Nikon D800 vs Nikon D3s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D800 and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D800

Nikon D3s

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D800 were released 2012 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D800	2012
Nikon D3s	2009

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.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D800	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3s	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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

Nikon D800 has a 36,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3s has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D800	36,3 MP 36152320 pixels 7360 x 4912
Nikon D3s	12,1 MP 12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832

Nikon D800 has a 200 % larger resolution than Nikon D3s. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D800. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon D800 has 100 to 25600.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D800	100-25600
Nikon D3s	200-102400

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 D800
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D800	6
Nikon D3s	11

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D800 and Nikon D3s can shoot movies.

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 38% heavier than Nikon D800 and its 900 gr (or 1.98 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D800	900 gr 1.98 lb
Nikon D3s	1240 gr 2.73 lb