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Nikon D1X vs D3

The Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2001 and August 2007. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D1X) and a full frame (D3) sensor. The D1X has a resolution of 5.9 megapixels, whereas the D3 provides 12.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D1X
versus
Nikon D3
Nikon D1X   Nikon D3
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
5.9 MP – APS-C sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 125-800 (125 - 3,200) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.0" LCD – 120k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge4300 shots per battery charge
157 x 153 x 85 mm, 1100 g 160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D1X vs Nikon D3
Compare D1X versus D3 top
Comparison D1X or D3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3 is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Nikon D1X. Moreover, the D3 is markedly heavier (18 percent) than the D1X. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D3) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D1X). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D1X gets 1200 shots out of its EN-4 battery, while the D3 can take 4300 images on a single charge of its EN-EL4a power pack. As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D3 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 17 percent) than the D1X, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D1X features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D3 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D3 is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D1X and Nikon D3 sensor measures

With 12.1MP, the D3 offers a higher resolution than the D1X (5.9MP), but the D3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.43μm versus 7.92μm for the D1X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D3 is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 6 months) than the D1X, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D1X are 15 x 9.8 inches or 38.2 x 24.9 cm for good quality, 12 x 7.8 inches or 30.6 x 19.9 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.5 inches or 25.5 x 16.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D1X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 125-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the D1X is build around a CCD sensor, while the D3 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D1X versus D3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
2.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
5.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
6.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
9.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
11.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
12.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
13.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
14.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
15.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
16.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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The D3 offers Live View, so that it can project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen for framing. The D1X lacks this capability. Both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The D1X and the D3 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D3 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D1X (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D3 has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D1X and Nikon D3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The Nikon D3 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D1X and the D3 write their files to Compact Flash cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D1X only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D1X and Nikon D3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
2.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
15.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
16.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
padding

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D1X and the D3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D1X was replaced by the Nikon D2X, while the D3 was followed by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D1X and D3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D1X Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Nikon D1X:

  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/16000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 200g or 15 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2001).


Advantages of the Nikon D3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (12.1 vs 5.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 42%.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 120k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4300 versus 1200) out of a single battery charge.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (17 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D1X launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D3 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 3 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D1X 03:15 D3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D1X and the D3 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D1X vs Nikon D3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2001 August 2007
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 4,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    Sensor Technology CCD CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 5.9 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3008 x 1960 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.92 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 1.59 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 800 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 125 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 81
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 2290
    Screen Specs Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 120k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector Firewire USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D1X Nikon D3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type EN-4 EN-EL4a
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge4300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 157 x 153 x 85 mm
    (6.2 x 6.0 x 3.3 in)
    160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1100 g (38.8 oz) 1300 g (45.9 oz)
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    Check D3 offers at
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    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

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