Here is a quick comparison between the Nikon D4 and Nikon D3s based on the specifications listed on Nikon's website:

Battery, Battery chargers, Remotes (note that the Nikon D4 has a shorter battery life compared to the D3s)

Nikon EN-EL18 battery for Nikon D4 ($169.95)  |  Nikon EN-EL4a for Nikon D3s ($109.95)

Nikon MH-26 for Nikon D4 ($349.95)  |  Nikon MH-22 for Nikon D3s ($209.95)

Nikon D4 also supports the infrared ML-L3 remote control ($14.95):

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Those are some Nikon D4/Nikon D3s comparisons sent in by readers (thanks broxibear and durasnti):

and with the Nikon D800 (thanks anon):

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The above video is an interview with astronaut Mike Fossum about the images he took on board of the ISS with a Nikon D3 camera. Here is the actual timelapse video:

Via Gizmodo

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The Nikon D3s is listed as "out of production" on this Romanian store. My understanding is that F64 is a reputable authorized Nikon dealer and the the biggest photography equipment retailer in Romania.

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Nikon USA just raised the prices for some of their refurbished DSLR cameras (I am not sure about lenses). Some examples:

• Nikon D3s refurbished price went up from $4,159.96 to $4,679.96 (new D3s costs $5,199.95)
• Nikon D3x refurbished price went up from $6,399,96 to $7,199.96 (new D3x costs $7,999.00)
• Nikon D700 refurbished price went up from $2,150 to $2,429.96 (new D700 costs $2,699.95)

You can see some of the September Nikon refurbished prices in this thread.

Lately I have not seen a lot of refurbished pro level equipment at B&H and Adorama. Right now B&H has a refurbished Nikon 24mm f/1.4 lens for $1,839.95 (new 24/1.4 costs $1,999).

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The Nikon D3 buffer upgrade was introduced back in July of 2008. Today Nikon announced that the service will be discontinued on July 20th, 2011. If you own a D3, you have another month to perform the upgrade:

"Please be aware that the D3 Buffer Memory Expansion service introduced as a payable upgrade option to Nikon D3 owners on 30th July 2008, is now being discontinued.  This upgrade option will end on 20th July 2011 and not be available after this date."

More details on the D3 buffer upgrade can be found here (EU link)

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This "muddy" Nikon D3 picture was published on flickr. I contacted the photographer and this is his story:

"That was from one of my avian photography sorties. I use a floating blind to take photos of water birds but the water level that day was very low so I had to crawl it out in the mud to get the photos that I want. I was constantly pouring water on the LCD to take away the mud so I can view my photos. The lens installed on the body is a Nikkor 500 f/4 VR. After the shoot I cleaned the camera and placed it in my dry cabinet. It still works flawlessly: all seals worked, not a single grime inside the camera. Here are the shots from that day"

Image credit: JP Carino

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Shahrizan Jeffri Aziz dropped his Nikon D3s with a 300mm f/2.8 lens from a motorcycle while shooting the Le Tour Langkawi in Malaysia. Only the battery door and the burst mode were broken. With the help of some duct tape, the camera continued to work. Later in the race, the D3s was also exposed to rain for 4 hours but the photographer was able to successfully complete his assignment. You can hear the whole story in this video:

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Nikon D3100 sensor

In addition to the Nikon D7000 sensor which is made by Sony, here is some more information from Chipworks on the different sensors in Nikon DSLR bodies:

• Nikon D3/D700 sensor NC81338L: made by Nikon
• Nikon D3s sensor NC81361A: made by Nikon
• Nikon D3100 sensor NC81362A: made by Nikon
• Nikon D90 sensor IMX038: made by Sony

Update: another interesting article on Chipworks:

"Nikon have announced that they designed the sensor. Nikon has no wafer fabrication capability so they outsource the sensor production, but they are keeping the foundry close to their chests, so close that we must speculate to identify the source. The obvious choice would be Sony, who build the sensor used in the Nikon D2X, however there are no Sony markings on the device, and the device structure is markedly different from the other Sony CIS we have analyzed. We considered Matsushita/Panasonic the device structure has similarities to the Panasonic CIS we have seen, but it is sufficiently different that we have doubts that it is theirs. Thus we are speculating who else could be the manufacturing source. I believe Nikon would stick with a Japanese foundry. An interesting possibility is Renesas, they have close ties with Nikon, supplying several imager processor chipsets, they have a patent portfolio in image sensors indicating they have active r+d in this field, and they have the fab capabilities."

