Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z9

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Nikon Z9. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Nikon D3 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z9 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.

** 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 Z9 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon Z9 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 Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 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 Z9

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 Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

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 Z9. 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 Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 3% heavier than Nikon D3 and its 1300 gr (or 2.87 lb).

Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z9 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Nikon Z9, 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 Z9
Name	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Release Year	2007	2021
Release Date	2007-08-23	2021-10-28
MSRP	4999 USD	5500 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Camera Type	DSLR	Mirrorless
Sensor	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
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	Full Stacked CMOS
Resolution	4256 x 2832 pixels	8256 x 5504 pixels
Megapixels	12,1 MP	46 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 7
Image	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
ISO Range	200 - 25600	32 - 102400
White Balance Presets	12	9
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Sensor Shift (Synchro VR with selected lenses))
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	6 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	493
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon Z 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 Z9
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Tilting
Screen size	3”	3.2”
Screen dots	922000	2088960
Touch screen	No	Yes
Screen type	N/A	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	3686400
Photography features	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Frames per second	9 fps	30 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	900 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/32000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	No
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 Highlight Weighted Spot
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 Z9
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	H.264 H.265
Video resolution	N/A	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	Yes
Storage	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash Express XQD
Connectivity	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	Yes
Headphone Port	No	Yes
Wireless	No	Yes Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy)
Remote Control	Yes	Yes (Via app)
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS)
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3	Nikon Z9
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery	EN-EL18d (backwards compatible with EN-EL18/a/b/c batteries)
Battery Life (CIPA)	4300 shots	740 shots
Width	160 mm	149 mm
Height	157 mm	150 mm
Depth	88 mm	91 mm
Weight	1300 gram	1340 gram