Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D4 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Canon · DSLR · 18.1 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
Canon EOS 1D X
64
WINNER
|
Nikon · DSLR · 16.2 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
Nikon D4
63
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Canon EOS 1D X and the Nikon D4 are both DSLRs announced within three months of each other, Canon in October 2011 and Nikon in January 2012. The D4 is the lighter body at 1340 g against 1530 g for the 1D X. Dimensions sit close together, 160 x 157 x 91 mm for the Nikon and 158 x 164 x 83 mm for the Canon, so both fill similar bag space. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2011 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
October 18, 2011 | January 6, 2012 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 158 x 164 x 83 mm | 160 x 157 x 91 mm |
| Camera weight | 1530 g | 1340 g |
| Optics | 65/100 | 63/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe 1D X is the stronger choice for fast action and heavy cropping. Its 18.1 megapixels leave more crop room for a distant player or bird than the D4's 16.2, and its 14 fps rate catches tighter moments than the D4's 11. A 61-point autofocus array spreads wider than the D4's 51 points for off-centre subjects. The native ISO range reaches 51200 on the Canon against 12800 on the Nikon, and both expand to the same 204800 ceiling. Both use full-frame CMOS sensors and pentaprism viewfinders, top out at 1/8000 second and have no in-body stabilisation. The lens mounts are separate Canon EF and Nikon F systems, so existing glass matters. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
18.1 MP050 | 16.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5184 x 3456 | 4928 x 3280 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 23.9 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
14 fps045 | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Nikon F |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Dual Digic 5+ | Expeed 3 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
512003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
2048003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
610300 | 510300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 56/100 | 57/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoThe 1D X gives editors more room with fast movement. It records at up to 60 fps while the D4 tops out at 30 fps, so Canon clips can be slowed to half speed in the edit. Both cameras cap at Full HD resolution and record in the same MOV format. The D4 has the edge for interval work with a built-in timelapse feature the 1D X does not offer. Cloud or construction sequences can run without an external intervalometer. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
No |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | 59/100 | 57/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe 1D X is the better connected camera for wireless workflows. It offers built-in Wi-Fi the D4 lacks, so files can reach an editor from the sidelines. Its 3.2-inch screen shows finer detail at 1,040,000 dots against 921,000 on the Nikon, helping focus checks after a burst. Several controls are shared. Both 3.2-inch screens are fixed and lack touch control, both bodies take external flash, and both offer weather sealing. Neither body offers GPS for location tagging. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 79/100 | 87/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryBoth bodies carry two card slots but favour different media. The 1D X takes CompactFlash Type I or II with UDMA, while the D4 pairs CompactFlash with XQD in its second slot. The D4's EN-EL18 pack carries a 2600-shot rating under its stated test conditions. The 1D X runs on its own LP-E4N battery, and neither body charges over USB, so spares travel with either camera. | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA | Compact Flash, XQD |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | LP-E4N | EN-EL18 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1 shots1505000 | 2600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Pick the 1D X for fast, tight action such as a football sprint or birds in flight. Its 14 fps burst, 61-point autofocus and extra crop room give it the edge on decisive frames, and 60 fps Full HD supports slow motion.
Pick the D4 for timelapse or long shooting days, where its built-in interval feature and 2600-shot battery rating serve the work. Lens ownership should anchor the final call, since the Canon EF and Nikon F systems do not cross.