Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon D3
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufacturered by Nikon.
Nikon Z6 II were released 2020 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period of time can be of interest since technology is always improving etc.| Camera | Manufacturer | Released |
| Nikon Z6 II | Nikon | 2020 |
| Nikon D3 | Nikon | 2007 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z6 II is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts sensor (called "FX") which means that if you compare the 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 | Experienced focal length when using a lens with 50mm focal length (ex a common "50mm f/1.8") | |
| Nikon Z6 II | 50 mm | (a fullframe sensor does not have a crop factor / focal length multiplier) |
| Nikon D3 | 50 mm | (a fullframe sensor does not have a crop factor / focal length multiplier) |
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon Z6 II has a 25 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
| Camera | Megapixels | Pixel (total) | Pixels (width) | Pixels (height) |
| Nikon Z6 II | 25 MP | 24337152 | 6048 | 4024 |
| Nikon D3 | 12,1 MP | 12052992 | 4256 | 2832 |
Nikon Z6 II has a 102 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterwards while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon Z6 II has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon Z6 II has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Nikon Z6 II | 100-51200 |
| Nikon D3 | 200-25600 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that supports autofocus, does not have a autofocus motor of their own but this wont cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses that work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z6 II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definately be of interest. Nikon Z6 II can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Nikon Z6 II | 14 |
| Nikon D3 | 9 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon Z6 II. Unfortunately Nikon D3 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, carried around, for several hours at the time.
Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2,87 lb) which is 84% heavier than Nikon Z6 II and its 705 gr (or 1,55 lb).
| Camera | Weight (in gram) | Weight (in pounds) |
| Nikon Z6 II | 705 gr | 1,55 lb |
| Nikon D3 | 1300 gr | 2,87 lb |
