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Nikon D3 vs Sony RX1R II

The Nikon D3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2007 and October 2015. The D3 is a DSLR, while the RX1R II is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 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
Sony RX1R II
Nikon D3   Sony RX1R II
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon F mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
11 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4300 shots per battery charge220 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 113 x 65 x 72 mm, 507 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3 and the Sony RX1R II. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D3 vs Sony RX1R II
Compare D3 versus RX1R II top
Comparison D3 or RX1R II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX1R II is considerably smaller (71 percent) than the Nikon D3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3 is splash and dust resistant, while the RX1R II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX1R II has a lens built in, whereas the D3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D3 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the RX1R II can take 220 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 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. The power pack in the RX1R II 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.

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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.
 
Sony RX1R II 113 mm 65 mm 72 mm 507 g 220 n Oct 2015 3,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX1 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The RX1R II was launched at a lower price than the D3, despite having a lens built in. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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.

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.

Nikon D3 and Sony RX1R II sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the RX1R II offers a higher resolution of 42.2 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 4.50μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the RX1R II is much more recent (by 8 years and 1 month) 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 RX1R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX1R II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX1R II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 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 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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the RX1R II 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 RX1R II 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 RX1R II offers substantially better image quality than the D3 (overall score 16 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional 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.

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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.
 
Sony RX1R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53041080/60p25.813.9320497
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
6.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
7.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
8.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
9.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
10.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
11.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
12.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
13.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
14.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
15.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
16.
 
Sony RX1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.114.3253493
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The RX1R II indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the RX1R II can use is 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX1R II has an electronic viewfinder (2360k 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 RX1R II has a higher magnification than the one of the D3 (0.74x vs 0.70x), 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 D3 and Sony RX1R II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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.
 
Sony RX1R II2360 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony RX1optional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
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 RX1R II 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 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.

The D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the RX1R II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the RX1R II 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 D3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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.
 
Sony RX1R IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony RX1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the RX1R II 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 RX1R II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3 and the RX1R II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the RX1R II does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and RX1R II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX1R II Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3 or the Sony RX1R II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • 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 shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 220) 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).

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Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 87%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (16 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the D3).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX1R II is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 13 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 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 13:19 RX1R II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Sony RX1R II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3 or the RX1R II. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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
  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.
 
Sony RX1R II5/5....82/100..4.5/5 Oct 2015 3,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX15/5....79/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3 vs Sony RX1R II

    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 Sony RX1R II
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
    Launch Date August 2007 October 2015
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 3,299
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Sony RX1R II
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 35.8 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 855.62 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 42.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 7952 x 5304 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 4.50 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 4.93 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 97
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 25.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.2 13.9
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2290 3204
    Screen Specs Nikon D3 Sony RX1R II
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    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 1229k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Sony RX1R II
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Sony RX1R II
    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
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3 Sony RX1R II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge220 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)
    113 x 65 x 72 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 507 g (17.9 oz)
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    Check D3 offers at
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    Check RX1R II offers at
    ebay.com

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