Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3 | D4 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
23/08/2007 | 06/01/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 88 mm | 160 x 157 x 91 mm |
| Camera weight | 1300 g | 1340 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.1 MP050 | 16.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4256 x 2832 | 4928 x 3280 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 23.9 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
11 fps045 | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F FX | Nikon F |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed | Expeed 3 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
510300 | 510300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9220001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Compact Flash, XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL4a | EN-EL18 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4300 shots1505000 | 2600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D4 takes the lead with a score of 63/100, compared to the Nikon D3‘s score of 58/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, announced in 2012 and 2007 respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the D4 being slightly larger at 160 x 157 x 91mm, while the D3 measures 160 x 157 x 88mm. The D4 is also heavier at 1340g compared to the D3’s 1300g.
The Nikon D4’s higher score indicates its superiority over the D3 in performance and features. Its higher launch price of $5999 also suggests more advanced technology compared to the D3’s $4300 launch price. However, the Nikon D3 still has its merits, offering a slightly lighter and more compact body.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D4 outperforms the Nikon D3 but at a higher price point, while the D3 remains a viable option for those seeking a more affordable and slightly smaller DSLR.
The Nikon D4 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 63/100, a 7-point lead over the Nikon D3’s 56/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including an 11 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The Nikon D4 outperforms the D3 in key areas. It has 16.2 megapixels, providing a higher resolution than the D3’s 12.1 megapixels. This results in more detailed and sharper images. The D4 also has a superior Expeed 3 processor, compared to the D3’s Expeed processor. This upgrade improves image processing speed and overall performance. Additionally, the D4 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 89, compared to the D3’s score of 81. This indicates better overall image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
The Nikon D3 falls short in the optics comparison, but it does not have any significant advantages over the D4. Both cameras have the same shooting speed, sensor type, and lack image stabilization. While the D3’s Expeed processor is older, it still delivers reliable performance.
The Nikon D4’s higher resolution, advanced processor, and better overall image quality make it the superior choice for photographers seeking top-notch optics. The Nikon D3, while still a reliable option, does not offer any distinct advantages over the D4. Therefore, the Nikon D4 is the better camera in terms of optics, justifying its higher score.
When examining the video capabilities of the Nikon D3 and Nikon D4, it becomes clear that the Nikon D3 does not have any video functionality. This lack of video capability sets it apart from the Nikon D4, which offers a range of video features.
The Nikon D4 has a video score of 57 out of 100, which reflects its capabilities in this area. The camera can record Full HD video with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, providing users with high-quality footage. Furthermore, the Nikon D4 allows for a maximum video frame rate of 30fps, ensuring smooth and clear recording. The camera also has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a useful feature for those interested in capturing the passage of time in their videos.
Considering the differences in video capabilities between the Nikon D3 and Nikon D4, it is evident that the Nikon D4 is the better option for those who require video functionality in their camera. The Nikon D3, lacking any video features, is not suitable for users looking to record video. The Nikon D4, on the other hand, offers a solid range of video features, making it a more versatile choice for photographers and videographers alike.
The Nikon D4 outperforms the Nikon D3 with a feature score of 57/100 compared to the D3’s 54/100. Despite the close scores, the D4 offers some advantages over the D3, while the D3 has a few strengths of its own.
Both cameras share several specifications, such as the lack of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. The similarities in these features contribute to their close feature scores.
The key advantage of the Nikon D4 lies in its screen size and resolution. The D4 boasts a 3.2-inch screen, which is larger than the D3’s 3-inch screen. Additionally, the D4’s screen resolution is 921,000 dots, almost identical to the D3’s 922,000 dots. This means that the D4 offers a slightly better viewing experience with a larger screen size.
The Nikon D3, on the other hand, has no clear advantages over the D4 in terms of features. It shares most of the same specifications, with the only difference being its slightly smaller screen size and resolution. However, its feature score of 54/100 still indicates that it is a decent camera with useful features.
When comparing the Nikon D3 and D4, the D4 stands out as the better camera in terms of features, primarily due to its larger screen size. The D3, while not offering any specific advantages over the D4, remains a solid option for those looking for a reliable camera with essential features. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities, but the Nikon D4’s larger screen size gives it a slight edge over the D3.
The Nikon D3 and Nikon D4 both score 87/100 in storage and battery, showing equal performance in this category. They share similarities, such as having two memory card slots and lacking USB charging capabilities. However, there are differences that set them apart.
The Nikon D4 has an advantage in memory card compatibility, accepting both Compact Flash and XQD cards, while the Nikon D3 only accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. This flexibility in the D4 allows users to choose from a wider variety of memory cards.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3 outperforms the D4 in battery life, offering 4300 shots per charge compared to the D4’s 2600 shots. The D3 uses the EN-EL4a battery type, while the D4 uses the EN-EL18, which may contribute to this difference in battery performance.
Taking these factors into account, the D4 offers more versatility in memory card options, while the D3 provides a longer battery life. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of storage and battery, making it essential for potential buyers to consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two models.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3 or the Nikon D4:
