ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3)

Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels

Improved D-Movie function including High-Sensitivity Movie mode and flicker reduction function

Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function

Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing

Active D-Lighting with bracketing for up to 5 frames

Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape and Portrait can be downloaded from Nikon website)

Quick response with approx. 0.12 seconds start-up time and approx. 0.04 seconds shutter-release time lag

9-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format, 11 fps in DX crop (CIPA Guidelines)

Nikon's original Scene Recognition System, utilizing 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance

Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module featuring 51 AF points

Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format

Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,200 frames per charge (based on CIPA Standards)

Easy-to-access Live View modes with dedicated button

Quiet Shutter-release mode for nonintrusive shooting

High-definition (approx. 921k-dot), 170o viewing angle, 3-in. VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass

Effective pixels

12.1 million

Image sensor

CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format

Image size (pixels)

FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S]
1.2x (30 x 20): 3,552 x 2,368 [L], 2,656 x 1,776 [M], 1,776 x 1,184 [S]
DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]
5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416 [S]

Sensitivity

ISO 200 to 12800 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2 or 3 EV (ISO 102400 equivalent) above ISO 12800; auto ISO sensitivity control available

Storage media

CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA)

Monitor

3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Exposure metering

TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
1) Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data)
2) Center-Weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame, diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm circle or average of entire frame)
3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

Exposure modes

1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program
2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
4) Manual (M)

Interface

Hi-Speed USB

Power sources

One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22/MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)

Weight

Approx. 1,240 g (2 lb. 12 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover

Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Quick Charger
USB Cable
Audio Video Cable
Camera Strap
Body Cap
Accessory Shoe Cover
Eyepiece
Battery Chamber Cover
USB Cable Clip
Software CD-ROM
Nikon D3s Operation Manual