Tribute to the Nikon D3S #1 How my passion for photography evolved from a D70, a D700 up to a D3S

In this video, I start again publishing content this year and I start with a tribute to the D3S.
I explain where it all started, first with a Nikon D70 with illustration of the power of this little camera up until the Nikon D3S with pictures of the first time I used it....
Enjoy !!!
#nikon
#nikonD3S
#nikonD70
#tributetothelegend
#D3S
#DSLR

[@olliervincent8344]

Beautiful photos ! Congratulations !

[@stevegellas7869]

I bought one a couple of years ago for 1000.00 dollars with 12,000. Actuations. Great camera!

[@edc5338]

Great photos. I own a D3s and love it. Great in low light.

[@jensroeckendorf382]

Hello Didier Moulin, I am a hobby photographer. Your videos recommendations for the Nikon D3s was one of the reasons that I bought a used Nikon D3S with only one working CF card slot and today I think it was a very good decision. Thanks for this. Thanks for this video and your effort!!

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Great to read your comment I’m glad that you are more than satisfied with your D3S Have a great day

[@KimHojbergJensen]

I have a D3s with 550.000 actuations. It has some wear on the surface, but works very well. Thanks for your return to youtube.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

550.000 !!!! Wouaw !!! Congratulations 🎉 Thanks for sharing your feedback on the reliability of this camera !

[@mobilography6786]

D3 or D3s is still a top of the range nikon. I got mine d3 in 2019 with only 60k shutter. Best camera.😊👍

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

They were designed to do the job, and the job has not changed yet so they still deliver! Of course, since, there are even better solutions today. But the D3 series with D700 are great to go.

[@mobilography6786]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography Thanks for your reply! I got a Nikon D700 with nikon 18-55 dx and a sigma 70-200 f2.8 few months ago. Its only to save my D3 shutter counts at minimum.😅😊

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@mobilography6786 a DX lens on a 12Mpx FX sensor. At the end you have a very small file.

[@mobilography6786]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography I use that dx with D200 crop sensor but I've a collection of nikon af and Ai lenses for D3 and D700

[@farouk6564]

Magnifiques les photos bravo! De bon souvenirs pour toute la famille.

[@TheWizdry]

I need a D70, just because it’s a Nikon Dslr I still haven’t used. Nikon D80 is the more consumer version, I believe of the D70. I currently use a D700 with a D3s. Amazing cameras producing phenomenal results! Other newer DSLR Nikons in my camera herd that also produce great results in different situations. The D700, D3, D70, D300s all produce incredible real world colors right of of each camera.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Yes fully agree. Can’t say it another way. It’s where it all started for me. And it gave me the thrill

[@BPRO78]

Toujours aussi intéressant. Merci

[@mobilography6786]

Welcome back Didier 😂👍

[@romansivers]

Hi Didier, great to see you back! I suspect you get this often, but I’m compelled to say anyway: your videos are really exceptional. I especially like the menu walk-through! I sent the D700 basics video to my mom and my father-in-law. Recently, I bought both of them a D700 each and sent them your video on how to use a D700. Your walk-through of D3s menu setup is amazing! Very detailed, proper (slow) pace for those who are looking to understand. Well done! On a topic of D3s… A few thing to say (for context, I have a D4s, D800e, D610, a D3 and a D3s - and I bought and gave two D700s to my parents as mentioned above): * D3 and D3s are in a class by themselves: there is a tactile / mechanical excellence that one can’t explain. I love a D4s, but it’s shutter is quiet. * the real downside of D3s is that it makes other cameras redundant. Had I purchased a D3s before D4s, I probably would have not purchased a D4s. D3/D3s are excellent and sufficient for 99.9% of all photography needs. Can’t wait to see your other videos. Cheers from Canada! -Roman

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

👍🙏🙏 Thank you soooo much for your feedback You know, I do these videos to share my experience and I didn’t expect a lot at the beginning. But messages like yours are so welcomed and encouraging. Thanks you again. I don’t prepare my videos a lot. I think of a subject, I check if I have photographs to illustrate it and one day I’m ready in my head and I switch my camera ON and I record… this gives this natural look I guess as I’m really natural without any text to read… Each camera has something to someone and to me, the D3# has something with the design, the touch and feel, the sound, the accuracy, the viewer, the repeatability, the confidence … the only one that made me jump again is the one on the left of the screen 😉 the colors of the D3X are something exceptional without any tricks… Good idea for your parents about the D700 and the menu walk around I did as it’s the same indeed… Looking forward to your futur comments so!

