodies, it can be very costly to have them bent. \n\nBy far the D4 colors are a tad better vs the D3. The D3 has some magic though, it handles the higher ISO noise decently, but shows its age when pushed. The D4 is a monster in low light. Some reviewers have said it's maybe a 1/3 stop better than the D3s. I will say the D3 and D4 both handle noise better than my newer DSLR's. Something about the grain pattern that allows the D3/D4 to be pushed past their ISO limits. \n\nThe D3/D3s and D4 have very loud shutters, and I always worry about that as well. I do a lot of events photos and I always feel like I want to be stealthy to get the best Candid shots I can get. I will say I get more folks interested in the size of the camera and lenses then the actual shutter sounds during a quite time of an event. I think once they see you are taking photos of everyone, they mellow out and forget you or there. Same with when I use flash at an event, at first the folks notice it. But after a few dozen flash shots they forget about it and enjoy the event. \n\nI still remember back a few years watching press events and the barrage of shutter releases you hear in those situations. And those folks just go on and do their thing. Just shoot and let the folks settle into you being there and clicking away. \n\nWeight and size, I wouldn't trade it for a lighter/lesser camera. I do not plan to go mirrorless for many years. There are to many good DSLR's to own and enjoy at 1/3 of the cost of the newer Mirrorless bodies. \n\nGreat review, and thank you.launch

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May 10, 2023

@HelenRigbyPhotographer

I adore my D3s, had it years, I shoot corporate work, weddings, horses & dogs. I love the weight, shutter sound, small files, easy CF cards, & the lovely, almost filmic, files it gives me. I get it serviced by my local guys, what’s not to love. I will remain ‘old skool’ for as long as possible 💪launch

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February 24, 2023

Commenters note quick autofocus, high frame rates, and a large buffer suitable for sports and events, with one mentioning a buffer upgrade option available for the older D3.

@Cotictimmy

Thanks for this splendid video. I've just had a D3S (128,000 clicks £495) delivered from MPB within the last hour. Described as 'Well Used' rather than 'Good' but it looks pretty 'good' to me - and everything I've tested so far is working fine. Will AF Fine-Tune some lenses this afternoon and upload images for pixel-peeping. I already have an original D3 & D3X so I know these things are fabulous. I guess I'll get another stop or so from the new 'S' and some other more subtle benefits over the D3. I'm a portrait/people shooter so I will NOT be blasting away at 9 fps. 😀launch

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November 16, 2021

@stevedobbs9427

Recently got a D3s to go with my D500. Makes the D500 feel like a toy. Not fussed about lugging around that pro body because it's a pleasure to use. He's a heavyweight boxer with killer reflexes, machine-gun shutter, and the results are always awesome. The D500 is a greyhound: Tight, light and just as fast. They both have their strengths, and feel like thoroughbreds at their own game. Great video. Greetings from Australia.launch

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July 29, 2021

@joelcrow

D3s is still fantastic in 2020! My biggest complaint is the rear LCD though...the colors are terribly Neutral/orange and no where near accurate to what the color of the image files look like on your computer. So you just sort of have to know what is exposed/colored correctly and not rely on the LCD very much. Otherwise the camera is fast, not just shutter speed but also auto focus! And it seems to be a few stops better iso than my D800.launch

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June 29, 2020

@Being_Joe

Actually the main reason I would choose the D3s over the D3 is the buffer. Nikon offered a buffer upgrade on the D3 where you would send it in and they would upgrade the buffer on the camera. There is no way to know if you are getting a D3 with a buffer upgrade unless the seller specifically knows it was serviced. I was doing some research not too long ago and I plan on picking up a D4/D4s (depending on price) because if has a far better buffer. My main working camera is a D750 and though the quality is great the buffer does not always keep up. The D3s has great output and I would pick one up if the price is right but for me I need the buffer of the D4.launch

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May 4, 2020

Users highlight excellent battery life, with one reporting 2,000 shots per charge, and praise the durability of CF cards compared to SD cards used in later models.

@HolgerBarske

I am shooting my D3s for 11 years now. I am not a sports photographer, so my shuter count isn't that astronomical. I agree with most of what you said. Truth: This is the most rugged camera I ever had my hands on. It never let me down - not even a bit. One big advantage ist the use o CF cards. They just don't die, wheres SD cards do on a regular basis (I know from experience in my D800). There's two problems with the D3s. First: NPS dropped it. So you don't get the fast and cheap professional service any more, which really is a pity. Second: I am on my my third sleeving now. Nikon just doesn't get how to do this reliably. Apart from that: I open my beers with it. No kidding.launch

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April 7, 2021

@mpc8239

I agree with everything mentioned. I purchased a Nikon D3s on eBay in 2019 for $1,000 with 6K shutter clicks. The real take away from this is the VALUE of the camera. Some of the events I shoot are tennis and dance. Both require high shutter speed to stop the action, good low light sensitivity, high frame rate and big buffer. I was surprised how clean the pictures are at ISO 12,800. I can easily get 2,000 pictures on one battery. That's the VALUE for me. If you don't need value, buy the latest and greatest. I use other cameras for other types of events. When I'm shooting studio shots, I would nerver use this camera (I use a Canon 5DS).launch

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November 25, 2020

@Gibson1976uk

I use a D700 and D3, for events in all conditions, long days, these cameras kick ass!! Battery life, picture quality and file sizes is GREATlaunch

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April 21, 2020

@Gibson1976uk

I use a D700 and D3! doing an indoor evening event this weekend in London! one feature I love about them is the lowlight iso performance, all controls on the outside! tough and great battery life!! 12mp is nice to deal with in post! plus megapixels is so hyped up these days! I have some fairly big canvas prints that look great!! I get annoyed with photographers who say you always need the latest and greatest :) I have owned modern stuff but found I don't need it!! touchscreen, bluetooth, wifi, video etc. nah :)launch

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November 2, 2019