Nikon D850 v Nikon D3X

Myself and David Harbey went along last weekend to photograph the Stars at Darley Moor. The Stars is the final round and a celebration of this year’s Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club’s racing calendar. Invited motorcycle stars of the road, circuit and Darley’s own club racers compete for the RICHARDSON Stars at Darley trophy. Now in its 50th year, the Stars at Darley is popular with spectators and a special event that I always look forward to.

Driving to Darley, which is located in the Peak District of Derbyshire, the weather was grim. Thick fog is not ideal for taking motorsports photography, but as I approached the track, thankfully the fog disappeared. Glorious sunshine and unseasonably warm weather greeted me as I turned into the circuit entrance.

Meeting David at the hairpin, we passed the time before the riders came out chatting about the PistonClick season and ruffing out a plan for next year. David noticed that we were both using different cameras but the same lenses. He mentioned it would be interesting to compare our photographs. So here is a comparison of photos taken on the day of my totally unsuitable Nikon D3X (it’s a studio camera) and David’s all-rounder, the Nikon D850. Lenses used were the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR and the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. Our guide to taking motorsport photographs at Darley Moor can be found here.

Nikon D3X

The Nikon D3X is a professional-grade full-frame DSLR camera that was released in December 2008. As Nikon’s high-resolution flagship model at the time, it was designed for studio and commercial photographers who needed maximum image detail and resolution. It featured a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body with an integrated vertical grip. It uses Nikon’s F-mount lens system. 

Features and benefits 

• High-resolution sensor: At the heart of the D3X is a 24.5-megapixel full-frame (FX-format) CMOS sensor, which was considered the highest resolution available in a DSLR when it was released.
• Dynamic range: The sensor produces image files with outstanding detail and tonal gradation, for 2028. Capturing fine details even in challenging shadow and highlight areas. DXOMark tests at the time rated it very highly for dynamic range and colour depth.
• Durable build: The tough, environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body and Kevlar/carbon fibre-composite shutter are built for intensive professional use. The shutter is rated for 300,000 cycles.
• Autofocus: It features Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with a 51-point AF system (including 15 cross-type sensors) for fast and accurate focusing.
• Dual card slots: The D3X comes equipped with dual CompactFlash (CF) card slots, offering options for overflow, backup, or separating RAW and JPEG files.
• Long battery life: Its powerful EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery is capable of up to 4,400 shots on a single charge.

Nikon D3X images.

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is a professional-grade full-frame DSLR camera known for its high-resolution sensor, fast performance, and rugged build. Released in 2017, it remains a highly capable camera for various photography styles, including landscape, portrait, and action photography. It uses Nikon’s F-mount lens system and can record 4K video. 

Key features:

Sensor: The D850 is built around a 45.7MP FX-format (full-frame) back-illuminated CMOS sensor, which captures a high level of detail and delivers excellent dynamic range. The absence of an optical low-pass filter further enhances image sharpness.

Performance:

It features the fast EXPEED 5 image processor, inherited from (at the time) the flagship Nikon D5.

The Nikon D850 offers continuous shooting speeds of up to 7 fps, which can be boosted to 9 fps with the optional MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack. Its Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system is the same one found in the Nikon D5, providing rapid and accurate focusing. However, autofocus in live view mode is slower as it relies on contrast detection. The D850 can record 4K UHD video at 30 fps using the full width of the sensor, unlike its rival, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which crops its 4K video. It also supports 1080p slow-motion video at 120 fps.

Connectivity and storage:

The camera has dual memory card slots, with one for XQD cards and one for UHS-II SD cards. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available for transferring images via Nikon’s SnapBridge app, though some reviewers have found the connection inconsistent.

Design and handling:

It features a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, making it durable for professional use in challenging environments. The 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD tilts up and down, useful for shooting at different angles.

The optical viewfinder is the largest on a Nikon DSLR, with 0.75x magnification and 100% frame coverage.

Battery life: A key strength of the D850 is its exceptional battery life, rated for up to 1,840 shots on a single charge. 

Nikon D850 images.

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AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR

The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is a compact, lightweight F-mount prime telephoto lens for Nikon DSLRs. Its most notable feature is the use of a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, which allows for a significantly smaller and lighter design without sacrificing image quality. It is a popular choice for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, and its quality is considered on par with much heavier and more expensive professional telephoto lenses. 

Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4E PF Key features: 

• Phase Fresnel (PF) element: This specialised optical element allows the lens to be dramatically smaller and lighter than previous 300mm lenses. This makes it much easier to hand-hold for extended periods.
• Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR): The lens features Vibration Reduction technology that provides up to 4.5 stops of compensation, enabling sharp shots at slower shutter speeds when shooting handheld.
• Fast and quiet autofocus: The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, with a manual focus override.
• Superb sharpness: This lens has exceptional sharpness, even when used wide open at f/4. Performance remains excellent across the frame.
• FX and DX format compatible: The lens is designed for full-frame (FX) DSLR cameras, but also works with crop-sensor (DX) cameras, where it offers an equivalent focal length of 450mm.
• Teleconverter compatibility: It pairs well with Nikon’s 1.4x teleconverter, extending its reach to 420mm while maintaining fast autofocus and impressive sharpness. Used on a DX camera with the 1.4x teleconverter, it provides an equivalent focal length of 630mm. 

