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Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3

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Nikon D4

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

Nikon D4
$4499.95

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Nikon D3

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

Nikon D3
$5450.00

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Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing D4 and D3, two Pro DSLR cameras by Nikon. Nikon D4 was introduced to market in January 2012 and Nikon D3 was launched in April 2008. As you can see, D3 is 4 years older than D4. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Both cameras have Full frame sensors but Nikon D4 has a 16.0 MP and Nikon D3 has a 12.0 MP resolution.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon D4 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-01-06
  • 16MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800 ( expands to 50-204800)
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 3.2" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 11 fps continuous shooting
  • 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 1340g. 160 x 157 x 91 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Nikon D3S Compare

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" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 11 fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 1300g. 160 x 157 x 88 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Nikon D4 was replaced by Nikon D4s. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon D4s vs Nikon D4
Nikon D4s vs Nikon D3

Nikon D3 was replaced by Nikon D3S. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D4

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon D4 over Nikon D3
Max Sensor Resolution 16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Max ISO 12.800 vs 6.400 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size 3.2" vs 3" 0.2 inches larger display
Microphone Port Yes vs No High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port Yes vs No better video control
Color Depth 24.7 vs 23.5 higher color depth
Dynamic Range 13.1 vs 12.2 higher dynamic range
Low Light ISO 2965 vs 2290 better High ISO performance
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs None Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Shutter Life Expectancy 400000 cycles vs 300000 cycles Longer use without changing the shutter mechanism
Illuminated Buttons Yes vs No Find the buttons easily in dark
Autofocus at f/8 aperture 11 points vs none Autofocus with teleconverters
Reasons to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D4
Battery Life 4300 shots vs 2600 shots 1700 more frames with a single charge
Weight 1300 g vs 1340 g 40 g lighter
Sensor Pixel Area 71.40µm2 vs 53.24µm2 34% larger pixel area
Common Strengths of Nikon D4 and Nikon D3
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 Resolution 921k dots vs 922k dots Higher resolution screens
Continuous Shooting 11.0fps vs 11.0fps Fast shooting speeds
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
Flash Sync Port Yes vs Yes Connect off-camera flash
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune) Yes vs Yes Adjust each lens for accurate focusing
Shutter Life Expectancy 400000 cycles vs 300000 cycles High Shutter Rating
Storage Slot 2 vs 2 Extra Storage Slot
Common Weaknesses of Nikon D4 and Nikon D3
Image Stabilization No vs No No Built-in stabilization
Articulating Screen No vs No No flexible viewing angles
Built-in Flash No vs No Require external flash
Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3: 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 D4 and Nikon D3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon D4 and Nikon D3. Nikon D4 has the same height and width with Nikon D3. On the other hand, with a thickness of 91mm, it is 3mm thicker.

Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3 Camera Size Comparison - Front View


Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon D4 and Nikon D3.


Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3 Detailed Size Comparison

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon D3 is 40g lighter than the Nikon D4 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 D4 and Nikon D3 have the same Full frame sized sensor, their lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will be similar in size and weight.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D4
D3
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D4
D3
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both D4 and D3 have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon D4's 3.2" 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 D4 vs Nikon D3: Sensor Comparison

Nikon D4 has a 16.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 3 processor. On the other hand, Nikon D3 has a 12.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed processor.

Below you can see the D4 and D3 sensor size comparison.

Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3 Sensor Size Comparison


Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon D3 has 34% larger pixel area (71.40µm2 vs 53.24µm2) compared to Nikon D4, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

Both Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, D4 has scored 89, 8 points higher than D3.

What types of Photography are Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon D4 and Nikon D3 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 D4 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Nikon D3 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
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

Nikon D4 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
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 (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
No Image Stabilization
Large Body
Read the details

Nikon D4 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Nikon D3 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: 2600 shots
Good Low Light ISO
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 11.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
Good Battery Life: 4300 shots
Good Low Light ISO
No Image Stabilization
Focus Points
Read the details

Nikon D4 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Nikon D3 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1340g
Body Thickness 91mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1300g
Body Thickness 88mm
Read the details

Nikon D4 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Read the details


Nikon D3 vs Nikon D4 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 D4 and Nikon D3 have the same Nikon F lens mount so have 304 native lenses available. But be careful that only 223 of these lenses can cover the full frame sensors of these cameras.

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 101 lenses with Image stabilization for Nikon F mount.

Lens Type # of Nikon D4 Lenses # of Nikon D3 Lenses
Standard Zoom 33 (17 Full Frame) 33 (17 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 20 (17 Full Frame) 20 (17 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 33 (17 Full Frame) 33 (17 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 47 (45 Full Frame) 47 (45 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 53 (43 Full Frame) 53 (43 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 43 (42 Full Frame) 43 (42 Full Frame)
SuperZoom 30 (6 Full Frame) 30 (6 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 8 (3 Full Frame) 8 (3 Full Frame)
Macro Prime 25 (22 Full Frame) 25 (22 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 304 (223 Full Frame) 304 (223 Full Frame)
Nikon D4 vs Nikon D3: 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 D4 and Nikon D3, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 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 D4 and Nikon D3 scores compare:

Nikon D4
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #2 out of 19 in Large SLR" cameras
Ranked #100 out of 1190 in all Cameras
Nikon D3
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #9 out of 16 in Large SLR cameras
Ranked #238 out of 1190 in all Cameras

Nikon D4 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon D3 in all criteria except one: Portability. But the size difference between these cameras are negligible in real world so it is not a big disadvantage for Nikon D4.

Nikon D4
Nikon D4
$4499.95

Nikon D3
Nikon D3
$5450.00

Nikon D3 vs Nikon D4 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon D4 Nikon D3
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2012-01-06 2008-04-18
Body Type Large SLR" Large SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 23.9 mm 36 x 23.9 mm
Area 860.40mm2 860.40mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4928 x 3280 4256 x 2832
Max Native Light sensitivity 12,800 ISO 6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 204800 ISO 25600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 200 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 50 ISO 100 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 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Nikon F Nikon F
Number of Available Lenses 304 304
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.2" 3"
Resolution 921k dots 922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7 0.7
Photography Features
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization No No
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/250s 1/250s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps 11.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 None
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 n/a
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Optional None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 1340g 1300g
Dimensions 160 x 157 x 91mm 160 x 157 x 88mm
Battery Life 2600 shots 4300 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Optional Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 89 81
DxO Color Depth 24.7 23.5
DxO Dynamic Range 13.1 12.2
DxO Low Light ISO 2965 2290
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