• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3 advantages over Nikon Df

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 7.31 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4300 vs 1400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.27 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Df advantages over Nikon D3

  • Higher effective ISO
    3,279 vs 2,290 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    66 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    10 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D3
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $5000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon D3
Sony A99
  • $5000
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon D600

Nikon D3
Nikon D600
  • $5000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Nikon Df
Nikon D600
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon 6D

Nikon D3
Canon 6D
  • $5000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
Nikon Df
Canon 6D
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Nikon D610

Nikon D3
Nikon D610
  • $5000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1223
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Nikon Df
Nikon D610
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1223
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
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