Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z7

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Nikon Z7. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D3

Nikon Z7

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3 were released 2007 and Nikon Z7 was released 2018. That is a 11 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D3	2007
Nikon Z7	2018

Type of camera

Nikon D3 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z7 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

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 Z7	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

Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z7 has 46 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 Z7	46 MP 45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504

Nikon Z7 has a 277 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon Z7 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon Z7 has an ISO range that stretches from 64 to 25600 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D3	200-25600
Nikon Z7	64-25600

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 Z7

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 Z7 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3	9
Nikon Z7	9

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon Z7. Sadly, the Nikon D3 does not support this.

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 93% heavier than Nikon Z7 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D3	1300 gr 2.87 lb
Nikon Z7	675 gr 1.49 lb