Nikon D3 vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon Df has a 34 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Df. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Nikon D3 or Nikon Df can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 71% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Nikon D3 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Nikon Df, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Name	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Release Year	2007	2013
Release Date	2007-08-23	2013-11-05
MSRP	4999 USD	2749 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4256 x 2832 pixels	4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels	12,1 MP	16 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 3
Image	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
ISO Range	200 - 25600	100 - 12800
White Balance Presets	12	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	39
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3,2”
Screen dots	922000	921000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Frames per second	9 fps	5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	No
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Video recording	No	No
Video format	N/A	N/A
Video resolution	N/A	N/A
Built-in Microphone	No	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Memory Card	Compact Flash	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	Yes Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control	Yes	Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3	Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery	EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	4300 shots	1400 shots
Width	160 mm	144 mm
Height	157 mm	110 mm
Depth	88 mm	67 mm
Weight	1300 gram	760 gram