Nikon D3x vs Nikon Z9

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon Z9. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D3x

Nikon Z9

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon Z9 was released 2021. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D3x	2008
Nikon Z9	2021

Type of camera

Nikon D3x 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.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3x	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Z9	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 Z9 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 Z9	46 MP 45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504

Nikon Z9 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 Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D3x	100-6400
Nikon Z9	32-102400

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 Z9

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 Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x	5
Nikon Z9	30

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 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 Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 6% heavier than Nikon D3x and its 1260 gr (or 2.78 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D3x	1260 gr 2.78 lb
Nikon Z9	1340 gr 2.95 lb