Nikon D3 vs Nikon D2Hs

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D2Hs, 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 D3 was introduced in April 2008 and Nikon D2Hs was introduced in February 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D2Hs.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D2Hs over Nikon D3.

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.

Screen

Nikon D3 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Nikon D2Hs has a 2.5" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Viewfinder

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

Nikon D3 features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm². Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Nikon D2Hs features a 4.1 megapixel APS-C JFET sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.5 mm and a total area of 240.3 mm². Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600.

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
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Nikon D3 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3184 x 2120, 2128 x 1416 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D2Hs can take pictures up to 2464 x 1632 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 1840 x 1224 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D3 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. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D2Hs 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.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D2Hs nothing can be done. On Nikon D2Hs it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

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

External Storage Slots

Nikon D3 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slots. Nikon D2Hs has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

Shutter

Nikon D3 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D2Hs has Charge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D2Hs. Nikon D3 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Nikon D2Hs can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.

Exposure

Exposure meterings of Nikon D3 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3 and exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D2Hs.

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 D3. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

Nikon D3 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46") and Nikon D2Hs body has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39"). Nikon D3 weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz) and Nikon D2Hs weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz).

Nikon D3

Nikon D2Hs

160 mm

157 mm

158 mm

150 mm

157 mm

150 mm

88 mm

86 mm