Nikon D500 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D500 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

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D500 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 D500 has a 21 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 D500 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 D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 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 D500
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 D500 can shoot up to 10 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 D500. 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 D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 51% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).

Nikon D500 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D500 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 D500	Nikon D3
Name	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Release Year	2016	2007
Release Date	2016-01-05	2007-08-23
MSRP	1999 USD	4999 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	5568 x 3712 pixels	4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels	21 MP	12,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 5	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
ISO Range	100 - 51200	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 + TIFF	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	153	51
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	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	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 D500	Nikon D3
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3.2”	3”
Screen dots	2359000	922000
Touch screen	Yes	No
Screen type	TFT LCD	N/A
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.)	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	0	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Frames per second	10 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 Highlight Weighted Spot	Multi Center 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 D500	Nikon D3
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4 H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Memory Card	SD/SDHC XQD	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)	Yes
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D500	Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	4300 shots
Width	147 mm	160 mm
Height	115 mm	157 mm
Depth	81 mm	88 mm
Weight	860 gram	1300 gram