I agree with the video comments, don't want it, don't need it !

Should have also added,...if I cared about 1080p,...I would buy a video camera. I have never used the 720p.

I have had my D3s for almost a year and LOVE it. This camera can almost see in the dark.

While at a function,..it was funny to see other photographers takimg very dark pics (no flash allowed), but mine were PERFECT.

I am using a D3s with a Pro-M Custom Bracket and a RRS 33 Tripod/BH-55 Head. 2.8 105mm, 2.8 24-70mm, 2.8 70-200. Wanting 400mm.

Lastly,..you will be hounded by other wanting to look/try you camera.

Expensive, yes. Worth it,..ABSOLUTELY!

ps. would you want your surgeon using "middle of the road" equipment or the BEST?

My wish list for a D4 type camera would be an upgrade of the megapixels to around 18mp mark, and keep the ISO performance as good as it is with the D3S.

LHSMarine: Another thing you might find useful for the D3S is the technical guides from NPS:

http://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_solutions/index.htm

These give you quick, useful guides on how to operate the camera to get best results quickly. It's no substitute for experience and familiarity with the camera, but it's a good stepping stone for someone coming over from another another camera brand. It is primarily aimed at the kinds of situations a D3S user will encounter in sports photography, such as summer sports or the typical winter sports (figure skating, etc).

Great lens choices, the 24-70mm F/2.8G and 70-200mm F/2.8G VR II are among the best Nikon lenses around. The 24-70mm is awesomely sharp, the 70-200 is as well. I have the 24-70mm, and have borrowed the 70-200mm before. The 24-70 is a great all purpose zoom lens, but it also works wonders for portrait photos with 70mm and F/2.8 aperture.

Pierre & LHSMarine: Thanks for the comments.

LHSMarine said:
beautiful shot AVRO

I agree, now I want one...

beautiful shot AVRO

I've decided on the 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II and the 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Is the D4H going to be released soon, or in another year or two ? I would like to see a doubling in mp, but all other specs are fine for me.

The D3S is a fantastic camera and you will not be disappointed with it - even though it will be obviously costly to swap over from Sony to Nikon.

I've had my D3S for a little more than 2 months and absolutely love it. I'd used Nikon for a long time before (FX format) so had little problem just picking it up and executing my photos as I wanted. It's easy to use. In low light, you'll get amazing results:

http://www.airliners.net/uf/84239/1291553270LCGWVd.jpeg

ISO10000 at 1/20sec and F/4.0.

What I hate? Zoom in to view details on images, delete it, and then the zoom returns to the zoomed-out state, rather than remaining where it was - argh, very frustrating.

Yes why not stay with Sony and use of those wonderful Zeiss lenses? I hear they are fantastic and I just love Zeiss lenses. Unfortunately I have just two for two different camera systems but I'd love more. I hear the A900 is great too just has noise and low light issues but 24mp for a good price. Nikon will release a new full frame body this spring I think and you might want to check out the new rumored Canon 5D Mark III due out this spring possibly as well. The 5D Mark II is amazing as well. Have you considered it? For 20+ mps you may want to shop around. Lots of patents filed in 2010 from Kodak and Sony so it looks like a lot of new 20+ mp sensors will be on the market for next year.

The "D4H" will be the first new pro Nikon of the new decade. It will be much much more than just a D3S with 1080 video.

You will not be disapointed with the performance of the D3s. I have been using one for the past year nad have really liked it. Just finished shooting a venue that required ISO 9000. No noise issues.

When you directly compare the price of Nikon glass to Canon's, I agree, although it's not cheap, it represents exceptional value for money, especially as in tests, it regularly holds it's own or out performs Canon's. Which Two FX lenses are you thinking of getting?

Thanks for all the replies. I was making this a gift to myself for xMas barring responses to convince me otherwise, but ya'll have persuaded me to go for it. I started with Canon film in 1978, went to Sony digital in the 90's and after much dissatisfaction with their low-light quality I did the homework and found the D3s. I already knew to stay solidly with Nikkor glass and have decided on 2 FX telephoto lenses in acceptable light and range to meet my needs, not cheap but worth every penny !

"PS-I am very patient and don't mind waiting for the best." If you can wait LHSMarine then wait, personally I don't think there'll be a D4 in 2011...I'm sure it'll be 2012 but what do I know? lol!
You could always get yourself a used D700 to keep you going, buy the lenses you want and when the D4 is available sell the D700 and you won't loose too much money ?
Thom also "predicted" a D3xs in Aug 2010 and a D700s in Nov 2010...he's just guessing , like me lol?

Yes, any reason why you didn't stay with Sony if you've been with them for a while?

Especially if you have lenses, I wouldn't just switch cameras all of a sudden.

You obviously never heard of the a900 have you? Well as a nikonian who prints fairly large I think 12mpx fullframe is enough for most people it prints nicely up to 20x30in and the ISO is much superior to the 24mpx fullframes like the D3x, a850, and a900. Also the D3s has a nice burst 9fps as opposed to the 5fps of the D3x.

Thom predicted that the D4 will come in the second quarter of 2011 but it might come out at PMA, so who knows? The D3s is more than enough for most pros and all advanced amateurs so you'll be fine...

Ps don't even bother looking at canon as they don't win in either Mpx, ISo, or any other useful category for that matter...

They expect the d4 to release mid 2011 but the D3s is a fantastic camera. I doubt that it's going to be a major upgrade the d3s is already the king of night and also the d4 is just going to be 4-6 mp upgrade

There is a 24mp version now, it's called the D3x! Unfortunately one of the trade offs of fabulous low light capability, is a less densly populated sensor. In answer to your direct question, I am not aware of any imonent plans to release a D4. I think Nikon are still reveling in the D3s winning so many best pro camera 2010 awards!

I am about to upgrade to a D3S from my many previous years of Sony cameras. Question is, before I spend close to $10k on a Nikon camera and 2 lenses, are there any rumors that the D3S will be upgraded beyond 12mp any time soon? I love all the other specs shown about this camera. I just don't want a 24mp version to hit the streets 3 months after buying this one. Thanks for any insight. PS-I am very patient and don't mind waiting for the best.