Reasons to choose D3s
Released in 2009, D3s has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,240 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D3s
vs Nikon D600
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D3s862 mm²
D600- Area ratio
- 1:1
- Absolute difference
- 1 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0.1%
The D600 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 3 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3sMetricD600
12.1 MPEffective pixels24.3 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor35.9 × 24
8.43 µmPixel pitch5.95 µm
71.11 µm²Pixel area35.46 µm²
1.41 MP/cm²Pixel density2.82 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1
—Maximum video1,920 × 1,080
1,240 gWeight760 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageSD,SDHC,SDXC x 2 slots
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D600 has the larger sensor area. The D600 has the lighter body. The D600 has the higher effective resolution. The D600 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D600
Released in 2012, D600 has about 862 mm² of sensor area, 24.3 MP effective resolution, and a 760 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.