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Nikon D3S is the best professional camera and Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is the best professional lens according to 2010-2011 EISA awards.

Reasons for selection after the break:

"The Nikon D3S is so sensitive that it can focus and shoot in conditions in which even the human eye has difficulty seeing. Although high ISO settings are a feature of most modern D-SLR cameras, the quality achieved with D3S high ISO settings is unsurpassed in terms of low noise levels and richness of detail. Together with its extremely fast EXPEED image processing, excellent battery life and high-quality construction, the D3S is the perfect D-SLR for professional sports, action and low-light photography."

"Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II gives photographers a guarantee of excellent image quality, even in the most difficult lighting conditions. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows photographers to work in a wide variety of situations, offering the ability to shoot with faster shutter speeds and to have smooth backgrounds with attractive bokeh. The lens has three ED glass elements to eliminate chromatic aberration and Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat reduces internal reflection. The AF-S NIKKOR is equipped with Nikon’s VR II vibration reduction system, making it a natural choice for photographers specialising in nature, wildlife and fast-action sports."

Source

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You can see the rest of the images here (credit: NASA).

The full press release after the break:

MELVILLE, NY (July 7, 2010) – The images exhibited were captured with equipment, including Nikon D3S digital-SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights and other accessories, kept aboard the ISS. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images with Nikon equipment carried into space. Among these many images, those rare and precious photos that can only be captured from space, as well as those captured under the extremely low-light conditions of space that exhibit the superior image quality of D3S noise suppression features are introduced.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA's study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Production of NIKKOR lenses, which make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, reached fifty million units last September. Nikon’s history with NASA began with the Nikon Photomic FTN?, a modified Nikon F camera that was used aboard the Apollo 15 in 1971. Nikon’s relationship with NASA continued even with the transition to digital when NASA placed orders for Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras in 2008. These cameras are still being used in space today. In 2009, NASA ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The D3S cameras were the same products available to consumers with no special modifications, and they were delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery launched on April 5, 2010.

Nikon products kept aboard the ISS

• 1 Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera: Delivered to the ISS via the Discovery with Space Shuttle mission STS-131, which returned on April 20, 2010. Images are primarily those of the surface of the earth and nighttime scenes. Standard consumer product (no modifications).
• 8 Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras: Modified according to NASA specifications for recording extravehicular activities (EVA)
• 36 NIKKOR lenses (including three teleconverters)
• 7 SB-800 Speedlights
• 4 D2XS eyepieces: Eyepieces made exclusively for NASA Special eyepiece viewfinders that enable image framing and verification through a space helmet with extravehicular activities.
• Miscellaneous (filters, cables, etc.)

Primary images captured by Nikon products

Image of extravehicular activities on the STS-131 mission. View of astronauts, as they work to tie down an Ammonia Tank Assembly on the International Space Station during STS-131 spacewalk.

Nikon's history with NASA

• 1971: Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) was used on Apollo 15
• 1980: The “Small Camera”, based on the Nikon F3 and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 "Big Camera", which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The “Small Camera” was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.
• 1991: The Nikon F4 and F4S were delivered to NASA
• 1999: The Nikon F5 and AI AF Nikkor lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA)
• 2008: D2XS digital-SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Eight D2XS cameras are still used in space to document activities such as inspections and maintenance operations.
• In addition, approximately 15 types of lenses, more than 35 all together, are kept aboard the International Space Station for intra- and extravehicular photography that supports NASA’s space activities.

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Amazon UK still has it in stock.

Amazon has 4 left in stock - this will not last long:

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Today even Engadget chimed in on the lack of Nikon D3s stock in various stores and this the official word they got from a Nikon spokesman:

"A company spokesperson has told us this week that there's nothing more to blame than extraordinary demand, seeing how a single factory produces units for the entire world"

The rumor mill says otherwise: the first rumor I heard was that the delay (at least in Europe) was caused by that volcano with the weird name in Iceland. The second tip I received recently is even crazier:

"I was talking to the Nikon rep at the *** today and he told me that one reason for the shortage of various Nikon items in Europe at the moment is the 'loss' (possible theft) of a shipping container full of Nikon equipment whilst in transit from the Far East."

