My Nikon D4 vs D3s Comparison

For some time now readers have been asking me to review my Nikon D4 and compare it to the Nikon D3s. My idea of a review of a camera like this is to just tell you what I like and maybe some things I do not like.

In terms of a comparison theres not really one, the D4 is the perfect fit for me. It does everything I want including 20 min of HD video which comes in major handy for what I do. It is built like a brick and its shadow to highlight detail does rival the D3s.

See, I just use this gear opposed to testing and over analyzing this. When I first picked it up I wasn't shooting, i was testing. I got tired of that because it was really getting on my nervs trying to figure out if this was the right move or not.

The D3s is AMAZING and anyone who has it or has had it knows this. It did have that one limitation for me with the video that held me back slightly. Other than that that camera will keep kicking for years.

There is one thing I forgot to mention that I do not like with the D4. The push button on the side to switch focus modes is good in some situations but not all. I like to switch from Single to Continuous without taking the camera away from my face. Sure you can do that with the new push button system but it is not the same. One simple switch used to be there and thats what I would prefer having back.

So there you have it, my thoughts between the Nikon D4 vs the Nikon D3s.

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[ClareMcCahill]

Thanks for this Jared. It's 2020 and I'm getting a D3s for my sports photography. I shoot football (soccer) mainly. My D800 belongs in a nice, dry studio, not on a muddy touchline!

[clairejaggers]

I am way behind the times. I am considering the D3s in 2017. You can get one today between 1200 and 1500! I currently shoot with the D700 and need a second body. A lot of people are recommending the D750 to me and think I'm nuts for wanting the D3s instead. But I hate the layout of the D750. I don't want all the auto/scene modes I don't use. I also don't like the light, cheap body of the D750. I prefer the heavy tank cameras. If I could afford one, I'd get the D4 or d4s! Or maybe a d810, but right now, those are not in my budget and the d3s is.

[nickfanzo]

Ten years later and over 450, 000 photographs taken, my d4 is still going strong

[ressikanflute]

Thinking of getting back into sports and news photography. Prices for D3s seem silly cheap in the sub 100K accuation range

[bboymingdynasty]

Tell us something about the 'green tinge' on the lcd.
Is it true? Does it throw you off when taking photos? Is it distracting?

[narutowa]

what do you aim for? still photography or video? and which category, weddings, studio, candid pictures, sports, etc? i think that's a good place to start for your question (i know fro usually replies back asking for parameters like that)

[aron___]

Is nikon d3s good for planespotting and shooting video

[Dr_Flankensteinn]

Thank you for the comparison video. i recently picked ip a used D3s and also own a D800. I prefer the alway the D3s handles overall.

[TheLiam]

Jared I am a HUGE fan and I had one question... I am saving up for a Nikon d3200 (First DSLR) Would you recommend this camera for me?

[davidbryant]

So how about a d3s now December 2017 for &900-$1000 buy or no?

[llBartll]

What lens are u using? F4 isn't extremely fast so... using a f/1.8 (prime) lens or a f/2.8 works great. I personally use a 35mm f/1.8 because it's good in low light situations and really affordable, fits well on my D3100. If you want a bit more range you could also take a 50mm f/1.8 which is around the same price ($200 / 170 euros). A 50mm f/1.4 costs a bit more but is really nice too.. f/2.8's are going to cost you... but I think they're worth it (personally I can't afford them).

[trevorpinnocky]

I always ask myself 3 simple questions. 1.)does my current gear restrict me from taking the kind of photographs I need to take 2.)will the gear I'm considering buying improve my photography and/or make me more money and 3.)can that money be better spent in another more effective way to give me better images. Some people spend money to spend, fine. For me, the money I spend needs to make a difference. 9/10 I buy glass or lighting, NOT cameras. Cheers.

[NFEC]

Question... do you think you might be a bit biased because you tend to convert most of you images to BW? so the supposed green tint that the D4 has may not bother you as much?

[chillaxsnipr]

I want to start taking my photography to the professional level. but I can't drop 6k on a body. would this be a good body to start my journey?

[raptor]

I don't think you ever used the D700 if you think it's the shittiest camera in history.

[trevorpinnocky]

@Jan Erik Edvartsen you're the first person in 10 years to pick up on that. cheers. :)

[photographerjonathan]

I agree with your reasoning, I am sure you can get total pro images from it if you know what you are doing, and I like the smaller size and weight of it, I was going through a similar battle myself between the D800 and 5D3, I might of bought the D600 if it came out a few months ago, but I went for a 5D mark lll, and it's real nice, but there are a few things I miss about using a Nikon like the pop up flash and focus assist beam, and the menu system that I was used to using, enjoy whatever you get

[victory]

Hey Jared, since this comparison is a couple of years old, what are your thoughts on the D3s still being a great buy in a used capacity in just under the $3000 range?  Tired of waiting for Nikon to come out with the D400 that we may never see, and this is in my budget.   Thanks for any advice.

[photographerjonathan]

i haven't touched the D600 or the 6D, but after watching some photokina videos about both cameras, my first impressions are that I like the D600 allot more, and it is tempting for me to buy one, but I don't think I will, but I don't understand Canon not having a popup flash / focus assist beam / flip screen for video / and I don't understand why it doesn't atleast have the 7D autofocus system, but it does have wifi

In terms of high ISO performance (and for me thats actually the main aspect to compare modern cameras, at low ISO just every camera is amazing these days), the D4 reached my old D3s in real life resting but its just NOT better, there is no stop, not even in scientific tests (look at DXOMark). I think thats disappointing for a "next generation" camera, I hoped for a step forward in picture quality and not just in video stuff. Thats nice for video folks ofc, but I take photos with my camera.