Nikon D3x vs Nikon Z7
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon Z7. 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 Z7 was released 2018. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Nikon Z7 | 2018 |
Type of camera
Nikon D3x 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 D3x | 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 D3x has a 24,5 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 D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon Z7 |
46 MP
45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504 |
Nikon Z7 has a 86 % larger resolution than Nikon D3x. 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 D3x. Nikon Z7 has an ISO range that stretches from 64 to 25600 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
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 D3x
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 D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z7 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
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 D3x 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 87% heavier than Nikon Z7 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Nikon Z7 | 675 gr 1.49 lb |
Nikon D3x vs Nikon Z7 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon Z7, 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 Z7 |
Name | Nikon D3x | Nikon Z7 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Release Year | 2008 | 2018 |
Release Date | 2008-12-01 | 2018-08-23 |
MSRP | 7470 USD | 3399 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Camera Type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
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 | 8256 x 5504 pixels |
Megapixels | 24,5 MP | 46 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED 6 |
Image |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
ISO Range | 100 - 6400 | 64 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No |
Yes (Sensor Shift (5 axis)) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 5 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
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 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 D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Tilting |
Screen size | 3” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 2100000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | 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 | 3690000 |
Photography features |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Frames per second | 5 fps | 9 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 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, 1 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Remote Control | Yes |
Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
|
GPS |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3x |
Nikon Z7 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 4400 shots | 330 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 134 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 101 mm |
Depth | 88 mm | 68 mm |
Weight | 1260 gram | 675 gram |