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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens for Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. It’s widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and accurate autofocus, and robust, weather-sealed construction. An update to previous 70-200mm models, this version is lighter and has a shorter minimum focusing distance. 

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Key features: 

• F-mount lens/FX format
• Aperture range: f2.8 to f22
• Image stabilization: VR (Vibration Reduction) provides up to 4.0 stops of compensation, according to Nikon
• VR modes: The lens offers NORMAL and SPORT modes. SPORT mode is especially effective for subjects with rapid, unpredictable movement.
• Lens construction: 22 elements in 18 groups, featuring one fluorite element (FL), one high refractive index (HRI) element, and six extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements.
• Coatings: Fluorine coated front and rear elements repel dust, water, and smudges. Nano Crystal Coat is used to reduce ghosting and flare.
• Autofocus: Driven by a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet focusing. It includes manual focus override.
• Minimum focus distance: 1.1 m (3.6 ft).
• Weight: 1,430 g (3.15 lbs), which is lighter than its predecessor.
• Filter size: 77mm.
• Release date: 2016. 

When to choose the Nikon D850 

The Nikon D850 is the clear winner for most modern photographers. 

• For professional image quality: The D850’s 45.7MP backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor provides almost double the resolution of the D3X, delivering incredible detail and superb dynamic range. Its native ISO 64 setting is ideal for landscape photography, capturing fine detail in a variety of lighting conditions.
• For speed and action: With a continuous shooting speed of 7fps (expandable to 9fps), the D850 is better for capturing fast-moving subjects than the D3X’s slower 5fps rate. The D850’s advanced 153-point autofocus system, inherited from the professional D5, is also faster and more accurate.
• For video and modern features: The D3X lacks any video capability, whereas the D850 offers high-quality 4K UHD video recording. The D850 also includes a tilting touchscreen, illuminated buttons, and SnapBridge for modern connectivity. You can find a good used example for £1200.

When to consider the Nikon D3X 

Given its age, the D3X has been largely superseded. However, its classic, rugged design and image quality from a bygone era may still appeal to certain photographers. 

For unique rendering and build: Some photographers appreciate the unique colour rendering and “film-like” quality of older sensors. The D3X also features a very robust, “bombproof” build quality, although the D850 is also well-sealed against the weather.

For nostalgic or collector purposes: As a professional flagship from 2008, the D3X represents a specific moment in DSLR history. Some enthusiasts may enjoy owning and shooting with a camera of this pedigree, especially given its relatively lower cost on the used market. You can find a used example with a low shutter count for between £500 – £600.

Head-to-head comparison 

The Nikon D850 is a significant upgrade over the much older Nikon D3X, offering superior sensor technology, resolution, and modern features like 4K video. While the D3X was a professional flagship in its time, the D850 surpasses it in nearly all key specifications and is a far more versatile camera for today’s photographers. 

	Nikon D3X	Nikon D850
Year	2008	2017
Sensor	24.5MP Full-Frame (CMOS)	45.7MP Full-Frame (BSI CMOS)
Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 5
ISO range	100–1600 (exp. 50–6400)	64–25600 (exp. 32–102400)
Autofocus	51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX	153-point Multi-CAM 20K
FPS	5 frames per second (fps)	7 fps (9 fps with battery grip)
Video	None	4K UHD at 30 fps
Screen	3.0-inch fixed LCD	3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
Memory	CompactFlash	XQD/CFexpress and SD (UHS-II)
Features	Outstanding color and dynamic range for its era; robust build quality.	High resolution, exceptional dynamic range, fast and accurate AF, and modern connectivity.

Nikon D850 v D3X Conclusion

In camera years both of these Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras are now quite old, my D3X more so. They have been overtaken in the technology department by the latest crop of mirrorless cameras. Having said that they both take great images and are still very usable today. However, if you are starting out in the world of motorsport photography I would recommend you purchase the newest and best equipment you can afford. 

Will a better camera make you a better photographer, no it won’t. Will a better camera enable you to take better photographs, yes it will. And this is the bottom line the latest tech will make your pictures look better but will not help you “see” the shot that will make your image stand out from the crowd. Getting “that” shot can be achieved with any good quality DSLR but takes practice, a lot of practice. 

One final note, regardless of your camera body always go for the best lens you can afford. From my experience If the lens is the same brand as the camera you are using and it’s a f2.8 or f4 you will not be disappointed. I can highly recommend the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4E PF and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED used in this report. Both of which work well with the Nikon x1.4 teleconverter. 

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Thanks to David Harbey for his images used in this report.

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