Upgrade Guide

Nikon D700→Nikon D3

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D700

£68 used

2008

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

£97 used (+£29)

2007

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D700. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D3

Unchanged or similar

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.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D700	D3
Price	£68 used	£97 used
Released	2008	2007	↓
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	12.1MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	12MP	12MP
Video	No video	No video
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; phase or contrast AF in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	5fps	9fps	↑
Battery Life	~1000 shots (CIPA)	~4300 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	1075g (with battery)	1240g (body only)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 95% coverage, 0.72x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F mount
Memory Cards	Single CompactFlash slot	Dual CompactFlash slots

Compare side-by-side

See D700 and D3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D700

Related buying guides

Camera family history