Nikon D3x vs Nikon D500

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon D500. 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 D500 was released 2016. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3x 2008
Nikon D500 2016

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D500 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 D3x 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D500 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 D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D500 has 21 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 D500 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon D3x has a 18 % larger resolution than Nikon D500. 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 D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3x 100-6400
Nikon D500 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 D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D500

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 D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x 5
Nikon D500 10

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 D500. 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 47% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb
Nikon D500 860 gr
1.9 lb

Nikon D3x vs Nikon D500 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon D500, 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 D500
Name Nikon D3x Nikon D500
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Release Year 2008 2016
Release Date 2008-12-01 2016-01-05
MSRP 7470 USD 1999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
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 6048 x 4032 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 24,5 MP 21 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 5
Image
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
ISO Range 100 - 6400 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 + TIFF RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
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
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 153
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
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 D3x
Nikon D500
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 3” 3.2”
Screen dots 920000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Frames per second 5 fps 10 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
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless No Yes
Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)
Remote Control Yes Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS Yes
Optional through GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3x
Nikon D500
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4400 shots 1240 shots
Width 160 mm 147 mm
Height 157 mm 115 mm
Depth 88 mm 81 mm
Weight 1260 gram 860 gram