Nikon D3S - Manual (Page 207)

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Active D-Lighting
Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows,
creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast
scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor
scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded
subjects on a sunny day.
Active D-Lighting off Active D-Lighting: Y Auto
Active D-Lighting off Active D-Lighting: P High
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“Active D-Lighting” versus “D-Lighting”
The Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu adjusts exposure
before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the D-Lighting
option in the retouch menu optimizes dynamic range in images after
shooting.