Nikon D780 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D780 and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D780

Nikon D3

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D780 were released 2020 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D780	2020
Nikon D3	2007

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 D780	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3	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 D780 has a 25 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:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D780	25 MP 24337152 pixels 6048 x 4024
Nikon D3	12,1 MP 12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832

Nikon D780 has a 102 % 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 D780 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon D780 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D780	100-51200
Nikon D3	200-25600

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 D780
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 D780 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D780	12
Nikon D3	9

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 D780. 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 55% heavier than Nikon D780 and its 840 gr (or 1.85 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D780	840 gr 1.85 lb
Nikon D3	1300 gr 2.87 lb