Nikon D800 vs Nikon D3x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D800 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

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 D800 has a 36,3 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 D800 has a 48 % larger resolution than Nikon D3x. 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 D800 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon D800 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

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 D800
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 D800 can shoot up to 6 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.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D800. Unfortunately Nikon D3x 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 40% heavier than Nikon D800 and its 900 gr (or 1.98 lb).

Nikon D800 vs Nikon D3x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D800 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 D800	Nikon D3x
Name	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
Release Year	2012	2008
Release Date	2012-02-07	2008-12-01
MSRP	2999 USD	7470 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
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	7360 x 4912 pixels	6048 x 4032 pixels
Megapixels	36,3 MP	24,5 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 3	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
ISO Range	100 - 25600	100 - 6400
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 + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	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	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 D800	Nikon D3x
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3,2”	3”
Screen dots	921000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
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 D800	Nikon D3x
Frames per second	6 fps	5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	12 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot Average	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, 1 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
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 D800	Nikon D3x
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A)	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)	Yes
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D800	Nikon D3x
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	900 shots	4400 shots
Width	146 mm	160 mm
Height	123 mm	157 mm
Depth	82 mm	88 mm
Weight	900 gram	1260 gram