Nikon announced the FX-format D3S D-SLR, providing professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high speed performance inherited from the groundbreaking D3. The Nikon D3S 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.
Innovative ISO Range
The Nikon D3s, with a base ISO sensitivity from ISO 200 to 12,800, makes it possible to capture previously impossible images, image opportunities which were often ignored because of low light levels. Now, in even more demanding lighting conditions, photographers can select expanded sensitivity settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, ISO equivalent 51,200 and an incredible ISO equivalent sensitivity of 102,400 which reveals detail in extreme low-light environments that challenge even the human eye’s ability to discern subject content. In addition, a setting of ISO equivalent 100 is provided.
For underwater photographers, the significantly enhanced ISO range will affect the results especially in deep dives, cave dives and while photographing under other low light conditions, when natural light is very limited or simply unavailable. Sure, your strobe can always illuminate your subject if it is positioned a meter away from you, but what about that dolphin that just passed by in the background?!
Suddenly the integrating between aperture and shutter speed, when it comes to exposure, seems somewhat less problematic as you complacently shift your ISO up to 12,800.
Big Pixels Further Enhance ISO Capabilities
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 36x23.9mm. 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.
Image Sensor Cleaning Function
The Nikon D3S adds the extra benefit of an Image Sensor Cleaning function to reduce instances of image degradation resulting from dust accumulation on the optical low pass filter (OLPF) in front of the image sensor. The OLPF oscillates at four specific frequencies to release particles that would disrupt image quality. Sensor Cleaning can be set by the user to cycle automatically when the camera is powered on, turned off, or on demand.
D-Movie Creativity
Whether on the frontlines or sidelines, the amazing ISO range of the D3S can also be applied while recording HD video clips to give unprecedented low-light ability for movie clips. The refined D-Movie mode for the FX-format offers smooth 1280x720 video at a cinematic 24fps, with a new algorithm that severely reduces the phenomenon of “rolling shutter” typical to D-SLRs while panning. 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.
Photographers and film makers alike will appreciate the full aperture control from a wide f/1.4 to f/16, as the FX-format sensor renders low-noise movie clips with outstanding clarity, aided by the large selection of renowned NIKKOR lenses to produce a dramatic depth of field. High Sensitivity Movie Mode allows the utilization of the entire ISO range to capture otherwise hidden details in challenging lighting conditions, more effectively than cameras with smaller sensors.
Performance and Features Defining Versatility
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 D3S features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus, frame after frame.
Quiet Shutter Mode
To alleviate another kind of noise, the D3S also features a Quiet Shutter Mode which substantially reduces the sound of the camera’s mirror-down cycle, which is perfect for shooting in sensitive environments, such as movie sets, meetings, ceremonies, or while photographing wildlife.
I believe underwater photographers are all familiar with the situation in which a long period of time is invested in perfectly composing an image of a delicate creature, because it is obvious that it is a one-time shot. Once the mirror goes down, the show is over and the fish is gone. In these situations, I almost start missing my point & shoot. No doubt that a Quiet Shutter Mode could spare some of these frustrating situations...
Technologies Engineered for Professionals
The D3S’ speed and performance is the culmination of many Nikon core technologies including the latest generation of the EXPEED™ Image Processing System. The latest iteration of this system is specially designed to keep pace with the D3S’ blazing performance to provide amazing image quality, faster processing speeds, lower power consumption, precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, vivid saturation and smooth gradation.
The D3S’ accelerated Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance detection and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame.
I guess that no matter how experienced and professional an underwater photographer is, the fact that the camera is accommodated inside a housing always makes it more difficult to manually control all parameters at the same time. Trying to manually focus with the lens port while shifting the aperture just to find out that you should white balance your image again, is usually quite challenging, and by the time you have finally completed your settings, your fish is probably swimming in a different ocean. This is what makes the sophisticated auto settings of the D3s so attractive for underwater photographers, even if you only choose to use a small portion of them.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D3S digital SLR is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late November 2009 at an estimated selling price of $5,199.95.
Basically, it seems that you can never go wrong with this camera. Failed to calculate the accurate aperture and shutter speed values when trying to set a proper exposure? Not a big deal, simply shift your ISO to a value that was previously considered as imaginary. Thought you were taking a rare image of a tiger shark as you suddenly found out you are in the video mode? No problem! extract yourself a fine high res image from the mistaken video and keep the secret to yourself. Feeling too lazy today in order to manually set your white balance? It's your lucky day! We have just designed the perfect algorithm for this!
At some point it makes you think- if this camera was designed for highly experienced and professional photographers, how come it is SO GOOD in making your life SO EASY...
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Many of us are divers and have witnessed the large congregations of these amazing creatures from August to October in Palm Beach County, where they travel perhaps hundreds of miles to congregate in groups of 50 to 75 for breeding purposes. It is incredibly sad that a group of 50-75 individuals constitutes a large aggregation, but such is the state of our oceans today.
