Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D3x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z8 and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z8 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 Z8 2023
Nikon D3x 2008

Type of camera

Nikon Z8 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 Z8 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

Nikon Z8 has a 46 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 Z8 46 MP
45441024 pixels
8256 x 5504
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032

Nikon Z8 has a 86 % 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 Z8 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Nikon Z8 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z8 32-102400
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 Z8
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 Z8 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z8 30
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 Z8. 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 38% heavier than Nikon Z8 and its 910 gr (or 2.01 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z8 910 gr
2.01 lb
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D3x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z8 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 Z8
Nikon D3x
Name Nikon Z8 Nikon D3x
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
Release Year 2023 2008
Release Date 2023-05-10 2008-12-01
MSRP 3999 USD 7470 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z8
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 Stacked CMOS CMOS
Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 6048 x 4032 pixels
Megapixels 46 MP 24,5 MP
Image Processor EXPEED
Image
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
ISO Range 32 - 102400 100 - 6400
White Balance Presets 9 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor-shift (Synchro VR with select lenses))
No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus 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 493 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 Z8
Nikon D3x
Articulated LCD Tilting Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3”
Screen dots 2088960 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 3686400 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
Frames per second 30 fps 5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 900 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/32000 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
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 Z8
Nikon D3x
Video recording Yes No
Video format H.264
H.265
N/A
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
7680 x 4320
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
Memory Card Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon Z8
Nikon D3x
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Built-In
No
Remote Control Yes (via app) Yes
GPS No Yes
Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z8
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) 340 shots 4400 shots
Width 144 mm 160 mm
Height 119 mm 157 mm
Depth 83 mm 88 mm
Weight 910 gram 1260 gram