Nikon D3x vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon Df was released 2013. That is a 5 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3x 2008
Nikon Df 2013

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 D3x 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Df 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 D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032
Nikon Df 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

Nikon D3x has a 51 % larger resolution than Nikon Df. 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 Df has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon Df has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3x 100-6400
Nikon Df 100-12800

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 D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x 5
Nikon Df 5,5

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D3x or Nikon Df 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 66% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb
Nikon Df 760 gr
1.68 lb

Nikon D3x vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon Df, 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 D3x
Nikon Df
Name Nikon D3x Nikon Df
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
Release Year 2008 2013
Release Date 2008-12-01 2013-11-05
MSRP 7470 USD 2749 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
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 6048 x 4032 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 24,5 MP 16 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
ISO Range 100 - 6400 100 - 12800
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 + TIFF RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 39
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 D3x
Nikon Df
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3,2”
Screen dots 920000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
Frames per second 5 fps 5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 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 No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
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 D3x
Nikon Df
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control Yes Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS Yes
Optional through GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3x
Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4400 shots 1400 shots
Width 160 mm 144 mm
Height 157 mm 110 mm
Depth 88 mm 67 mm
Weight 1260 gram 760 gram