Reasons to choose D3X
Released in 2008, D3X has about 862 mm² of sensor area, 24.5 MP effective resolution, and a 1,260 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D3X
vs Nikon D4
VS
Sensor area
862 mm²
D3X860 mm²
D4- Area ratio
- 1:1
- Absolute difference
- 1 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0.1%
The D3X has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 4 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3XMetricD4
24.5 MPEffective pixels16.2 MP
35.9 × 24Sensor36 × 23.9
5.93 µmPixel pitch7.29 µm
35.17 µm²Pixel area53.11 µm²
2.84 MP/cm²Pixel density1.88 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1
—Maximum video—
1,260 gWeight1,340 g
Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMAStorageCompact Flash (Type I, XQD) x2
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D3X has the larger sensor area. The D3X has the lighter body. The D3X has the higher effective resolution. The D4 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D4
Released in 2012, D4 has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 1,340 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.