[@romansivers]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography your comment re D3x colours made me curious…. Would you be able to do a comparison video, or a dedicated video on advantages of D3x in 2023 from your perspective? This is a particular interest for mine, as I am contemplating to add a D3x to my collection (D4s, D3s, D3, D800e, D610). Recently, I was doing a “studio” shoot at home, and I did family photos using D800e and D4s. While photos from D800e are simply shocking because of its high resolution - I find them somewhat “flat” vs images from a D4s. D4s’ are somehow lively. Not sure how to explain it… Maybe it’s microcontrast, maybe it different tonality - don’t know, but livelier. Similarly, I did two almost identical photos using ambient light: D4s and D800e - once you put them side-by-side, a photo from D4s stands out. Maybe more accurate WB, maybe better contrast / skin rendition - don’t know. All of this to say - I’m curious about your thoughts on owning D3x in 2023. Why did you buy it, what it does well, what it does poorly, what stands out to you, what are the competitors for the same “niche” that D3x occupies in your collection, what was your selection criteria, and how do images stack up against other cameras that you own/contemplated. My logic for my own potential purchase is that a D3x appears to be a studio / bright day companion to a D3/D3s: same memory cards, same batteries, I suspect nearly identical menu system. So, own both and you have a full kit: versatile & fast / high res & deliberate. I’m also, not convinced that owning a D3/D3s/D3x is somehow a disadvantage vs “more modern” cameras. I’m not convinced that they are anywhere close to obsolescence of their output / usability - likely will offer 10+ more years of enjoyment. -R

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@romansivers hello Roman It’s planed that I make a special video or even some videos about the D3X. I guess that the feeling you have with the D4S compared to the D800e has something similar to the feeling I have when I use my D3X. I recently made a little comparison with the D6 (now you know what is on the left part of the video… it’s no longer a secret 😊) and I was a bit chocked by how much more accurate the D3X was with colors. I need to do a more precise test to confirm because each camera had a lens and I didn’t swap them to compare only the camera. One thing that impresses me a lot with the D3X is that I don’t need to tune a lot in my editing software. It’s nearly fine out of the camera which is not always the case with other cameras… Keep in touch and you’ll see a video on the D3X… not immediately as I plan to make few others about the D3S in many many conditions to show how this D3S is versatile and still relevant in 2023 for someone who doesn’t care about last geek innovation ! The reason why I own both is because they are made to complete each other. The same as lumix S1 and S1R which I own as well, for the same reasons Cheers and have a good day

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

great to see you back Didier. I don't have a a D3S but as you know I have and love my D700, particularly with my 105mm f2.8G macro. They make for a wonderful combination :-)

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hooo nice to read you my friend. Yeah I know you have the D700 / 105 macro combo and for sure the VR and the real good definition of this lens is a joy to use on the D700. Enjoy and take care of you.

[@atrbear]

Great Video, I have the D3s-super low s/a, D4s, D700 with BG, D810 with BG, D850 with BG along with several Dx models, the D3s is such a great synergy of simplicity and capability, durability, reliability and pleasure to shoot with, good glass being the key regardless of the camera, Ted.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Yes this camera has been an exceptional release and the point of start of a new generation and success of Nikon. What do you mean by BG? Best Glasses ?

[@fredlizarot2204]

Super de vous revoir

[@PeterR0035]

I use a FM2 and a D850. Some 2 years ago I got a low actuations D3S. Apart from the weight, it is the camera that handles best for me. The buttons and switches are very intuitive and not too many / not too few to be able to handle any settings on the fly without needing special training on 4th level deep menu settings... PS Even low shutter count D3x's are becoming affordable now! Thanks for your nice channel!