Maybe pirates? They was another tip few weeks ago (from a different source) that a container with Nikon SB-600 flashes got damage during transport.

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- Movie recording specifications have been modified as follows and an issue that, in some rare cases, caused movie playback to appear to have stopped has been resolved.
- When exposure preview is enabled in live view tripod mode, information + histogram display is possible, but the histogram is no longer displayed while movies are recorded.
- When the live view button is pressed with the Audio Video Cable EG-D2 connected, the image is displayed in both the television and camera monitor, but the camera monitor now turns off during movie recording.
The camera monitor turns on again when the Audio Video Cable EG-D2 is disconnected from the camera.
- Some simplified Chinese menus and help displays have been revised.
- When some memory cards were inserted in the camera, “CHA” was displayed in the top control panel and images could not be captured.  This issue has been resolved.

Download link Mac

Download link Windows

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Remember this report from Barcelona before the Nikon D3s announcement. Yes, this was a D3s. Take a look at the last picture - the model with the black dress. Now, watch the video:

The video was produced by the German Nikon Professional Services team. Shot in one day. Edited in one night.

I swear I saw those four guys in black jackets waiting in a black car in front of my house the other night

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A week ago NR reported about NASA buying new Nikon D3s cameras (aka "The Lord of Darkness") and some lenses (Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED).

Today Nikon made it all official:

"The D3S digital SLR cameras and AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses ordered by NASA will be carried on the Space Shuttle and used to photograph activities at the International Space Station (ISS) in the future.
No special modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to end-users, confirming the incredible versatility of the D3S. This equipment will be used along with the Nikon D2XS digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, and Nikon Speedlights already in use at the International Space Station."

The love affair between NASA and Nikon goes back to the early 70's.

Here is the email I received from a reader (thanks Lucky) based on my previous question about the camera housing used in space:

Here is a close-up picture of the camera housing (continue to read after the break):

Update: a cool video of astronaut losing camera in space (thanks NikoDoby):

Since you had shown some recent interest in how NASA has used Nikons on board the International Space Station and had a question about the housing they use for spacewalks (EVA's) in yesterdays rumor discussion, I thought I'd follow up with a few things you might enjoy.

As far as I can remember, the housing is just some heavy white fabric to reduce heating and cooling from moving in and out of the sunlight. Sunlight is about 30% more intense in space than on the ground, and without air to insulate the camera or conduct excess heat away from the black bodies, those temperature extremes can be potentially damaging. I think the shutter button might also be extended slightly for easier use in those bulky gloves. You can see one of these cameras (with possibly a 12-24mm) in spacewalker Chris Cassidy's left hand here:

image source

You can see such a D2XS here naked and labeled "EVA camera" with velcro on it for attaching insulation. It's got an AF-I 400mm F/2.8 and a TC-20 mounted on it. This 800mm combo is used to photograph the space shuttle as it approaches to dock, so engineers on the ground can examine it for launch damage.

image source

Lastly, here's a mouthwatering collection of Nikons velcroed to the walls of the ISS while not in use. I count 6 bodies, 3 flashes, and 14 lenses! The Exif data says one more D2Xs, flash, and lens were used to take the picture.

image source

If you feel like browsing around more, NASA has thousands of photos online. The images above were from Expedition 20.

Full press release:

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Dec. 21, 2009) – Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has placed an order for eleven D3S digital SLR cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses to be used for photographic documentation.

The D3S digital SLR cameras and AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses ordered by NASA will be carried on the Space Shuttle and used to photograph activities at the International Space Station (ISS) in the future. No special modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to end-users, confirming the incredible versatility of the D3S. This equipment will be used along with the Nikon D2XS digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, and Nikon Speedlights already in use at the International Space Station.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA's study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras as well as of NIKKOR lenses that make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, and of which production has recently reached fifty million units. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images using Nikon equipment carried into space. Space, however, is not the only extreme environment in which Nikon equipment is used. Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Arctic. Nikon equipment contributes to observation and research of these little explored regions with durability, reliability and technical capabilities that stand up to even the most severe environments

Nikon’s history with NASA

• 1971: Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) was used on Apollo 15

• 1980: The “Small Camera”, based on the Nikon F3 and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 "Big Camera", which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The “Small Camera” was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.

