Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z50 and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z50 were released 2019 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 12 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Z50 2019
Nikon D3 2007

Type of camera

Nikon Z50 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z50 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.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Z50 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
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 Z50 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:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Z50 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Nikon Z50 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 Z50 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Nikon Z50 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z50 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 Z50
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 Z50 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z50 11
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 Z50. 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 189% heavier than Nikon Z50 and its 450 gr (or 0.99 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z50 450 gr
0.99 lb
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb

Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z50 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 Z50
Nikon D3
Name Nikon Z50 Nikon D3
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
Release Year 2019 2007
Release Date 2019-10-10 2007-08-23
MSRP 859 USD 4999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z50
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 6 EXPEED
Image
Nikon Z50
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 RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
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 209 51
Lens Mount Nikon Z

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 Z50
Nikon D3
Articulated LCD Tilting Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3”
Screen dots 1040000 922000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type TFT LCD N/A
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution 2360000 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
Frames per second 11 fps 9 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 7 meters 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 Z50
Nikon D3
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
H.264
N/A
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
No
Remote Control Yes (via smartphone) Yes
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z50
Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 320 shots 4300 shots
Width 127 mm 160 mm
Height 94 mm 157 mm
Depth 60 mm 88 mm
Weight 450 gram 1300 gram