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 D800E
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D3s862 mm²
D800E- Area ratio
- 1:1
- Absolute difference
- 1 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0.1%
The D800E 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
D3sMetricD800E
12.1 MPEffective pixels36.3 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor35.9 × 24
8.43 µmPixel pitch4.87 µm
71.11 µm²Pixel area23.74 µm²
1.41 MP/cm²Pixel density4.21 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1
—Maximum video1,920 × 1,080
1,240 gWeight900 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageCompactFlash type I, SDHC, SDXC, Secure Digital
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 D800E has the larger sensor area. The D800E has the lighter body. The D800E has the higher effective resolution. The D800E is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D800E
Released in 2012, D800E has about 862 mm² of sensor area, 36.3 MP effective resolution, and a 900 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.