A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon D3 vs Z5

The Nikon D3 and the Nikon Z5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2007 and July 2020. The D3 is a DSLR, while the Z5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D3 has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Z5 provides 24.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3
versus
Nikon Z5
Nikon D3   Nikon Z5
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.2" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 4.5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
4300 shots per battery charge470 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 g
logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Z5 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 and the Nikon Z5? 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.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3 and the Nikon Z5 is provided 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 D3 vs Nikon Z5
Compare D3 versus Z5 top
Comparison D3 or Z5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z5 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the Z5 is substantially lighter (48 percent) than the D3. 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the Z5 can take 470 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the Z5, Nikon provides the MB-N10 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the Z5 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 Y Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T4 135 mm 93 mm 64 mm 607 g 500 Y Feb 2020 1,699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Z5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 72 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the Z5 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D3 (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3 and Nikon Z5 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Z5 offers a higher resolution of 24.2 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.95μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the Z5 is much more recent (by 12 years and 11 months) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20.1 inches or 76.4 x 51 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16.1 inches or 61.1 x 40.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.4 inches or 50.9 x 34 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z5 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z5 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3 versus Z5 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
2.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.113.6199584
5.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
7.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
8.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
9.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
10.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
11.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
12.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
13.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
14.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
15.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The Z5 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the Z5 can use is 4K/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z5 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Z5 has a higher magnification than the one of the D3 (0.80x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3 and Nikon Z5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty 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 D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon Z53690 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 4.5/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T43690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the D3, but is missing on the Z5 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D3 and the Nikon Z5 both have 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.

The D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the Z5 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

ad

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 D3 and Nikon Z5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the Z5 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3 (unlike the Z5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Z5 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3 was succeeded by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and Z5 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z5 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3 or the Nikon Z5 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 470) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).


Advantages of the Nikon Z5:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.2 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 41%.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 6 vs EXPEED).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.70x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x101mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 625g or 48 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (72 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 12 years and 11 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z5 is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 7 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3 07:21 Z5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Nikon Z5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3 or the Z5. 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 table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T45/5+ +5/588/1005/55/5 Feb 2020 1,699ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Z5 price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z5

    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 D3 Nikon Z5
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2007 July 2020
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Nikon Z5
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 24.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 6016 x 4016 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 5.95 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 2.82 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 6
    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 D3 Nikon Z5
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Nikon Z5
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 4.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Nikon Z5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3 Nikon Z5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Nikon EN-EL15c
    Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge470 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    134 x 101 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 675 g (23.8 oz)
    logo
    Check D3 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check Z5 price at
    amazon.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z5