• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1000.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3X advantages over Nikon P530

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4400 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    31 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon P530 advantages over Nikon D3X

  • Less expensive
    $279 vs $2500
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    494g vs 1392g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Nikon D3X
Sony A900
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Lighter weight
Nikon P530
Sony A900
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Newer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3S

Nikon D3X
Nikon D3S
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon P530
Nikon D3S
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3X
Nikon D4
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon P530
Nikon D4
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon L840

Nikon D3X
Nikon L840
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon P530
Nikon L840
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Nikon B500

Nikon D3X
Nikon B500
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon P530
Nikon B500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Manual focus
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
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