Nikon D3x

	Nikon D700 Comparison Summary
The full-frame Nikon D700 costs $3000 to the D3x's $8000, yet the less expensive model outscored the D3x in most lab tests. The bodies of the cameras have quite similar control schemes, and are both ruggedly constructed. The D3x uses its much larger body for additional buttons which contribute to the overall greater control in the pricier model.
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	Comparison Specifications
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
Price	$7999 (body only)	$2999 (body only)
Dimensions	56.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in./159.5 x 157 x 87.5mm 43 oz./ 1,220	5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in./147 x 123 x 77mm 35 oz./ 995g
Resolution	24.5-megapixels	12.1-megapixels
Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	35.9 x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS	23.9 x 36mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS
Kit Lens	None	None
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism, .07x magnification, 100% coverage	Eye-level pentaprism, .072x magnification, 95% coverage
LCD	Super density, wide-viewing angle, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels	Super density, wide-viewing angle, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	Tripod mode Handheld mode	Tripod mode Handheld mode
Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max. 5 shots/sec in FX format, max. 7 shots/sec in DX format	Max. 5 shots/sec
Autofocus	Autofocus TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)	51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
Exposure Compensation	±5EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV	±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three level), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-1600 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 50-6400 equivalent	ISO 200-6400 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-25600 equivalent
Flash	External only	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality Uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)	Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality Uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
Movie Mode	No	No
Media Type	CF, UDMA compatible	CF, UDMA compatible
Connections	NTSC, Hi-speed USB, 10-pin Terminal, HDMI, PAL	NTSC, Hi-speed USB, 10-pin Terminal, HDMI, PAL
Other Hardware	No	No

 Performance
Comparing the D3x and the D700 provides for an interesting look into the relative advantages of pro-level gear. The price difference between the cameras is close to $5000, yet the 24.5-megapixel D3x generally scored lower in our image quality tests than the 12.1-megapixel D700 (most noticeably in dynamic range and white balance), though the D3x did outperform the competition in the crucial resolution category. We expect the issue rests with the challenges of squeezing twice as many megapixels into the same size sensor. It's also possible that Nikon processes the image less on the D3x when storing JPEG images, as they expect the professional user to undertake more hands-on adjustments. Frankly, we don't know the "whys", but the D700 did score a little higher on most benchmarks.

Components
The hardware specs on the D3x are slightly superior to the D700. The viewfinder has a better field of view, and you get three LCDs instead of two. The D700 does have a built in flash, which is a point in its favor for those users who are likely to use this feature. The dual CompactFlash slots on the D3x are certainly valuable, whether for the extra capacity or the security of automatic on-camera backup for irreplaceable photos, and we were very pleased with its battery life.

Handling
You might not think it to look at them, but the D700 and D3x handle quite similarly. While the D3x does have additional controls for portrait-mode shooting, the bodies share a very similar layout. Buttons are generally in the same place, with the D3x just having room for a few more of them. The D3x is substantially heavier though, and feels more at home on a tripod than around your neck.

Controls
While the price difference may not buy you better performance, it does get you more granular control. While listing all the options you get with the D3x would be a Sisyphean task, let us just say that the D3x will let you alter every conceivable facet of the cameras functionality. You get more control over bracketing, more Active D-Lighting levels, and the ability to shoot in 5:4 image format. In general, no single customizability option is a must-have feature but, taken together, they add up to a noticeable difference in control flexibility. An interesting note is that the two cameras have different ISO ranges. On the D3x the extended range runs from ISO 50 to 6400 (100 to 1600 properly supported) and the D700 covers 100 to 25,600 extended (200 to 3200 normally), which lends the D700 a slight advantage in low-light situations.

	ISO Examples
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 50
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 100
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 200
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 400
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 800
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 1600
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 3200
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 6400
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 12800
	Nikon D3x	Nikon D700
ISO 25600