Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Pro DSLR category, introduced by Nikon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are D2X and D3S. The first common feature of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S that is worth mentioning is sensor. Both cameras feature CMOS sensors with a resolution of 12.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S.
Nikon D2X Key Features:
Nikon D3S Key Features:
Since Nikon D2X has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D2Xs.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D2X vs. D2Xs
Nikon D2Xs vs. Nikon D3S
Being a newer model, Nikon D2X substituted
Nikon D1X.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D2X vs. D1X
Nikon D1X vs. Nikon D3S
Weight | 1200 g vs 1240 g | 40 g lighter |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 vs 372.09 mm2 | 56.8% larger pixel area |
Continuous Shooting | 11 fps vs 8 fps | 3 fps faster |
Screen Size | 3″ vs 2.5″ | 0.5" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots vs 235k dots | 74.5% higher resolution screen |
Dxo Color Depth | 23.5 vs 22.1 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 12 vs 10.9 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 3253 vs 476 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7 vs 0.57 | 0.13 better magnification |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 11.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 235k dots | 921k dots | Small screen resolution |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 12.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
AutoFocus Face Detection | No | No | No Face Detection |
Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D2X is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 40g less than the Nikon D3S. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 12.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D3S is equipped with a sensor that is 0.4x larger than the one featured in Nikon D2X. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon D2X | Nikon D3S |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D2X or Nikon D3S, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3S here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D3S deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D2X. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon D2X | Nikon D3S | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | D2X | D3S |
Announced | Jun 01, 2005 | Feb 16, 2010 |
Body Type | Large SLR" | Large SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.7 x 15.7 mm | 36 x 23.9 mm |
Sensor Area | 372.09 mm2 | 860.40 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 12.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4256 x 2832 |
Max Native ISO | 800 | 12,800 |
Max Boosted ISO | 3,200 | 102,400 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | n/a | 51 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 2.5″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 235k dots | 921k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.57 | 0.7 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 59 | 82 |
DxO Color Depth | 22.1 | 23.5 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 10.9 | 12.0 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 476 | 3253 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | n/a | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | |
Video Formats | n/a | Motion JPEG |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 1200 g | 1240 g |
Physical Dimensions | 158 x 150 x 86 mm | 160 x 157 x 88 mm |
Battery Life | n/a | 4200 shots |
Battery Type | n/a | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | n/a | EN-EL4a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMA |
Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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