Fluid Operability
Improved Ergonomics
Features mean nothing if they’re difficult to access. That’s why D3S and D3X controls have carefully considered sizes and clear functions. The layout shares the same logical consistency as Nikon’s previous professional D-SLRs, along with further improvements, such as command dials with a 5-degree inclination for natural rotation using your index finger, top control panel that is inclined 5.5-degree toward your eyes, buttons whose intervals and shapes have been ergonomically designed, and a grip shape that ensures comfortable and stable holding. With the D3S, ergonomics have achieved even further sophistication. For example, the D3S’s AF-ON button has been redesigned for a more assured response, while the multi-selector shows more enhanced operability. All these minute improvements are the results of Nikon designers’ dedication to details and listening to users and their real-world requirements.
LCD Monitor — 3-in., approx. 921k-dot high-density, 170-degree color LCD monitor
The D3S and D3X feature an expansive 3-in. VGA LCD monitor. Its approx. 921k-dot resolution assures clear, detailed display of images, which proves invaluable when confirming focus or assessing image sharpness at up to 27 times* magnification. The wide 170˚ viewing angle and bright display make it easy to review images, shoot in Live View modes with confidence and make camera settings more easily. The LCD monitor’s surface is protected by rugged tempered glass for superior durability, and each one is individually fine-tuned during final assembly to deliver consistently outstanding display performance.
* [L]-size JPEG or NEF (RAW) images
Monitor display (D3S)
Wide 170˚ viewing angle
Electronic Virtual Horizon
The high-density color LCD monitor of the D3S and D3X, combined with Nikon’s innovative Electronic Virtual Horizon, delivers instant, accurate confirmation of your camera’s position relative to “horizontal level.” You can also level the D3S and D3X while looking through the viewfinder. In Live View shooting, you can choose to display the virtual horizon on the LCD, above the monitor image — ideal for landscape and architectural photography.
Virtual Horizon in Live View mode (D3S)
Information Display — Two types of display options
The menu is formatted large and clear for easy recognition. Choose from black or white letters according to lighting conditions to ensure your information display is always legible. You can also set the camera so that the color of the letters switch automatically according to lighting conditions. With the D3S, the dedicated “info” button is newly incorporated. One push of the button while information is displayed leads you via direct shortcut to the menu page of the camera setting that you would like to alter.
Dark on light (full display, D3S)
Light on dark (full display, D3S)
Shortcut to display for quick setting/option alterations (example)
Enhanced Playback Function
The D3S and D3X give you the choice of reviewing images in various ways. The thumbnail display shows up to 72 frames at a time, for quicker image search and select (up to 9 frames with the D3X). The D3S can also check histograms of a selected and magnified portion of an image.
72-thumbnail display
Histogram display
Histogram display for magnified area
Fn Button — for your most frequently used features
Designate frequently used features to the Fn button. Up to 16 functions are available. You can also do the same with the Pv (depth-of-field preview) button and the AF/AE Lock button.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
 Preview* |
Press the Fn button to preview depth of field. |
 FV lock* |
Press the Fn button to lock flash value (SB-900, SB-800,SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200 flash units only). Press again to cancel FV lock. |
 AE/AF lock |
Focus and exposure lock while the Fn button is pressed. |
 AE lock only |
Exposure locks while the Fn button is pressed. |
 AE lock (Reset on release)* |
Exposure locks when the Fn button is pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second time, the shutter is released, or the exposure meters turn off. |
 AE lock (Hold)* |
Exposure locks when the Fn button is pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second time or the exposure meters turn off. |
 AF lock only |
Focus locks while the Fn button is pressed. |
 Flash off |
The flash will not fire in photos taken while the Fn button is pressed. |
 Bracketing burst |
If the Fn button is pressed while exposure, flash, or ADL bracketing is active in single frame or quiet shutter-release mode, all shots in the current bracketing program will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed. If white balance bracketing is active or continuous release mode (mode CH or CL) is selected, the camera will repeat the bracketing burst while the shutter-release button is held down (in single frame release mode, photographs will be taken at about 8 fps). |
 Matrix metering |
Matrix metering is activated while the Fn button is pressed. |
 Center-weighted metering |
Center-weighted metering is activated while the Fn button is pressed. |
 Spot metering |
Spot metering is activated while the Fn button is pressed. |
 Virtual horizon* |
The exposure indicators act as a tilt meter. Press the Fn button to toggle between exposure and tilt meter displays. |
 Playback* |
Fn button performs same function as  button. Select when using a telephoto lens or in other circumstances in which it is difficult to operate the button with your left hand. |
 Access top itemin MY MENU* |
Press the Fn button to jump to the top item in “MY MENU.” Select this option for quick access to a frequently-used menu item. |
 None |
No operation is performed when the Fn button is pressed. |
* This option can not be used in combination with Fn button + command dials. Selecting this option displays a message and sets Fn button + command dials to None. If another option is selected for Fn button + command dials while this setting is active, Fn button press will be set to None.
Custom Settings — Easy access to further customizable settings
The custom settings allow you to customize a variety of camera settings to suit your personal preferences. When you make new selections, you can save those particular changes as a group of settings in the custom setting bank, with up to four groups designated by different names.
| a | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| a1 | AF-C priority selection |
| a2 | AF-S priority selection |
| a3 | Dynamic AF area |
| a4 | Focus tracking with lock-on |
| a5 | AF activation |
| a6 | Focus point illumination |
| a7 | Focus point wrap-around |
| a8 | AF point selection |
| a9 | AF-ON button |
| a10 | Vertical AF-ON button |
| b | Metering/exposure |
|---|---|
| b1 | ISO sensitivity step value |
| b2 | EV steps for exposure cntrl. |
| b3 | EV steps for exposure comp. |
| b4 | Easy exposure compensation |
| b5 | Center-weighted area |
| b6 | Fine tune optimal exposure |
| c | Timers/AE lock |
|---|---|
| c1 | Shutter-release button AE-L |
| c2 | Auto meter-off delay |
| c3 | Self-timer |
| c4 | Monitor off delay |
| d | Shooting/display |
|---|---|
| d1 | Beep |
| d2 | Shooting speed |
| d3 | Max. continuous release |
| d4 | File number sequence |
| d5 | Control panel/viewfinder |
| d6 | Information display |
| d7 | Screen tips |
| d8 | LCD illumination |
| d9 | Exposure delay mode |
| e | Bracketing/flash |
|---|---|
| e1 | Flash sync speed |
| e2 | Flash shutter speed |
| e3 | Modeling flash |
| e4 | Auto bracketing set |
| e5 | Auto bracketing (Mode M) |
| e6 | Bracketing order |
| f | Controls |
|---|---|
| f1 | Multi selector center button |
| f2 | Multi selector |
| f3 | Photo info/playback |
| f4 | Assign Fn button |
| f5 | Assign preview button |
| f6 | Assign AE-L/AF-L button |
| f7 | Assign BKT button |
| f8 | Customize command dials |
| f9 | Release button to use dial |
| f10 | No memory card? |
| f11 | Reverse indicators |
HDMI Compatibility
The D3S and D3X feature an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, enabling direct connection to a High-Definition TV for breathtaking viewing of still images, and in the case of the D3S, D-Movie clips as well. The D3S uses a type C mini-pin connector, while the D3X uses Type A.
Side panel detail (D3S)