Nikon D3s — an improved Nikon D3

Nikon D3s (12.2MP)

The just-announced Nikon D3s looks like a nice incremental upgrade to an already superb camera, the Nikon D3. Improvements of note:

• Anti-dust capability;
• new Hi-3 ISO of 102,400 (what’s the point of the "400" part?);
• Video mode of 720p

Other minor improvements have been added also. The video capability is a testament to the crossover to DSLRs for professional film-making. The full-frame sensor allows shallow depth of field, something just not possible with smaller sensors. Zeiss ZF/ZE Lenses are already popular in this nascent area, because of their outstanding ergonomics compared to autofocus lenses (video uses manual focus, very important for professionals).

The whopping 15% US $700 MSRP price increase over the D3 is sure to give some buyers pause. One wonders if a D700s is to emerge, though I’d personally prefer a D700x (D700 with a D3x sensor).