Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3 | D700 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
23/08/2007 | 01/07/2008 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 88 mm | 147 x 123 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 1300 g | 1074 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.1 MP050 | 12.1 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 | 4256 x 2832 |
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 | 24 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 | 8 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 FX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed | Expeed |
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 | 20030200 |
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 | 64003003280000 |
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 | 10030200 |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | N/A |
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 | N/A |
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 | N/A |
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 | N/A |
| 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9220001150001500000 | 9220001150001500000 |
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 (Type I) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL4a | EN-EL3e |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4300 shots1505000 | 1000 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3 comes out on top with a score of 58/100, while the Nikon D700 trails behind at 53/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released in 2007 and 2008, respectively. They share common features, but the D3 outperforms the D700 in certain aspects.
The D3 is the larger and heavier camera, measuring 160 x 157 x 88mm and weighing 1300g. This size and weight make it more robust and durable. However, the D700 has its advantages, as it is lighter and more compact, measuring 147 x 123 x 77mm and weighing 1074g, making it more portable and easier to handle.
The D3’s higher score reflects its superior performance, but the D700’s lower price and compact size are worth considering for those prioritizing portability and budget. Each camera has its strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs.
The Nikon D3 outperforms the Nikon D700 in optics with a score of 56/100 compared to the D700’s 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 12.1 megapixels, a CMOS sensor type, Expeed processor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F FX lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The D3’s advantage lies in its higher shooting speed of 11 frames per second (fps) compared to the D700’s 8 fps. This faster shooting speed enables the D3 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively, making it a better choice for action and sports photography. Additionally, the D3 has a marginally higher DXOMARK sensor score of 81, compared to the D700’s 80. This indicates that the D3 may produce slightly better image quality under certain conditions.
On the other hand, the D700’s primary advantage is its lower price point, making it a more affordable option for photographers on a budget. However, this lower cost comes at the expense of the higher shooting speed found in the D3.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D3 is the better choice for photographers who prioritize shooting speed and slightly better image quality. Its higher score reflects its superior performance in these areas. Conversely, the Nikon D700 may still be a suitable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly full-frame camera, as long as they are willing to sacrifice some shooting speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s needs and budget constraints.
In comparing the Nikon D3 and Nikon D700, it is important to note that neither of these cameras possess video capabilities. While some may see this as a drawback, it does not necessarily make one camera superior to the other. Both cameras have their strengths in other areas, and the lack of video functionality does not influence their overall quality as photography tools.
The Nikon D3 and the Nikon D700 both have a feature score of 54/100. Despite having the same score, there are differences in their features that set them apart.
Both cameras share common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 922,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, or Bluetooth. However, the Nikon D700 has Wi-Fi, while the Nikon D3 does not.
The Nikon D700’s Wi-Fi capability is a significant advantage, as it allows for easier transfer of photos and remote control of the camera through a smartphone or tablet. This feature makes it more convenient for photographers who want to share their work quickly or control the camera settings without physically touching it.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3 does not have any features that make it better than the Nikon D700. Both cameras have the same screen size, screen resolution, and lack of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. The only difference between the two cameras is the Wi-Fi capability, which the D700 possesses.
Based on these points, the Nikon D700 proves to be a more suitable choice for those who value convenience and connectivity. The Wi-Fi feature sets it apart from the Nikon D3, making the D700 a better option for photographers who want to share their work or control their camera remotely. While both cameras have the same feature score, the D700’s Wi-Fi capability gives it the edge over the D3.
The Nikon D3 outperforms the Nikon D700 in storage and battery, scoring 87/100 compared to the D700’s 43/100. Both cameras share similarities in storage, as they accept Compact Flash memory cards and lack USB charging capabilities.
The D3 surpasses the D700 with its dual memory card slots (Type I or II), providing more storage space and flexibility. In addition, the D3 boasts an impressive 4300-shot battery life, utilizing the EN-EL4a battery type. This significantly surpasses the D700’s 1000-shot battery life and EN-EL3e battery type.
While the D700 does not have any distinct advantages over the D3 in this category, it still offers a single memory card slot (Type I) and a decent battery life for casual photographers.
Considering the substantial differences in storage and battery capabilities, the Nikon D3 stands as a superior option for those prioritizing these features. The Nikon D700 remains a viable choice for casual photography but falls short in comparison to the D3’s performance.

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 D700: