Nikon D2X vs Nikon D3X

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X
      59
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      67
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D2X and the Nikon D3X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D2X was introduced in June 2005 and Nikon D3X was introduced in February 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D2X Highlights

      • 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Nikon D3X Highlights

      • 24.5 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D2X
      4. Advantage of Nikon D3X
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3X.

      PROS

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 88
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4400 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D2X

      Nikon D2X
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D2X over Nikon D3X.

      Nikon D2X vs Nikon D3X
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Lighter 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) vs 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D2X.

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D3X

      Nikon D3X
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3X over Nikon D2X.

      Nikon D2X vs Nikon D3X
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Full Frame
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.4 Megapixel vs 24.5 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 800 vs 1,600
      Higher Boosted ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 6048 x 4032
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.5" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 235k dot vs 920k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.57x vs 0.70x
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 476 vs 1992
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.1 vs 24.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 10.9 vs 13.7
      Higher DxO Overall Score 59 vs 88
      HDMI Output vs Mini Type C
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3X.

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D2X Nikon D3X
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D2X Nikon D3X
        No Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8001,600
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D2X has a 2.5" screen with 235k dot resolution and Nikon D3X has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D2X features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Nikon D3X features a 24.5 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24.0 mm and a total area of 576 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 50 - 6,400 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D2X can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D3X is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4032 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 5056 x 4032, 4544 x 3024, 3968 x 2640, 3792 x 3024, 3024 x 2016, 2976 x 1976, 2528 x 2016, 1984 x 132 with 3:2, 5:4 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D2X its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D3X its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D2X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3X nothing can be done. On Nikon D3X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D2X nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D3X comes with EN-EL4a battery pack with battery life of 4400 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D2X has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot. Nikon D3X has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D2X and Nikon D3X have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D2X, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3X. Nikon D2X can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps. Nikon D3X can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D3X ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D2X and ±5 EV range on Nikon D3X. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D2X and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3X.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D3X. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D2X body has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39") and Nikon D3X body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46"). Nikon D2X weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) and Nikon D3X weighs 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz).

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      158 mm

      150 mm

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      160 mm

      157 mm

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      150 mm

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      157 mm

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      86 mm

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      88 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D2X and Nikon D3X

      Nikon D2X and Nikon D3X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 4400 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4400 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4400 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D2X and Nikon D3X and give them scores of 59 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 88

      Photo

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      78
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D2X

      Nikon D3X

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4400 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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