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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700

Portability
50
Imaging
55
Features
63
Overall
58
Nikon D3 front
 
Nikon D700 front
Portability
54
Imaging
56
Features
56
Overall
56

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Key Specs

Nikon D3
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 6400 (Expand to 25600)
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 1300g - 160 x 157 x 88mm
  • Released April 2008
  • Successor is Nikon D3S
Nikon D700
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 6400 (Boost to 25600)
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 1074g - 147 x 123 x 77mm
  • Announced October 2008
  • Later Model is Nikon D800E
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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Overview

Here is a detailed assessment of the Nikon D3 and Nikon D700, former being a Pro DSLR while the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both created by Nikon. The image resolution of the D3 (12MP) and the D700 (12MP) is fairly comparable and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (Full frame).

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The D3 was unveiled 5 months prior to the D700 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the D3 grades versus the D700 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Nikon D3 over the Nikon D700

 D3 D700 

Reasons to pick Nikon D700 over the Nikon D3

 D700 D3 

Common features in the Nikon D3 and Nikon D700

 D3 D700 
AnnouncedApril 2008October 2008Same age
Manually focus Dial precise focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display sizing3"3"Equivalent display measurement
Display resolution922k922kThe same display resolution
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch display Neither includes Touch display

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Physical Comparison

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon D3 features outside dimensions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") with a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs) and the Nikon D700 has measurements of 147mm x 123mm x 77mm (5.8" x 4.8" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 1074 grams (2.37 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D3 and Nikon D700 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the D3 compared to the D700.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D3 and D700 is 50 and 54 respectively.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D3 and D700.

To sum up, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical resolution therefore you can expect comparable quality of photos although you have to take the launch date of the cameras into account.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 sensor size comparison

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon D3
Portrait photography with Nikon D700
63
manual focus
big sensor size (Full frame)
saves RAW files
low resolution (12 megapixels)
63
manual focus
great sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
low MP (12 megapixels)
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Street Comparison

Nikon D3 Street photography details
Nikon D700 Street photography details
54
big sensor size (Full frame)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
52
great sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
environment proofing
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
heavier than average in class (1,074 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon D3
Sports photography with Nikon D700
65
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
big sensor size (Full frame)
offers tracking focus
environment proofing
better than average battery (4,300 per charge)
has phase detect AF
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (12 megapixels)
59
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
great sensor size (Full frame)
environment proofing
good battery pack (1,000 per charge)
has phase detect autofocus
low fps (5.0 fps)
lack of image stabilization
low MP (12MP)
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Travel Comparison

Nikon D3 Travel photography details
Nikon D700 Travel photography details
51
better than average battery (4,300 CIPA)
environment proofing
low resolution (12MP)
display isn't selfie friendly
52
good battery pack (1,000 shots)
environment proofing
flash built-in
heavier than average in class (1,074g)
low MP (12MP)
does not offer selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon D3 Landscape photography highlights
Nikon D700 Landscape photography highlights
67
manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
big sensor size (Full frame)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
better than average battery (4,300 shots)
2 card slots
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (12 megapixels)
66
manual focus
switch lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen is a good size (3")
great sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
environment proofing
good battery pack (1,000 shots)
lack of image stabilization
low MP (12MP)
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3 Vlogging factors
Nikon D700 Vlogging factors
9
can't record video
9
lack of video recording
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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D700 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D3 and Nikon D700
 Nikon D3Nikon D700
General Information
Make Nikon Nikon
Model type Nikon D3 Nikon D700
Class Pro DSLR Advanced DSLR
Released 2008-04-18 2008-10-07
Physical type Large SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Expeed Expeed
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 36 x 23.9mm 36 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 860.4mm² 864.0mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 5:4 and 3:2 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 4256 x 2832 4256 x 2832
Maximum native ISO 6400 6400
Maximum enhanced ISO 25600 25600
Minimum native ISO 200 200
RAW support
Minimum enhanced ISO 100 100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 51 51
Cross type focus points 15 -
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon F Nikon F
Available lenses 309 309
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3" 3"
Resolution of display 922k dots 922k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display technology - TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 95 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.72x
Features
Min shutter speed 30s 30s
Max shutter speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter rate 11.0 frames/s 5.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance no built-in flash -
Flash settings Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash synchronize 1/250s 1/250s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Maximum video resolution None None
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Optional
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 1300 grams (2.87 lb) 1074 grams (2.37 lb)
Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") 147 x 123 x 77mm (5.8" x 4.8" x 3.0")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 81 80
DXO Color Depth rating 23.5 23.5
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.2 12.2
DXO Low light rating 2290 2303
Other
Battery life 4300 images 1000 images
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - EN-EL3e
Self timer Yes (2 to 20 sec) Yes (2 to 20 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage Compact Flash (Type I or II) x2 Compact Flash (Type I)
Card slots Two Single
Retail cost $5,450 $2,700