Nikon D3s vs Nikon D700

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3s and Nikon D700. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D3s has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D700 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

ISO range

Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D700. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon D700 has 200 to 25600.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D700

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D700 can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D3s. Unfortunately Nikon D700 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 15% heavier than Nikon D700 and its 1074 gr (or 2.37 lb).

Nikon D3s vs Nikon D700 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3s and Nikon D700, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Name	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Release Year	2009	2008
Release Date	2009-10-14	2008-07-01
MSRP	5199 USD	2999 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4256 x 2832 pixels	4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels	12,1 MP	12,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
ISO Range	200 - 102400	200 - 25600
White Balance Presets	12	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW + TIFF	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	51	51
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3”
Screen dots	921000	922000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD	TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.72×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Frames per second	11 fps	8 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot Average
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Optional	No
Remote Control	Yes	Optional
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3s	Nikon D700
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	4200 shots	1000 shots
Width	160 mm	147 mm
Height	157 mm	123 mm
Depth	88 mm	77 mm
Weight	1240 gram	1074 gram