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 Df
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D3s860 mm²
Df- Area ratio
- 1:1
- Absolute difference
- 0 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0%
The D3s and Df have the same sensor area. Compare pixel density, sensor architecture, and release generation to understand likely image-quality differences.
These cameras were released 4 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3sMetricDf
12.1 MPEffective pixels16.2 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor36 × 23.9
8.43 µmPixel pitch7.29 µm
71.11 µm²Pixel area53.11 µm²
1.41 MP/cm²Pixel density1.88 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1
—Maximum video—
1,240 gWeight765 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryEN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion 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 D3s and Df have the same sensor area. The Df has the lighter body. The Df has the higher effective resolution. The Df is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Df
Released in 2013, Df has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 765 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.