Nikon Z9 vs Nikon D3s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z9 and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Nikon Z9 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3s is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

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

Nikon Z9 has a 46 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:

Nikon Z9 has a 277 % 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 Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3s. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D3s has 200 to 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 Z9
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 Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon Z9 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 Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 8% heavier than Nikon D3s and its 1240 gr (or 2.73 lb).

Nikon Z9 vs Nikon D3s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z9 and Nikon D3s, 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 Z9	Nikon D3s
Name	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Release Year	2021	2009
Release Date	2021-10-28	2009-10-14
MSRP	5500 USD	5199 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
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	Full Stacked CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	8256 x 5504 pixels	4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels	46 MP	12,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 7	EXPEED
Image	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
ISO Range	32 - 102400	200 - 102400
White Balance Presets	9	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes (Sensor Shift (Synchro VR with selected lenses))	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	6 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	493	51
Lens Mount	Nikon Z 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 Z9	Nikon D3s
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3.2”	3”
Screen dots	2088960	921000
Touch screen	Yes	No
Screen type	TFT LCD	Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Electronic	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8x	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	3686400	N/A
Photography features	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Frames per second	30 fps	11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	900 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/32000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	No
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 Highlight Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	H.264 H.265	Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264
Video resolution	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Memory Card	Compact Flash Express XQD	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy)	Yes Optional
Remote Control	Yes (Via app)	Yes
GPS	Yes Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS)	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon Z9	Nikon D3s
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL18d (backwards compatible with EN-EL18/a/b/c batteries)	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	740 shots	4200 shots
Width	149 mm	160 mm
Height	150 mm	157 mm
Depth	91 mm	88 mm
Weight	1340 gram	1240 gram