If reliability and performance stand at the top of your list, the "ancient" Nikon D3s is an amazing camera. Yes, it's heavy, but that weight helps steady my hold when using long lenses [200 mm, 300mm, e.g.]. The RAW files are good for enlargements up to 16x20 inches [with post-processing]. The low-light performance is excellent. And I can use just about all my Nikkor lenses [AI, AI-S, manual, e.g.]. Yes, the new crop of high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can be all the rage, but if your interest lies primarily with photography, you'll have more than enough features on the D3s to keep you ahead of the game, whether amateur or professional. However, you still have to do your part and understand the fundamentals of taking a good photograph.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this camera because I needed something with the voice memo feature. I was going to get a D4s, but the price on this was just too good to pass up. This camera still rocks! The image quality is great, and it's still one of the top high ISO performers on the market. Where it falls behind is shutter noise, and low light AF, which, while still good, isn't exactly cutting edge. Let me be clear, I'm a pixel-peeping professional who also shoots a D800 and a D750. I've also extensively used loaner D810, D4s and D5 from NPS. So when I tell you the D3s is still a relevant camera, you can take it to the bank.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Nikon D3S is just what I needed to shoot poorly lit subjects. The high ISO performance gives me higher shutter speeds when I can't use flash to freeze moving subjects. And working with ambient light indoors becomes much easier. The noise levels at high ISO are manageable in post processing, focusing and metering are excellent and the file size is big enough for large prints if you limit cropping. I use this with a D3X for consistent handling between the two bodies. Excellent kit.
Verified purchase: Yes
In one word " a fantastic " camera. I bought the D3s for its ability to take pictures un low and difficult light and the D3s is unsurpassed in this area. This camera surpasses the my D700 by a wide margin on virtually all fronts. Yes The D3s is heavy, but handles very well and is superb in balance and can tolerate the stresses of long and heavy lenses. I also love how smooth the shutter action is, it makes for great hand held pictures at slow shutter speeds. The area where I see improvement is in the interface and menu layout, they are extensive but not very intuitive. I love this camera.
Released in 2009, it was ground-breaking at the time, and is still a strong, reliable workhorse. I have newer, better bodies, but I do some work that just requires a solid performer that can handle lots of clicks. The D3s shines for that work. For the price on the used market these days, the D3s is a bargain considering what it can deliver. Fast AF, good in low light, 9 FPS, and just keeps on going ... and going.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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