Nikon D3x vs Nikon D4s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon D4s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon D4s was released 2014. That is a 6 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3x 2008
Nikon D4s 2014

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.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3x 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D4s 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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 D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4s has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032
Nikon D4s 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

Nikon D3x has a 51 % larger resolution than Nikon D4s. 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 D4s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon D4s has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3x 100-6400
Nikon D4s 100-25600

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 D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x 5
Nikon D4s 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 D4s. Sadly, the Nikon D3x 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 D4s weighs 1350 gr (equal to 2.98 lb) which is 7% heavier than Nikon D3x and its 1260 gr (or 2.78 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb
Nikon D4s 1350 gr
2.98 lb

Nikon D3x vs Nikon D4s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon D4s, 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 D3x
Nikon D4s
Name Nikon D3x Nikon D4s
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
Release Year 2008 2014
Release Date 2008-12-01 2014-02-25
MSRP 7470 USD 6499 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
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 6048 x 4032 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 24,5 MP 16 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 4
Image
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
ISO Range 100 - 6400 100 - 25600
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 + TIFF RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
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 51
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 D3x
Nikon D4s
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3.2”
Screen dots 920000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle TFT LCD with brightness and color adjustment
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 D3x
Nikon D4s
Frames per second 5 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 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 Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless No Yes
Optional via WT-5A or WT-4A
Remote Control Yes Yes (wired or wireless)
GPS Yes
Optional through GP-1
Yes
Optional via GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3x
Nikon D4s
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4400 shots 3020 shots
Width 160 mm 160 mm
Height 157 mm 157 mm
Depth 88 mm 91 mm
Weight 1260 gram 1350 gram