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Thank you so much ! I feel like you. The size and buttons layout of the D3S / D3X or D6 fits perfectly my hands and my taste. The LUMIX S1R is even better for some reason. The first one being that all buttons are in the right… you don’t need to use your left hand to operate the camera which is really clever when you have an heavy lens… I got my D3X at an incredible price in a store with warranty and very low shutter count ! I didn’t hesitate one second! But now I see some dead pixels unfortunately. Not sure how to fix it.

[@PeterR0035]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography Dead pixels; first the obvious; warranty...? other than that, if...(?!) Nikon still wants to repair it, and you want to keep it; send it in. Otherwise; don't go too much pixel peeping and don't worry too much, just enjoy it while you can.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@PeterR0035 no longer under warranty… Not sure Nikon can repair as it’s too hold now But yes definitively I enjoy it It is in dark areas that I can see them. Otherwise in day lite pictures it’s OK 👌

[@romansivers]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography re dead pixels: could you upload a .NEF file where you can see dead pixels? I’m curious if Nikon’s software (CaptureNX 2 for instance) fixes this automatically. For example, there is a standard feature Astro noise reduction in CNX2 that automatically fixes all hot pixels that come up at high ISO. Curious if it will fix dead pixels.

[@kenmoulin9691]

My first DSLR was a D50 back in 2005. It finally died in 2018. Now i shoot with a D850 and remember fondly how much smaller the files were. Cool last name btw.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hi Ken Thanks for this comment and your share of your experience with Nikon since nearly 20 years. For sure the D850 delivers gorgeous images but at the cost of a huge space on drives, SSD or else… I had a D850 few years ago and I sold it when I switched to the L mount alliance. Certainly one of the best if not the best DSLR… it always depends on the use we have.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

No one should worry about the 12MP on this camera. The sensor is still superb, with wonderful tonal registration and no noise at ISO 6400 and below. And if you need higher resolution, I can say from experience that the files respond extremely well to upscaling to about 45MP using Topaz Gigapixel AI...which will solve your need for more megapixels.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

I’m curious about this Topaz application Now I have updated my graphic card I will be able to try it. But for sure when I shoot with the lumix S1R and Leica lenses, we are no longer playing the same game. We have to be honest. But this doesn’t mean that this 15 years old sensors are no longer able to give us satisfaction. They have great dynamic, nice colors, relevant white balance. It’s OK even today. Yesterday I covered a hand ball match with both a D3S and a D6 Happy with both!!!

[@bailey.nt86]

I never got the notification for your video. I'm just seeing this. KZbin sucks sometimes 😂 my new to me 50mm f/1.2 is arriving today. Guess who's going shooting with their D3s tomorrow 😊👊 old cameras and manual focus lenses are my personal favorite for pleasure shooting. I have all the new mirrorless stuff for my clients. I don't get nearly as excited.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Such a pleasing message end of the day is great to start the weekend ! Enjoy you manual shooting with this little jewel At f/2 it’s really good. Agree with you with this pleasure of old stuff sometimes.

[@skiddrood]

hi saludos desde bogota colombia. la foto de hija entre los autos que lente uso con la d3s. utilizo flash?. que ISO utilizo. gracias bendiciones

[@pynpotha]

Thank you so much for your great explanation Sir. I used Sony alpha 6400 & totally missed the sensation of photography. I had to sell my Nikon d700 due to my higher studies in 2019. So, now I'm sure. My destination will be Nikon D3S or X

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Great to read that you appreciate these images If you have plenty of light and you don’t need burst shooting , the D3X is a marvelous camera with a wonderful sensor

[@pynpotha]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography Yes totally. I’m enjoying photography. I don’t shoot bursts. So, this would be my solution 🌟

[@natashagregoire9917]

J’ai commencer avec un D70S, je l’ai tjrs mais j’utilise encore ma D3S je vais tout probable changer pour une Z5 (j’aimerais bien une Z9 mais ce n’est pas dans le budget hehe) ce video m’as donner le gout de sortir ma D70s et aller m’amuser :) merci pour tes video informatifs surtout sur la D3S je l’ai depuis près de 13 ans et j’en ai tout de meme appris avec ce video ;)

