Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Nikon |
| Model | EOS 5D Mark II | D610 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2008 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
17/09/2008 | 08/10/2013 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 152 x 114 x 75 mm | 141 x 113 x 82 mm |
| Camera weight | 850 g | 850 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
21 MP050 | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5616 x 3744 | 6016 x 4016 |
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 | 24 x 35.9 |
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. |
3.9 fps045 | 6 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 FX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 4 | 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. |
64003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 400080032000 |
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. |
90300 | 390300 |
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 | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
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. |
30 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. |
✗ | ✓ |
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 | MPEG-4 |
| Features | ||
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. |
✓ | ✓ |
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. |
✓ | ✓ |
| 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" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9200001150001500000 | 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. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E6 | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
850 shots1505000 | 900 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D610 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a score of 66/100 compared to 58/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2013 and 2008, respectively. They share the same weight of 850g and have similar dimensions, with the Nikon D610 being slightly smaller.
The Nikon D610’s higher score highlights its advantages, such as a lower launch price of $1,999 compared to the Canon’s $2,199. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, despite its lower score, was a groundbreaking camera during its time and still offers reliable performance.
Ultimately, the Nikon D610’s better score and lower price make it the more appealing choice for photographers. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II remains a solid option for those loyal to the Canon brand.
The Nikon D610 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 70/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark II scores 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a full-frame CMOS sensor, no image stabilization, and similar lens mounts (Canon EF and Nikon F FX).
The Nikon D610 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in several aspects. It boasts a higher megapixel count of 24 compared to Canon’s 21, allowing for more detailed images. Additionally, the Nikon D610’s shooting speed is significantly faster at 6 frames per second, compared to the Canon’s 3.9. This makes the Nikon D610 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Moreover, the Nikon D610’s sensor has a higher DXOMARK score of 94, compared to the Canon’s 79, indicating better overall image quality.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II does have some advantages over the Nikon D610. Its Digic 4 processor is known for producing excellent color and image clarity, despite having a lower overall score. However, these advantages are not enough to outweigh the Nikon D610’s superior specifications.
In comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Nikon D610 is clearly the better choice due to its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, and better sensor performance. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, while still a capable camera, falls short in these areas, making the Nikon D610 the superior option for photographers seeking optimal image quality and performance.
The Nikon D610 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in video capabilities, scoring 57 out of 100 compared to the Canon’s 43. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. Despite these similarities, the Nikon D610 has a clear advantage in certain areas.
The most notable feature that sets the Nikon D610 apart is its built-in time-lapse functionality. This allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. This feature alone gives the Nikon D610 a significant edge over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II does not lag behind in all aspects. Given that both cameras have the same maximum video resolution and frame rate, users can expect similar video quality from both devices. This means that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II can still be a viable option for those who do not require time-lapse functionality.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Nikon D610 is the clear winner due to its added time-lapse functionality. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark II offers comparable video quality, the absence of built-in time-lapse restricts its versatility. Users who prioritize video capabilities should opt for the Nikon D610, while those who are satisfied with the shared specifications may still find value in the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
The Nikon D610 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 57, compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II’s 54. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as a lack of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with WiFi capabilities.
The Nikon D610 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in terms of screen size and resolution. The D610 features a 3.2-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, while the 5D Mark II has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots. This difference in screen size and resolution provides a better viewing experience for users of the Nikon D610.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II does not have any significant advantages over the Nikon D610 in the feature department. Both cameras are evenly matched in most aspects, with the D610 having a slight edge in screen size and resolution.
Considering these points, the Nikon D610 is the superior camera in terms of features. Its slightly larger screen and higher resolution provide a more enjoyable user experience. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, although a strong contender, falls short in this comparison due to its smaller screen size and marginally lower resolution. The Nikon D610’s higher feature score of 57 is a testament to its superiority in this aspect.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D610 both scored 71/100 for storage and battery, indicating no clear winner in this category. Both cameras feature two memory card slots, but they differ in the type of memory cards accepted. The Canon 5D Mark II accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, and Microdrive cards, while the Nikon D610 is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
In terms of battery life, the Nikon D610 has a slight advantage with 900 shots per charge, compared to the Canon 5D Mark II’s 850 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the Canon using an LP-E6 battery and the Nikon using an EN-EL15 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging capabilities.
Despite the tie in overall score, the Nikon D610’s longer battery life may be a deciding factor for some photographers. However, the Canon 5D Mark II’s compatibility with various memory card types could be more appealing to others, depending on their storage preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras in terms of storage and battery will come down to the individual photographer’s requirements and preferences.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D Mark II or the Nikon D610: