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Nikon D3X vs Z9

The Nikon D3X and the Nikon Z9 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in December 2008 and October 2021. The D3X is a DSLR, while the Z9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D3X has a resolution of 24.4 megapixels, whereas the Z9 provides 45.4 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3X
versus
Nikon Z9
Nikon D3X   Nikon Z9
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
24.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 8K/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 6,400) ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.2" LCD – 2089k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 30 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
4400 shots per battery charge740 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1260 g 149 x 150 x 91 mm, 1340 g
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Check Z9 price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3X and the Nikon Z9? 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 D3X and the Nikon Z9. 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 D3X vs Nikon Z9
Compare D3X versus Z9 top
Comparison D3X or Z9 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z9 is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Nikon D3X. However, the Z9 is markedly heavier (6 percent) than the D3X. 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 D3X gets 4400 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the Z9 can take 740 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18d 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 power pack in the Z9 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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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 D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The Z9 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 31 percent) than the D3X, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and 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 Z9 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 7) than the D3X (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3X and Nikon Z9 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Z9 offers a higher resolution of 45.4 megapixels, compared with 24.4 MP of the D3X. 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 4.35μm versus 5.94μm for the D3X). However, it should be noted that the Z9 is much more recent (by 12 years and 10 months) than the D3X, 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 Z9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3X are 30.2 x 20.2 inches or 76.8 x 51.2 cm for good quality, 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 41 cm for very good quality, and 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D3X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z9 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3X is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z9 uses a Stacked 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.

D3X versus Z9 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z9 has a markedly higher DXO score than the D3X (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 0.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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 D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
2.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
4.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
5.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
6.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
7.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
8.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
9.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
10.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
11.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
12.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
13.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
14.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
15.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
16.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The Z9 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3X does not. The highest resolution format that the Z9 can use is 8K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z9 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D3X 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 Z9 has a higher magnification than the one of the D3X (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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D3X and Nikon Z9 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 D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
16.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z9 has a touchscreen, while the D3X has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 Z9 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 D3X and the Nikon Z9 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 D3X writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the Z9 uses CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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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 D3X and Nikon Z9 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 D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the Z9 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3X does not provide wifi capability.

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

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D3X has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the D3X from Nikon. Further information on the features and operation of the D3X and Z9 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3X Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z9 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon D3X better than the Nikon Z9 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Nikon D3X:

  • 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.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4400 versus 740) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in December 2008).


Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z9:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 24.4MP), which boosts linear resolution by 36%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 7 vs EXPEED).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 8K/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 (2089k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (149x150mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • 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.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • 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 (31 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 12 years and 10 months of technical progress since the D3X launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z9 is the clear winner of the contest (27 : 4 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.

D3X 04:27 Z9

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3X and the Nikon Z9 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3X and the Z9 in practical situations. 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 hands-on reviews by experts 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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? 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.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3X vs Nikon Z9

    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 D3X Nikon Z9
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date December 2008 October 2021
    Launch Price USD 7,999 USD 5,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3X Nikon Z9
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.4 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6048 x 4032 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 8K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 6,400 ISO 32 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.7 26.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.7 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1992 2451
    Screen Specs Nikon D3X Nikon Z9
    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 Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 2089k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3X Nikon Z9
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/32000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 30 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    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 CFexB or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3X Nikon Z9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full 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
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3X Nikon Z9
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Nikon EN-EL18d
    Battery Life (CIPA)4400 shots per charge740 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)
    149 x 150 x 91 mm
    (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 1340 g (47.3 oz)
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