• 1991: The Nikon F4 and F4S were delivered to NASA

• 1999: The Nikon F5 and AF Nikkor lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA)

• 2008: D2XS digital SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Six D2XS cameras are used in space to document activities such as inspection and maintenance

• In addition, approximately about 15 types of NIKKOR lenses (more than 35 lenses all together) are kept aboard the International Space Station for intravehicular and extravehicular photography to provide continued support for NASA’s space activities

*Nikon F equipped with Photomic FTN viewfinder that supports TTL center-weighted metering.

The D3S was released in November 2009 as the latest flagship model for Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras. This camera is equipped with a new CMOS sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm) developed by Nikon and supports standard ISO sensitivity settings of 200 to 12,800. Sensitivity can also be set as high as Hi 3 (ISO 102,400 equivalent) or as low as Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent). Image-degrading noise has been minimized to enable shooting at high sensitivities under even extremely dim lighting. In addition, the D3S is equipped with the D-Movie function, enabling HD video capture and includes high-sensitivity movie mode and movie editing functions for trimming start and ending footage or saving selected frames as JPEG stills. Naturally, the camera itself is representative of an all-round flagship model offering basic performance and operation that meet the strict demands (fast, support for high sensitivities, superior image quality) of professional and advanced amateur photographers in a number of fields, including the press, sports and nature photography.

The AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is the world’s first ultra wide-angle zoom lens to offer a focal length of 14mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The performance of this lens has been extremely well received by the camera industry, and recognized by Europe’s Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), which awarded it The Best Professional Lens in Europe 2008, and the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), which awarded it European Professional Lens 2008-2009.

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Update #2: Another reader reported that slashcam.com got an official confirmation from Nikon Professional Services on the D3s manual video control:

“As soon as the live-view mode in the shooting menu is set to “tripod” and the camera to manual mode (M), it is possible to manually set and adjust aperture, shutter speed and ISO-value manually, before and during videorecording.
Automatic focussing is possible using the AF-ON button (even while recording).
Additionally, for optimal exposure of the video, an exposure scale is available for you at the right edge of the Image on the Camera screen.”

Update #1: A reader just submitted this video where James Banfield (Nikon UK support an training manager) clearly says there is no manual control in video mode (5:59 mark). Anyone from Nikon care to clarify this for us? Thanks.

Multiple readers have asked me about the manual video control of the Nikon D3s. The camera has a full manual video mode (ISO, shutter, aperture)... and this is not in the manual - on page 66 of the manual it says "The camera adjust shutter speed and ISO sensitivity automatically", but if you put the camera in manual mode and hit the OK button you can manual adjust at will. I am not sure why Nikon did not advertise this clearly from the very beginning and why they did not make it clear in the manual (I admit, I have not read the whole manual, maybe I am missing it - please correct me if I am wrong), but it is a fact that many people were confused on this topic.

This video shows manual shutter speed and ISO changes:

d3s shutter speed test from 3space on Vimeo.

Some more interesting D3s videos from the same author after the break (click on the link to continue reading) - Red One & Nikon D3s comparison @ 720p:

Red One & Nikon D3s @ 720p from 3space on Vimeo.

Canon 5D mk2 vs Nikon D3s low light comparison:

5D/3s lowlight test from 3space on Vimeo.

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"Dealers are currently fulfilling orders of the D3s against deposits. We do not anticipate any shortages of the D3s with the possible exception of higher than anticipated sales through the December period. If this should happen, there may be a one-week shortage.
There is no requirement by Nikon Canada for a form to be signed stating the camera will not be re-sold. People are possibly confusing the original D3, which was in extremely short supply."

I just would like to remind NR readers that this blog is based on rumors and predictions and that nothing is official unless it is confirmed by Nikon Corporation. I would like also to thank Nikon Canada for their response and clarification on this topic.

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Nikon Canada informed their dealers that the the Nikon D3s will be in a very tight supply over the next six months. Units will be allocated to dealers that have accredited photographers which will be taking part in the Vancouver Olympics. It is even rumored that every D3s purchaser will have to sign a form which will prevent him/her from reselling the camera (for profit on eBay for example).

For you "regular people" out there in Canada: it seems that your only option to get a D3s in the next 6 months will be to order it from the US.

Update: I was told that shortages may be expected in Canada also in the "super zoom" category.

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