Nikon D3S 12.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 24fps 720p HD Video Capability (Body Only)

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I was using a Canon 5D Mark II camera for over a year but became more and more disappointed with it as time went on. The focusing system used on the Canon was poor and the high ISO was good but not great. Finally tiring of the soft focus of the 5D Mark II, I decided to either upgrade to the 1D Mark IV or the Nikon D3S. The decision was a very painful one to make and I dwelled on the subject for weeks before making a decision. I finally decided on the Nikon D3S because of its full frame sensor and how its relatively large pixel size would be an advantage in low light situations (i.e., High ISO). Also, it didnt hurt that it was available right away through Amazon and I needed it for my trip to Europe at the end of December. Now, after having used the Nikon D3S for around 2 months in a variety of situations I can say without hesitation that this is the finest DSLR available. Its ability to shoot sports action in low light is stunning and the focus is very responsive and always spot on! The lenses which I have purchased have all been superior to their Canon equivalent counterparts. Although, the Nikon does have some wholes in their lineup, most notably the the 85mm f/1.2. While I believe that the filming features of the 1D Mark IV are likely superior it was a mute point for me after a year of experiences with the 5d Mark II. Unless you are very serious you will not get good results filming with any DSLR so I did not consider this when deciding which camera to buy. In conclusion, I was very nervous about buying the Nikon D3S instead of the Canon 1D Mark IV. However, after using the D3S in a variety of situations I have absolutely fallen in love with this camera.

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very good

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I tried to resist buying this camera when it was first released, and then I went on a photo shoot, photographing Sandhills Cranes in the Platte Valley, with a guy who was using one. The problem with Cranes is that the best photographable behavior occurs right before sunrise or right after sunset. The guy shooting the D3s had the live view on, and after darkness had totally ended my own shooting for the day, I took a look at his monitor and was totally knocked out by the illumination. I went right home and ordered the body from Amazon. I had only had it a month or so last May, when I took it to the Black Hills on a trip with my girlfriend to photograph wildlife. At one point, we parked the SUV at an overlook to photograph the spectacular scene laid out before us, and somehow...I still dont know exactly what happend...the D3s got away from me. It seemed like I watched it forever on its trip down to the pavement where it hit, bounced and hit again. I literally began to weep, certain it was seriously damaged, but other than flattening the hotshoe flanges a bit, I couldnt find any cosmetic damage. And when I shot a hastily composed picture, IT WORKED PERFECTLY and has continued to do so since. I still cant believe I managed to simply drop a $5k camera nor that it was un-damaged as a result. When Nikon says that their pro-line bodies are built to take abuse, they aint just woofin.

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Im an amater, however I can afford expensive cameras. Over the years I had almost all top level Nikons. I still have F5 and F6. In 2008 I got D3 and it always gave me joy while looking at the results. When D3S arrived I was totally taken by its abilities. Took it to Las Vegas recently mostly for night events. Amazing!! Update January 28, 2011 - video review: Just realized that the cameras AF system doesnt work while taking video - hmmmm- pretty amazing.

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Nikons former top of the line dslr. Even 3 years old, these are outstanding cameras. What more needs to be said?

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The D3S was in perfect condition! It has been a great addition to my arsenal.

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I have shot with the Nikon D3 since it was released in November of 2007 and have over 150,000 shots on it. I shoot a great deal of Action Sports photography for a local Newspaper as well as H.S. sports magazine. I am not sure there is a better test for the quality of low light photography than a H.S. Football Field on a Friday night or H.S. basketball in a poorly lit gym. The D3 excelled. After reading the early findings of the ISO ability of the D3S I decided to sell my trusty backup (Nikon D700) and add the D3S. I am in total awe. I would never venture into the "HI" ranges of ISO on the D3, but recently shot an entire wrestling event in ISO 25,600 (HI 1.0) with stunning results (I cleaned up with N. Ninja with relatively no loss of detail). Now I am totally comfortable shooting cleanly at 12,800 which allows me to increase my shutter speeds. For years Canon had a lock on the low light high ISO photography, but with the D3 that has changed, and now Nikon has raised the bar even more with the D3S. At this point I have come to realize that if I can not shoot in a particular gym, then it is too dark for the athletes to see the basket:)

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The Nikon D3S, even as a previous model is a spectacular camera. It gets the job done and gets it done very well. It truly is a tool you can depend on and it stays out of your way. Yes, 12MP may seem low by todays standards of Megapixels but it is more than enough for 80% of all shooters. This camera just rocks! Unfortunately, many people are caught up with marketing ploys with larger, bigger, faster numbers. The Nikon D3S delivers quality photographs, with exception detail in many lighting situations including some of the most difficult lighting situations. In fact, since I have owned this camera, 1 year and counting, I have not used my SB800 to capture 1 imaged including my low light photography. This camera just delivers that well. It is a robust of a camera which means it is a bit heavy because it is built like a tank and could be used as a weapon. It is made of steal, it is weather sealed and it is thoroughly safeguarded in its material use and craftsmanship. Even more so, the buttons are just in the right place and 90% of the adjustments you need to make during shooting can be done right on the body with a button instead of having to go into the menu system like prosumer or consumer bodies. Color replication is handled quite well and I am very impressed with the red channel which is usually very difficult for any camera. The auto-focusing just works and works well and it locks focus very quickly even with some of the much older lenses. When you use this camera you just dont want to use any other camera afterwards. The only downside is, as a professional body, it is most definetly heavier and larger than the rest of the Nikon lineup but that is to be expected for this level of camera. I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a professional camera that just does what you expect it to do with little effort and fiddling with multiple settings. As compared to the newer bodies, I actually chose this one over the D4 and 800 just because it is just that great. I know will get another body but it will come in the next generation of bodies, however, my Nikon D3S will be with me forever!

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Newer cameras will always be released with new gizmos no doubt. This camera is the ultimate gear if you shook weddings, obviously great for portraits and other stuff too but am writing from the view of a wedding photographer. If you will shoot weddings in low light and super fast, this is the camera for you. I will be getting the D4 because honestly I can afford to and as a professional i need the new wireless features other than I am very satisfied with this baby. I can get to every single setting on this camera with my eyes closed. Armed with this baby and a 85 1.4 lens, I make magic. I have shot at concerts with this baby and watch other photographers groan out of frustration with the lighting condition while I continue to fire away. Most of my recent work here is down with the D3s and others with my older but well respected D700 [...]

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Takes incredible abuse. Have accidentally submerged in ocean, regularly caked in mud, fire damage, extreme temperatures, etc. Never fails to work. Perhaps more reliable than D4, with *SLIGHT* better performance in ISO in my opinion.

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