Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D4 and Nikon D3. 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 D4 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D4 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 D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 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 D4
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D4. Unfortunately Nikon D3 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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 D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 3% heavier than Nikon D3 and its 1300 gr (or 2.87 lb).

Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D4 and Nikon D3, 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 D4	Nikon D3
Name	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Release Year	2012	2007
Release Date	2012-01-06	2007-08-23
MSRP	5999 USD	4999 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
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	4928 x 3280 pixels	4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels	16,2 MP	12,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 3	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
ISO Range	100 - 204800	200 - 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	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous 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 D4	Nikon D3
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3,2”	3”
Screen dots	921000	922000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT color LCD with brightness control	N/A
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 D4	Nikon D3
Frames per second	11 fps	9 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 steps)
Videography features	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4 H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Memory Card	Compact Flash XQD	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A	No
Remote Control	Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal)	Yes
GPS	Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector)	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D4	Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	4300 shots
Width	160 mm	160 mm
Height	157 mm	157 mm
Depth	91 mm	88 mm
Weight	1340 gram	1300 gram