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Nikon D3 vs Panasonic S1

The Nikon D3 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2007 and February 2019. The D3 is a DSLR, while the S1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3
versus
Panasonic S1
Nikon D3   Panasonic S1
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
4300 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 149 x 110 x 97 mm, 1017 g
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Check D3 offers at
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Check S1 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3 and the Panasonic S1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D3 vs Panasonic S1
Compare D3 versus S1 top
Comparison D3 or S1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic S1 is considerably smaller (35 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the S1 is markedly lighter (22 percent) than the D3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the S1 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the S1, Panasonic provides the DMW-BGS1 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the S1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X 144 mm 147 mm 75 mm 997 g 870 Y Jan 2019 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The S1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 50 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the S1 is 2 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D3 and Panasonic S1 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the S1 offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the S1 is much more recent (by 11 years and 5 months) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic S1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the D3, the S1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon D3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3 versus S1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the S1 offers substantially better image quality than the D3 (overall score 14 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.7 bits higher color depth, 2.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
2.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
5.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
7.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
8.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
9.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
10.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
11.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
12.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
13.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0125475
15.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
16.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
17.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The S1 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the S1 can use is 4K/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the S1 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the D3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the S1 has a higher magnification than the one of the D3 (0.78x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3 and Panasonic S1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
17.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The S1 has a touchscreen, while the D3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the S1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D3 and the Panasonic S1 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the S1 uses SDXC or XQD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-M1XYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
17.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the S1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3 does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The S1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the D3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3 was succeeded by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and S1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic S1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D3 better than the Panasonic S1 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 41%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (14 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.7 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/60p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (149x110mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 283g or 22 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (50 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 11 years and 5 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S1 is the clear winner of the contest (25 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3 06:25 S1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Panasonic S1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D3 or the S1 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X4.5/5o5/585/1004.5/5.. Jan 2019 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3 vs Panasonic S1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2007 February 2019
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 25.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.2 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2290 3333
    Screen Specs Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations400 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3 Panasonic S1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Panasonic DMW-BLJ31
    Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    149 x 110 x 97 mm
    (5.9 x 4.3 x 3.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 1017 g (35.9 oz)
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