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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Comparison

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Nikon D3

12 MP | Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon D3
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Nikon D6

21 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon D6
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Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing D3 and D6, two Pro DSLR cameras by Nikon. Nikon D3 was introduced to market in April 2008 and Nikon D6 was launched in February 2020. As you can see, D3 is 12 years older than D6. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon D3 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2008-04-18
  • 12MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 200 - 6400 ( expands to 100 - 25600)
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 11.0fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 1300g. 160 x 157 x 88 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Nikon D6 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-02-11
  • 21MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 102400 ( expands to 50 - 3280000)
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 3.20" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 14.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 1270g. 160 x 163 x 92 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Nikon D5 Compare

Nikon D3 was replaced by Nikon D3S. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D6

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D6
Battery Life
4300 shots vs 3580 shots 720 more frames with a single charge
Sensor Pixel Area
71.40µm2 vs 41.51µm2 72% larger pixel area
CHECK D3 PRICE


Reasons to choose Nikon D6 over Nikon D3
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder Magnification
0.72x vs 0.7x Larger Viewfinder
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution
21 MP vs 12 MP 75% more pixels
Max ISO
102.400 vs 6.400 1500% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points
105 vs 51 54 more focus points
Number of Cross Type Focus Points
105 vs 15 90 more cross type focus points
LCD Screen Size
3.2" vs 3" 0.2 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
2.359k dots vs 922k dots 155% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting
14.0fps vs 11.0fps 3 fps faster
Weight
1270 g vs 1300 g 30 g lighter
Microphone Port
Yes vs No High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port
Yes vs No better video control
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs None Higher Resolution Video
Shutter Life Expectancy
400000 cycles vs 300000 cycles Longer use without changing the shutter mechanism
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
Focus Bracketing
Yes vs No Take multiple photos shifting focus point
Illuminated Buttons
Yes vs No Find the buttons easily in dark
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Autofocus at f/8 aperture
15 points vs none Autofocus with teleconverters
CFexpress Card Support
Yes (Type B) vs none Read/Write in Ultra High Speeds
Anti Flicker
Yes vs No Reduced uneven color and exposure under flickering light
CHECK D6 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
LCD Screen Size
3.20" vs 3.20" Large display
LCD Screen Resolution
922k dots vs 2.359k dots High resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Top LCD Display
Yes vs Yes Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs Yes Connect off-camera flash
Shutter Life Expectancy
300000 cycles vs 400000 cycles High Shutter Rating
Storage Slot
2 vs 2 Extra Storage Slot
Common Weaknesses of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6
In-body Image Stabilization
No vs No No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon D3 has external dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46″) and weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz) (including batteries). Nikon D6 has external dimensions of 160 x 163 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.42 x 3.62″) and weighs 1270 g (2.80 lb / 44.80 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6. Nikon D3 has the same height with Nikon D6. On the other hand, with a width of 157mm, it is 6 narrower and also with a thickness of 88mm, it is 4mm thinner than Nikon D6.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6.
Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon D6 is 30g lighter than the Nikon D3 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 have the same Nikon F lens mount and Full frame sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D3
D6
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D3
D6
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both D3 and D6 have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon D6's 3.20" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon D3's 3" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6: Sensor Comparison

Nikon D3 has a 12.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed processor. On the other hand, Nikon D6 has a 21.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor.

Nikon D6's sensor provides 9MP more than Nikon D3's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the D3 and D6 sensor size comparison.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 Cameras


Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. In this case, both Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 have the same Nikon F lens mount so have 316 native lenses available. All of these lenses cover Full frame sensor.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. None of these bodies have sensor based image stabilization so you have to buy lenses with Optical stabilization feature. Currently there are 107 lenses with Image stabilization for Nikon F mount.

Lens Type # of Nikon D3 Lenses # of Nikon D6 Lenses
Standard Zoom 33 (17 Full Frame) 33 (17 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 22 (19 Full Frame) 22 (19 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 33 (17 Full Frame) 33 (17 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 50 (48 Full Frame) 50 (48 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 54 (44 Full Frame) 54 (44 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 46 (45 Full Frame) 46 (45 Full Frame)
SuperZoom 30 (6 Full Frame) 30 (6 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 8 (3 Full Frame) 8 (3 Full Frame)
Macro Prime 26 (23 Full Frame) 26 (23 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime 11 (11 Full Frame) 11 (11 Full Frame)
Telephoto Mirror Prime 1 (0 Full Frame) 1 (0 Full Frame)
TOTAL 316 (233 Full Frame) 316 (233 Full Frame)

Here are some of the most popular Nikon F Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon F Mount Lenses for D3 and D6
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
35mm FF 5880gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
35mm FF 425gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
35mm FF 1340gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
35mm FF 745gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
35mm FF 1951gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
35mm FF 2300gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR
35mm FF 720gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR
35mm FF 1070gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon D3 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D6 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Nikon D3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D6 for Street Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
No Image Stabilization
Large Body
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
No Image Stabilization
Large Body
Read the details

Nikon D3 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Nikon D6 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 11.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
15 Cross Type Focus sensors
51 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 4300 shots
Good Low Light ISO
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 14.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
105 Cross Type Focus sensors
105 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 3580 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Anti Flicker feature
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Nikon D3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Nikon D6 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1300g
Body Thickness 88mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Anti Flicker feature
Large Body
1270g
Body Thickness 92mm
Read the details

Nikon D3 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D6 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D6: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon D3 and Nikon D6, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon D3 and Nikon D6 scores compare:

Nikon D3
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #13 out of 36 in Large SLR cameras
Ranked #314 out of 1244 in all Cameras
Nikon D6
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #1 out of 36 in Large SLR cameras
Ranked #42 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Nikon D6 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon D3 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon D3. Otherwise, Nikon D6 is the better camera overall.

Nikon D3
Nikon D3
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Nikon D6
Nikon D6
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Nikon D6 vs Nikon D3 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon D3 Nikon D6
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2008-04-18 2020-02-11
Body Type Large SLR Large SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Area 860.40mm2 858.01mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 21 megapixels
Max Resolution 4256 x 2832 5568 x 3712
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 102,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 25600 ISO 3280000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 200 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 100 ISO 50 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 51 105
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Nikon F Nikon F
Number of Available Lenses 316 316
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.20"
Resolution 922k dots 2,359k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7x 0.72x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization No No
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/250s n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps 14.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution None 3840 x 2160
Video Formats n/a MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 1300g 1270g
Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88mm 160 x 163 x 92mm
Battery Life 4300 shots 3580 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Optional Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 81 not tested
DxO Color Depth 23.5 not tested
DxO Dynamic Range 12.2 not tested
DxO Low Light ISO 2290 not tested
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