• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D3
  • Canon EOS 6D
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D2Hs
D2Hs vs D3
 
Successor:   Canon 6D Mark II
6D vs 6D Mark II
General
Model Number: D3 6D
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $4999.95 $2399.00
Street Price:   $1,699.00
Date Available: 2007-11-30 2012-12-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 49.9 oz (1,414 g)
includes batteries
51.1 oz (1,448 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.
(160 x 157 x 88 mm)
5.7 x 4.4 x 2.8 in.
(145 x 111 x 71 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Canon
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 20.2
Sensor Format: 35mm 35mm
Sensor size: 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm) 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 8.46 microns 6.54 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 5:4 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 81 82
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.5 23.8
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.2 12.1
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,290 2,340
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4256 x 2832 (12.1 MP, 3:2),
3184 x 2120 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2128 x 1416 (3.0 MP, 3:2),
2784 x 1848 (5.1 MP, Other),
2080 x 1384 (2.9 MP, 3:2),
1392 x 920 (1.3 MP, Other),
3552 x 2832 (10.1 MP, 5:4),
2656 x 2120 (5.6 MP, 5:4),
1776 x 1416 (2.5 MP, 5:4)
5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2),
3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2),
2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1280 (2.5 MP, 3:2),
720 x 480 (0.3 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr JPEG (EXIF v2.3), .CR2 14-bit RAW, mRAW, sRAW; RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 9.0 4.4
Video Capture
Can take movies: No Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
640x480 (30p/​25p)
Movie File Format:   .MOV (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, ALL-I and IPB modes, Linear PCM audio)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Canon EF
Lens: n/a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM; 18 elements in 13 groups, including 3 aspherical and 1 S-UD element
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   24 - 105mm
Focal Length (actual):   24 - 105mm
Zoom Ratio:   4.38x
Aperture Range:   f/4 - f/22
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   45 cm to Infinity
17.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 77.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: No
Digital Zoom Values: n/a  
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX with 15 cross-type and 36 line-type sensors Phase-detection: 11 points, 1 center cross-type point with -3 to +18 EV sensitivity rating
Auto Focus Assist Light? No No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, interchangeable screen, 100%, 0.7x, 18mm eyepoint, -3.0 to +1.0 SLR type; fixed eye-level pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.71x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter, interchangeable focusing screen (Eg-A provided)
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x 0.71x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x 0.71x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 920,000 dots 1,044,000 dots (348,000 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x  
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 200 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 200 - 6400, plus down to 100 in Lo-1, up to 25,600 in Hi-2 Auto, 100-25600 in 1/3 or 1 EV steps, expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting, custom Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area 63-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (8%), Spot (3.5%)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control; Multiple Exposure (up to 9 images)
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds 2, 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes No
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No No
Flash Modes: n/a E-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual, FE Lock
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/180
Flash Exposure Compensation:   +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; compr .CR2 14-bit RAW, mRAW, sRAW; RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format:   .MOV (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, ALL-I and IPB modes, Linear PCM audio)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No Yes
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type:   Optional Wired, IR Wireless or Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): HDMI Out, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal Mini HDMI (Type C), Remote Jack, 3.5mm Stereo Mic Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): <0.3 0.52
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.32 0.52
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.52
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 9.0 4.4
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 30 1250
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   4.4
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   17
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   4.4
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   7
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.09 seconds 0.29 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.09 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):   0.67 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.066 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.047 seconds 0.074 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds 0.059 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   OVF mode: Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.206s Live View mode: Full AF phase-detect = 1.679s Full AF contrast-detect = 0.670s Prefoced = 0.066s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.5 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.5 seconds 0.3 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   220 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 4300 shots 1090 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL4a Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL4a Lithium Ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: PictureProject Canon EOS Digital Solution Disc
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Main features: Nikon's first full-frame (FX) DSLR; 12.1 megapixels, plus auto DX crop mode; 9fps at 12.1MP, up to 11fps at 5.1MP; Shutter release time lag of only 37 milliseconds, start-up time of 0.12 seconds; Normal ISO range from ISO 200 to 6400 can be extended using the camera's built-in settings of Lo-1 and Hi-2 for the equivalent of ISO 100 and ISO 25,600, respectively; 14-bit NEFs with 16-bit processing by EXSPEED Image Processing System; New Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus sensor module, with 51 AF points, including 15 cross-type sensors that are located in the center of the frame; Revolutionary new Scene Recognition System that greatly enhances the accuracy of, auto exposure, auto white balance detection and auto focus in the camera; Super-density, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with 920,000 dot resolution; Two new Live View modes; Active D-Lighting system; 100%, 0.7x magnification pentaprism viewfinder; Dual CF card slots with UDMA support; HDMI port; World's first virtual horizon level indicator that uses sensors incorporated within the camera to indicate the inclination of the camera relative to the horizon, on the LCD monitor or inside the viewfinder; 300,000 cycle shutter with Self Diagnostic Shutter Monitor; Fine-tune adjustment for auto focus with settings for up to 20 different lenses; Optional new WT-4A wireless transmitter that provides support for wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11a/b/g,) and can transmit a remote view from the camera and also support continuous shooting through a wireless or wired connection using Nikon's Camera Control Pro 2 software (optional).