eK-gadgets info

Nikon has announced their new D3S digital SLR, which is an update to the popular D3. While the D3S uses a newer FX-format CMOS sensor than its predecessor, the 12.1 Megapixel resolution remains the same (interesting, huh?). This new sensor allows you to increase the ISO as high as an incredible ISO 102,400 — and the results are usable, believe it or not (I’ve seen them myself). The D3S also adds HD movie recording, just like on Nikon’s other D-SLRs. Here’s more:

Nikon D3S

• New 12.1 Megapixel, FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor
• Supports all Nikkor F-mount lenses with no focal length conversion ratio to deal with; if you’re using a DX-format lens, the resolution will drop to 5MP and there will be a 1.5X crop factor
• Very rugged, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body; shutter rated to 300,000 cycles
• 3-inch LCD display with 921,000 pixels
  • Live view (now activated by one button) with two AF modes and frame enlargement in manual focus mode
• Optical viewfinder has 100% coverage (97% with DX-format lenses) and 0.70X magnification
• Same 51-point autofocus system as the D3
• Full manual controls (obviously)
  • ISO range of 200 – 12,800, expandable to an incredible 100 – 102,400
  • Shutter speed range of 30 – 1/8000 sec, plus a bulb mode
  • Six different RAW options to choose from: 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
  • User can bracket for exposure, white balance, and Active D-Lighting
• Can take up to 36 RAW or 82 JPEGs at a whopping 9 frames/second with FX lenses and 11 fps with DX lenses
• New 1.2X crop mode gives you a small telephoto boost with a modest decrease in resolution (drops to 8.4MP)
• Dust reduction system (which the D3 did not have)
• Hot shoe + flash sync port
• Same virtual horizon feature as D3
• Records HD movies at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) with monaural sound
  • 5 minute recording limit
  • New algorithm “severely reduces the phenomenon of rolling shutter while panning”
  • Stereo microphone input allows for better sound quality
  • High sensitivity movie mode allows video recording in near-darkness
• Dual CompactFlash card slots with overflow, backup, and file format separation options
• HDMI output
• Compatible with Nikon GP-1 GPS unit and WT-4A wireless transmitter
• Uses EN-EL4a li-ion battery; 4200 shots per charge (!)
• Ships in November for $5200, body only