Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Nikon D700. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3 were released 2007 and Nikon D700 was released 2008. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3 2007
Nikon D700 2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D700 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D700 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832
Nikon D700 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 200 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3 200-25600
Nikon D700 200-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D700

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds and Nikon D700 can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3 9
Nikon D700 8

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Nikon D3 or Nikon D700 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 21% heavier than Nikon D700 and its 1074 gr (or 2.37 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb
Nikon D700 1074 gr
2.37 lb

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Nikon D700, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Name Nikon D3 Nikon D700
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Release Year 2007 2008
Release Date 2007-08-23 2008-07-01
MSRP 4999 USD 2999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 12,1 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED
Image
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
ISO Range 200 - 25600 200 - 25600
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 51 51
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3”
Screen dots 922000 922000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.72×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Frames per second 9 fps 8 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Yes Optional
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
Yes
Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3
Nikon D700
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4300 shots 1000 shots
Width 160 mm 147 mm
Height 157 mm 123 mm
Depth 88 mm 77 mm
Weight 1300 gram 1074 gram