Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z50

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Nikon Z50. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3 were released 2007 and Nikon Z50 was released 2019. That is a 12 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3 2007
Nikon Z50 2019

Type of camera

Nikon D3 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z50 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon Z50 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Z50 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 Z50 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832
Nikon Z50 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon Z50 has a 71 % 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 Z50 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon Z50 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3 200-25600
Nikon Z50 100-51200

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 Z50

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 Z50 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3 9
Nikon Z50 11

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon Z50. Sadly, the Nikon D3 does not support this.

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 189% heavier than Nikon Z50 and its 450 gr (or 0.99 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb
Nikon Z50 450 gr
0.99 lb

Nikon D3 vs Nikon Z50 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Nikon Z50, 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 Z50
Name Nikon D3 Nikon Z50
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Release Year 2007 2019
Release Date 2007-08-23 2019-10-10
MSRP 4999 USD 859 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Camera Type DSLR Mirrorless
Sensor
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 12,1 MP 21 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 6
Image
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
ISO Range 200 - 25600 100 - 51200
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
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
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
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 209
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon Z

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
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 3” 3.2”
Screen dots 922000 1040000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type N/A TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 2360000
Photography features
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Frames per second 9 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 7 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Remote Control Yes Yes (via smartphone)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3
Nikon Z50
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4300 shots 320 shots
Width 160 mm 127 mm
Height 157 mm 94 mm
Depth 88 mm 60 mm
Weight 1300 gram 450 gram