More Nikon D3S Sample Images

Here are some more sample images from the NIkon D3S, shot as part of our multi-hour hands-on test with Nikon at the Big Apple Circus, as a follow up to our first post with the camera. Obviously we focused mostly on the low-light high-ISO capabilities of the camera, but also shot a lot of images at lower ISO as well.

As a note: we’re not rotating these portrait oriented JPEG files. When they’re uploaded to our servers, the only way to upload them as their original content with no compression at all is to upload them as the file was written. If we include them as photos in the post, they’re going to be re-compressed. Please turn your head sideways or download the image and open in your image-editor of choice.

This shot is of the bleachers at the Big Apple Circus at ISO 102,400. While it’s very grainy, it’s a shot that would have been impossible at lower ISO. I’d have either have exposed for the bleachers in low light or have exposed for the under-bleacher work area.

This ISO 12800 shot exhibits blockiness in the shadows, but there’s detail there. That wouldn’t be the case if this were just shot for the highlight of the performer. Generally I’m much more comfortable shooting at ISO 12800 than at ISO 100,000 and above (naturally) but not so hesitant I wouldn’t shoot this for an editorial piece.

This ISO 12800 shot is partially overexposed because of the wide dynamic range of the subject, but it’s a great shot for the ISO.

By the time we get down to ISO 4000 here, we’re getting really lovely images, with good saturation and detail and useable “noise.” I wouldn’t hesitate to use this on assignment where I might previously have stopped at ISO 1600.

Here’s a shot that started as ISO 50,000 and then was run through Noise Ninja. It’s a tremendous result for such a high-ISO image. (Note: This is just a detail of the original image.)

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Author: David Schloss

David Schloss is the director of the Mac Create Network and the Aperture Users Network, a professional photographer, writer, editor and photographic educator who specializes adventure sports, travel and lifestyle photography. Schloss is the author of the books Blue Pixel Personal Photo Coach: Digital Photography Tips from the Trenches and Blue Pixel Guide to Travel Photography: Perfect Photos Every Time. Schloss is the former Technical Editor for Photo District News, a position he held for six years.