Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that
has a mix of fluorescent and incandescent light, but which
is not brightly lit. The camera's flash is used to add fill
light. The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
Both photos of the Still Life shot are captured using the
JPEG format. The wide angle shot is done with a 24 mm focal
length, the equivalent of a 36 mm.
The pop-up flash of the S3 is able to light a field of view
similar to what can be captured with a 20mm lens, and with
this slightly narrower focal length yields an image with very
even illumination.
Photo Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/60 sec.
Resolution:
3024 x 2016
Flash:
On
Quality:
Fine
ISO:
100
File Size:
2.9 MB
Focal Length:
36 mm (35mm Eq)
Although captured using the
6-megapixel image size which is sharper than the 12-megapixel
size, some jaggies can be discerned in the solid red line
that borders the printing of the old paper envelope.
ZOOM
PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent
is to test the sharpness of the image at the zoom's maximum
setting. The camera remains at the same distance as with the
preceding photo.
The zoomed shot is accomplished using a focal length of
100 mm (equivalent to a 150 mm in the 35 mm
format). The Auto white balance of the S3 yields colours that
are consistent to those of wide angle shot.
The magnification allows the camera to capture fine details,
and although the depth of field is relatively shallow, the
printing screen for the old envelope is quite visible.
Photo Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/60 sec.
Resolution:
3024 x 2016
Flash:
On
Quality:
Fine
ISO:
100
File Size:
2.8 MB
Focal Length:
150 mm (35mm Eq)
Aperture: f16, shutter speed: 1.5 sec.,
ISO 100.
MACRO PHOTO
As always with SLR cameras, the advantage is that lenses
designed for specific uses can be used. This is holds true
for the S3 as it has access to a wide assortment of Nikon
lenses, including some specifically designed for macro photography.
Moreover, a number of relatively inexpensive lenses —
such as the 50mm used here in conjunction with an extension
tube — can be used to capture detailed macro images.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture
of the building, in particular the angled girders, immediately
shows the presence of jaggies. The shadowed entrance can also
often reveal the quality of the exposure.
A 20 mm focal length, which when converted to the 35mm format
is the equivalent of a 30mm, provides a wide field of view.
The S3's 3D matrix metering produces a very well exposed
image and the Auto white balance captures colours that are
true to life. In particular, the colour of the sky is reproduced
perfectly.
Photo Information
Format:
RAW
Aperture:
f6.7
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/180 sec.
Resolution:
4230 x 2820
Flash:
Off
Quality:
No compression
ISO:
100
File Size:
Raw: 25.1 MB
TIFF: 69.9 MB
Focal Length:
30 mm (35mm Eq)
However, with this subject, the
step-like effect that was mentioned earlier is clearly visible,
and is similar to artefacts that are the result of an interpolation
such as occurs with a digital zoom.
ZOOM PHOTO
Zooming in on the entrance of the building,
the shadowed entrance takes on a greater importance for the
metering and can cause an overexposure of sections that are
directly lit.
This telephoto shot is captured using a 70-210 mm f3.5-4.5
at its full telephoto setting. At this setting, with the S3
the field of view is similar to what would be captured with
a 315mm lens.
The photo was captured using the RAW format and then converted
using Hyper-Utility2. While loaded into Hyper-Utility2 the
Wide Dynamic Range was selected allowing details to be retrieved
from areas that were almost overexposed.
Photo Information
Format:
RAW
Aperture:
f8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/30 sec.
Resolution:
4230 x 2820
Flash:
Off
Quality:
No compression
ISO:
100
File Size:
Raw: 25.1 MB
TIFF: 69.9 MB
Focal Length:
315 mm (35mm Eq)
The result is that the lettering
on the sign that is attached to the door was made legible, without
loosing any of the details the camera had captured behind the
glass doors.
NIGHT PHOTO
Since this camera is capable of long exposures,
a photo taken at night is included here.
Aperture: f4.8 shutter speed: 15 sec., ISO 100.
Captured in RAW format and converted to TIFF format.
The S3 Pro has a shutter
speed range that extends to 30 seconds and in addition offers
a Bulb mode when the camera is set to the Manual mode and
Custom Function 6 is enabled. But, while a Bulb mode provides
flexible timing for long exposures, with a subject such as
this one the timed presets of the camera are just as efficient.
Regrettably however, the S3 does not provide a mirror lock-up
function to prevent the potential vibration introduced in
the image when the mirror lifts at the start of the exposure.
With the white balance set to Incandescent
so as to take into account the surrounding lights, the S3
yields JPEG images that have a noticeably yellow cast. But,
using a photo captured in RAW format, it was possible using
Hyper-Utility2 to correct the white balance perfectly by selecting
a grey point.
Being in RAW format image however, it has a 12 megapixel
resolution and jaggies (a step-like artefact usually associated
with an interpolation — are noticeable.
Compare Prices for Ape Case Teton 514 Digital SLR Camera Bags Cases
Test Photos
