A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
quick link 1 quick link 2
quick link 3
quick link 4
ad

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

PW

Nikon D3 vs Samsung NX500

The Nikon D3 and the Samsung NX500 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2007 and February 2015. The D3 is a DSLR, while the NX500 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D3) and an APS-C (NX500) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Samsung provides 28 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
Samsung NX500
Nikon D3   Samsung NX500
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 28 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4300 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 120 x 64 x 43 mm, 287 g
logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check NX500 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 and the Samsung NX500? 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 Samsung NX500 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D3 vs Samsung NX500
Compare D3 versus NX500 top
Comparison D3 or NX500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Samsung NX500 is considerably smaller (69 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the NX500 is substantially lighter (78 percent) than the D3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3 is splash and dust resistant, while the NX500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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.

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. The power pack in the NX500 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX500 120 mm 64 mm 43 mm 287 g 370 i Feb 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 i Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 i Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 i Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 i Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 i Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 i Jun 2015 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 i Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 i Feb 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 NX500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 84 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3 features a full frame sensor and the Samsung NX500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NX500 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D3 and Samsung NX500 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the NX500 offers a higher resolution of 28 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 3.63μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the NX500 is much more recent (by 7 years and 5 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the NX500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Samsung NX500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the NX500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 32.4 x 21.6 inches or 82.3 x 54.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 21.6 x 14.4 inches or 54.9 x 36.6 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 NX500 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 Samsung NX500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the NX500 uses a BSI-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.

D3 versus NX500 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under consideration, the NX500 has a markedly higher DXO score than the D3 (overall score 6 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. 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 2832i23.512.2229081
2.
 
Samsung NX500 APS-C 28.0 6480 43204K/30p24.813.9137987
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592i22.711.7107871
4.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.110.947659
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.112.067967
12.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2230380
13.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
14.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
15.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
16.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
17.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The NX500 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the NX500 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the NX500 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D3 and Samsung NX500 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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 i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Samsung NX500i i3.0 / 1036 tilting i 1/6000s 9.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical i2.5 / 235 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D300optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D700optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon D5500optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
14.
 
Nikon D5600optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
15.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional i3.0 / 1230 fixed i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
16.
 
Sony A5100i i3.0 / 922 tilting i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A60001440 i3.0 / 922 tilting i 1/4000s 11.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  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
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the D3, but is missing on the NX500 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 NX500 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D3 and the Samsung NX500 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 NX500 uses SDXC cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NX500 only has one slot.

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 Samsung NX500 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 D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Samsung NX500istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D2Xii / iiii2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D300ii / iiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D700ii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Nikon D5500istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
14.
 
Nikon D5600istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Ricoh GR IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Sony A5100istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
17.
 
Sony A6000istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the NX500 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 NX500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3 and the NX500 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the NX500 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and NX500 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Samsung NX500 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D3 better than the Samsung NX500 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Advantages of the Nikon D3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/6000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 9 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 370) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Samsung NX500:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (28 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 52%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • 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 detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k 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.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (120x64mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1013g or 78 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (84 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 5 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the NX500 is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 12 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3 12:21 NX500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Samsung NX500 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3 and the NX500 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX5004.5/5....81/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check NX500 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
  • Credit Card
  • Canon 1D
  • Canon 1D Mark II
  • Canon 1D Mark II N
  • Canon 1D Mark III
  • Canon 1D Mark IV
  • Canon 1Ds
  • Canon 1Ds Mark II
  • Canon 1Ds Mark III
  • Canon 1D C
  • Canon 1D X
  • Canon 1D X Mark II
  • Canon 1D X Mark III
  • Canon 5D
  • Canon 5D Mark II
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon 5D Mark IV
  • Canon 5DS
  • Canon 5DS R
  • Canon 6D
  • Canon 6D Mark II
  • Canon 7D
  • Canon 7D II
  • Canon 10D
  • Canon 20D
  • Canon 30D
  • Canon 40D
  • Canon 50D
  • Canon 60D
  • Canon 70D
  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon D30
  • Canon D60
  • Canon G1 X
  • Canon G1 X Mark II
  • Canon G1 X Mark III
  • Canon G3 X
  • Canon G5 X
  • Canon G5 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X
  • Canon G7 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X Mark III
  • Canon G9 X
  • Canon G9 X Mark II
  • Canon G12
  • Canon G15
  • Canon G16
  • Canon M
  • Canon M3
  • Canon M5
  • Canon M6
  • Canon M6 Mark II
  • Canon M10
  • Canon M50
  • Canon M50 Mark II
  • Canon M100
  • Canon M200
  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
  • Canon R3
  • Canon R5
  • Canon R5 Mark II
  • Canon R5 C
  • Canon R6
  • Canon R6 Mark II
  • Canon R7
  • Canon R8
  • Canon R10
  • Canon R50
  • Canon R50 V
  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
  • Canon SL2
  • Canon SL3
  • Canon SX1
  • Canon SX10
  • Canon SX20
  • Canon SX30
  • Canon SX40
  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
  • Canon SX610
  • Canon SX620
  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
  • Canon SX720
  • Canon SX730
  • Canon SX740
  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
  • Canon T2i
  • Canon T3
  • Canon T3i
  • Canon T4i
  • Canon T5
  • Canon T5i
  • Canon T6
  • Canon T6i
  • Canon T6s
  • Canon T7
  • Canon T7i
  • Canon T8i
  • Canon T100
  • Canon V1
  • Canon XC10
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
  • Canon XTi
  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
  • Fujifilm X-E2
  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
  • Fujifilm X-M5
  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
  • Nikon D2X
  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D3S
  • Nikon D3X
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D4S
  • Nikon D5
  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
  • Nikon D40X
  • Nikon D50
  • Nikon D60
  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
  • Nikon D200
  • Nikon D300
  • Nikon D300S
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon D600
  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
  • Nikon D7100
  • Nikon D7200
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
  • Nikon P950
  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
  • Nikon W300
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon Z5 II
  • Nikon Z6
  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z7 II
  • Nikon Z8
  • Nikon Z9
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
  • Olympus E-400
  • Olympus E-410
  • Olympus E-420
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
  • Olympus E-520
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M1 II
  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus E-PM1
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Olympus Stylus 1s
  • Olympus TG-4
  • Olympus TG-5
  • Olympus TG-6
  • Olympus XZ-1
  • Olympus XZ-2
  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
  • Sony A7S III
  • Sony A9
  • Sony A9 II
  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
  • Sony A77 II
  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
  • Sony HX99
  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
  • Sony NEX-3N
  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
  • Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony NEX-6
  • Sony NEX-7
  • Sony NEX-C3
  • Sony NEX-F3
  • Sony RX0
  • Sony RX0 II
  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
  • Sony RX1R II
  • Sony RX1R III
  • Sony RX10
  • Sony RX10 II
  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
loader
ad

Specifications: Nikon D3 vs Samsung NX500

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 Samsung NX500
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
Launch Date August 2007 February 2015
Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 799
Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Samsung NX500
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 23.5 x 15.7 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 368.95 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 28.3 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 28 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 6480 x 4320 pixels
Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 3.63 μm
Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 7.59 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED DRIMe Vs
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 87
DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 24.8
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.2 13.9
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2290 1379
Screen Specs Nikon D3 Samsung NX500
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 922k dots 1036k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Samsung NX500
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/6000s
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Samsung NX500
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D3 Samsung NX500
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Samsung BP1130
Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge370 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)
120 x 64 x 43 mm
(4.7 x 2.5 x 1.7 in)
Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 287 g (10.1 oz)
logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check NX500 offers at
ebay.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 Samsung NX500