Nikon Z f vs Nikon D3x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z f and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z f were released 2023 and Nikon D3x was released 2008. That is a 15 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Z f 2023
Nikon D3x 2008

Type of camera

Nikon Z f is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3x is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

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 Z f 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3x 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

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon Z f has a 25 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:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Z f 25 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032

ISO range

Nikon Z f has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon Z f has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 204800 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z f 50-204800
Nikon D3x 100-6400

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 Z f
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 Z f can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z f 14
Nikon D3x 5

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 Z f. 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 77% heavier than Nikon Z f and its 710 gr (or 1.57 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z f 710 gr
1.57 lb
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb

Nikon Z f vs Nikon D3x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z f 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 Z f
Nikon D3x
Name Nikon Z f Nikon D3x
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Release Year 2023 2008
Release Date 2023-09-20 2008-12-01
MSRP 1999 USD 7470 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z f
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 BSI-CMOS CMOS
Resolution 6048 x 4032 pixels 6048 x 4032 pixels
Megapixels 25 MP 24,5 MP
Image Processor EXPEED
Image
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
ISO Range 50 - 204800 100 - 6400
White Balance Presets 8 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor-Shift)
No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 8 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 273 51
Lens Mount Nikon Z

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 Z f
Nikon D3x
Articulated LCD Fully articulated Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3”
Screen dots 2100000 920000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type N/A Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution 3690000 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Frames per second 14 fps 5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 900 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
Partial
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Video recording Yes No
Video format H.264
H.265
N/A
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Built-in (802.11b/g/n/a/ac)
No
Remote Control No Yes
GPS No Yes
Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z f
Nikon D3x
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL15c
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 380 shots 4400 shots
Width 144 mm 160 mm
Height 103 mm 157 mm
Depth 49 mm 88 mm
Weight 710 gram 1260 gram