Nikon D3S

Nikon is all about the "S" here in 2009. Nikon's newest pro-level DSLR
checks in at $5199.95, which is about $200 more than its predecessor, the
D3. Notable upgrades come in the form of an HD video mode capable of
capturing 1280 x 720 (720p) footage at 24 fps.

There have also been some substantial upgrades in the ISO department. They
have added a ISO 100 setting on the low end, as well as expanded sensitivity
settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, 51,200, and an impressive 102,400.

At the heart of the D3S is a newly-designed FX-format 36x23.9mm CMOS sensor
that boasts the same pixel size and 12.1-megapixel resolution as the D3.
They claim the new design gives it a higher signal-to-noise ratio as well as
an "unmatched" dynamic range for both stills and video.

Other upgrades include a self-cleaning optical low-pass filter that
oscillates to shake off particles.

There's also a monaural microphone built-in, as well as an input for a
stereo microphone if you want higher fidelity sound with your video.

All in all, the changes are few, but also quite signiicant. The increased
sensitivity alone is groundbreaking, marking the first time any camera has
allowed an ISO over 100,000. Photos are sure to be quite noisy at that
level, but will let you capture images that weren't possible before this
camera came along.

You can expect the D3S to show up at your Nikon dealer by the end of
November.

-- 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (36x23.9mm)
-- ISO range from the equivalent of 100 all the way to the equivalent of
102,400
-- Self-cleaning optical low-pass filter
-- Quieter shutter noise
-- HD video recording up to 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps
-- Full aperture control from f/1.4 to f/16 in video mode
-- Full-res image capture at 9 fps in FX format or 11 fps in DX crop mode
-- 1.2x crop mode
-- 2 UMDA compatible CompactFlash card slots for consecutive recording or
simultatneous recording
-- HDMI-out port
-- Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module with 51 AF points: 15 cross type sensors
and 36 horizontal sensors
-- Three AF modes: Single point, dynamic area AF, and auto-area AF
-- Live View mode
-- Latest generation EXPEED Image Processing System provides faster
processing and lower power consumption
-- 3D Color Matrix Metering II references the scene against 30,000 images in
its internal database to calculate correct exposure
-- Moisture-, dust-, and shock-resistant body with a shutter system tested
to 300,000 cycles
-- 100% viewfinder with .7x magnification
-- 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution
-- Up to 4200 shots per single battery charge