Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3X→Nikon Coolpix P950
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D3X. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Coolpix P950
-
Burst rate7fps vs 5fps
-
Generation12 years newer (2020 vs 2008)
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution16MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D3X | Coolpix P950 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -1.7 | ||
| Street | -0.1 | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.9 | ||
| Documentary | +0.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.7 | ||
| Landscape | -1.7 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | +0.1 | ||
| Food | +0.2 | ||
| Macro | -0.6 | ||
| Architecture | -1.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | -3.1 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Filmmaking | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3X | Coolpix P950 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £638 used | £434 used | |
| Released | 2008 | 2020 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame CMOS | 16MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | No video | 4K UHD/30p, 1080p/60 | |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect AF (15 cross-type) with 3D tracking | Contrast-detect AF with face detection and target tracking | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | Lens-shift VR (optical, in the lens) | |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 7fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~4400 shots (CIPA) | ~290 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1220g (with battery) | 1005g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | OLED EVF, 0.39", 2.36M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.2" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F | Fixed 83x Nikkor 24-2000mm equivalent f/2.8-6.5 | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D3X and Coolpix P950 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Coolpix P950 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D3X
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Camera family history