Nikon D80 vs Nikon D3x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D80 and Nikon D3x. 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 D80 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3x 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 D80 has a 10 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3x has 24,5 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D3x has a 143 % larger resolution than Nikon D80. 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 D3x has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D80. Nikon D3x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D80 has 100 to 3200.

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 D80
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3x

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D80 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D80 or Nikon D3x can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 89% heavier than Nikon D80 and its 668 gr (or 1.47 lb).

Nikon D80 vs Nikon D3x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D80 and Nikon D3x, 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 D80	Nikon D3x
Name	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Release Year	2006	2008
Release Date	2006-08-09	2008-12-01
MSRP	999 USD	7470 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
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	CCD	CMOS
Resolution	3872 x 2592 pixels	6048 x 4032 pixels
Megapixels	10 MP	24,5 MP
Image Processor	Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
ISO Range	100 - 3200	100 - 6400
White Balance Presets	6	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	11	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 D80	Nikon D3x
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	2,5”	3”
Screen dots	230000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.95× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Frames per second	3 fps	5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	13 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center 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, 1 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Video recording	No	No
Video format	N/A	N/A
Video resolution	N/A	N/A
Built-in Microphone	No	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional (ML-L3 or MC-DC1))	Yes
GPS	No	Yes Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D80	Nikon D3x
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Nikon EN-EL3e Lithium-Ion battery	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	600 shots	4400 shots
Width	132 mm	160 mm
Height	103 mm	157 mm
Depth	77 mm	88 mm
Weight	668 gram	1260 gram