After seeing quite a bit of leaks on the interweb, Nikon has today decided to officially announce its shiny new D3S DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. The professional photo providing beast measures 159.5 (W) x 157 (H) x 87.5 (D) mm, it weights 1240 grams and features a 12.1 FX-format CMOS sensor, a 3-inch (921,000 dots) TFT screen, an ISO sensitivity range from 200 to a massive 12,800, and two CompactFlash slots.

The camera can record 1280 x 720 video @ 24 fps, and also has autofocus TTL phase detection with 51 focus points, the EXPEED image processing system, active D-Lighting for a more realistic contrast, plus USB and HDMI connectivity.

"When the Nikon D3 was released, it ushered in a new era of professional digital imaging. Today, the D3S will further reinforce Nikon’s leadership role in the photographic industry as a pioneer in performance-driven technologies that will again break once-rigid picture-taking barriers," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon. "The ruggedly constructed D3S was engineered to address the real-world needs of professional photographers and provides them with a tool that, when combined with their skills, delivers stunning images in a broad range of shooting conditions and assignment requirements."

The Nikon D3S will become available in late November for $5,200.