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Merci 🙏 pour ton commentaire Si je peux me permettre de te donner un conseil, ne fais pas l’erreur de prendre un entrée de gamme avec le Z5 après avoir eu l’habitude d’un tank comme le D3S. Tu risques d’être déçue je pense. Un Z6ii peut être une bonne idée Plein format déjà… Celui qui est entre les deux mondes c’est le D780… à voir mais j’ai tellement l’habitude des grands viseurs rond que le D780 ne m’attire pas avec son petit viseur comme celui du D750 d’ailleurs Ravi que mes vidéos t’intéressent !

[@sn4rl277]

I had the D3 for a time, you helped me with your video on how to set things up in shooting menus and all. Then I traded the D3 in for a D4 just recently. I really wanted to get a D3s, but they are still somewhat expensive for what I wanted to do vs the D4 for a few extra. I would like to have a D3s someday, but their popularity has kept the price high for the options. I felt like the D4 was a better buy for my needs and it gave me a few more Megapixels to work with. What lens do you use for those D3s pictures?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Nice to read that you have been using some of my advices regarding the setting of the D3S. I always heard that the D4 had some issue in colors and that the D4S was the one to go with. Don’t you have any issue with the D4? What is your experience after the D3 ? The lenses I had at this moment with the D3S that I borrowed in 2015 were the 50mm f/1.8 AFS and the 90mm f/2.8 Macro Tamron VC. Nothing really amazing but it did the job !

[@BPRO78]

The photos of the auto collection show are magnificent. What objective did you have with the D3S?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Thanks a lot ! Glad you like them I had the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AFS and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro Just these two little lenses … and 12 Mpx😊

[@romansivers]

On the topic of gear acquisition- is this a D5 standing at the end of the row? :)

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

🤣🤣 nearly …. I will introduce this beast of my Nikon collection in the future…😊

[@bngr_bngr]

What size CF cards do you use?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hello. The cards I use can be 8 up until 64 Gb

[@MrNanoukos]

Hi my dear friend ! Wonder who is this guy in the store who offered you to spend a week-end with the D3S 🤠 I still have mine too and totally agree with you to recommand it nowadays

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hello dear friend ! This guy was a good friend and the owner of the store was really cool At the end I bought a second hand in this store few years later ! The one I still have today Enjoy your experience with the D3S

[@saman.artman6845]

Hi what about d3x? I love d700. Is that better than d700 for portrait?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

D3X is exceptional ! It needs light. But it’s sooo great color wise I love it

[@libophotos]

Super vidéo Didier, merci ici j'ai la chance d'acheter bientôt un 3Ds avec 9000 déclenchements pour 950€ et 1 an de garantie.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Les prix augmentent ! J’ai acheté le mien 800€ il y a bien 4 ou 5 ans avec moins de déclenchements !!!

[@libophotos]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography Ha oui quand même, bonne affaire. A mon avis ca devient difficile de s'en procurer un, qu'il augmentent les prix.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@libophotos c’est à cause de mes vidéos 😂😂😎

[@user-ek8ko7np4l]

I followed your several videos for D3s . Now I meet a near new one around $1200 with 2 thousands shutter count . Is it worthy to buy ？I own D700, DF, D780 .

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hi 👋 and thank you for your message 2k shutter count is very low but 1200$ seems a bit too high according to me. Ok it’s still a relevant camera but not at this price. Try to negotiate 😉

[@user-ek8ko7np4l]

@@DidierMOULINPhotography Many thanks for your suggestion ! How much price is reasonable ? :-) it is near new !

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@user-ek8ko7np4l I know it’s like a new but it is more than 10 years old and to be honest the interest in this camera for still being relevant is that it’s cheap. 700-800€ for this one 400€-500€ for a used one

[@secarr09]

Which lens is that on your D3s?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

At this time I had the 50mm f/1.8 and the Tamron 90mm macro G1 if I remember well