How To Get Manual Exposure Video Mode on the Nikon D3S
November 23, 2009 by David Bergman
I recently got my hands on a Nikon D3S to use on a music video I’m producing for Taddy Porter. There’s not much info out there yet, so I wanted to point out a few things.
- There is some misinformation online stating that the camera does not allow true manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and aperture in video mode. That is absolutely not true. The feature is undocumented for some reason, but if you hit the OK button while in live view, a light meter will appear and it switches to whatever mode that you currently have set on the camera (manual, aperture priority, etc). That means if you’re on manual, then you can adjust all of your settings as you please. Push the INFO button to cycle through different display modes, including a live histogram, horizon level, grid, etc.
- The low light ability is incredible. You can literally see in the dark.
- Like the D3, the screen is gorgeous. I’m having no trouble manual focusing. Of course, I learned to shoot stills when we covered fast-moving sporting events with manual focus lenses.
A couple of things to watch out for:
- The video mode eats batteries, which is surprising because I can shoot thousands of still images before recharging. Make sure you have extras on hand.
- As expected, the camera is heavy. A tripod or other support system is highly recommended. I’m going to try and use a monopod for most of my run-and-gun shooting this week.
Overall, I’m thrilled with the camera. As happy as I’ve been with the D3, this is the one I’ve been waiting for from Nikon. The ability to shoot shallow depth-of-field, high-def video at 24p with my full arsenal of 35 mm lenses is simply awesome.
Hey David – ditch the monopod and try a Zacuto rig (http://www.zacuto.com/) when you can get one for “gorilla style shooting”. My friends shooting DSLR video say it is the way to go! I just ordered one for my Canon 7D. Love your work, look forward to seeing what you do with the D3S. -K2
K2 – I’d love one. Just got the camera on Friday and started shooting already so it’s too late for this particular job though.
The D3S ….. It’s really a tough choice, upgrading from a D3. Should I go for the pixels in the D3X or should I buy the D3S, with the same amount of pixels but performing better in high ISO ….
Buying both is a bit overkill, but still, I’m undecided. Maybe Santa Claus brings something for me soon ….
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jurgen – for the type of work I do, the addition of video makes the D3S a no brainer. I rarely need more pixels and if I do, I can rent.
Looking forward to seeing some low light video from the D3S.
Excellent camera !!!
I tried to see if there was any manual control in any mode. Apparently you cannot adjust aperture and shutter speed independently, with one automatically changing the other.
So there is manual control, but not “full”. Is your experience different?
Brad, my experience is different. In manual mode, as long as you push the OK button in live view, you can put the camera on manual mode (M) and then independently control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. If you are in aperture priority (A) or shutter priority (S), then one control will influence the other.