Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Nikon D810
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Brand | Canon | Nikon | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | D810 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 25, 2016 | June 26, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D810 with a score of 75/100, a 3-point lead over the Nikon’s 72/100. Both cameras share the DSLR category, and were released in 2016 and 2014, respectively, with launch prices of $3500 and $3300.
The Canon 5D Mark IV has a smaller and lighter body, measuring 151 x 116 x 76mm and weighing 890g, making it more portable than the Nikon D810, which measures 146 x 123 x 82mm and weighs 980g. This difference in size and weight gives the Canon a slight edge in portability and handling.
However, the Nikon D810 has a lower launch price, which may appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, but the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s higher score reflects its overall superior performance and portability.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Nikon D810 both receive a score of 76/100 for their optics, indicating a tie between the two cameras. Both cameras share common specifications including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. They also have different lens mounts, with the Canon using the Canon EF mount and the Nikon using the Nikon F FX mount.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels with a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second compared to Nikon D810’s 5 frames per second. This feature is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting. Additionally, the Canon has a more advanced processor, the Digic 6+, which contributes to faster image processing and better overall performance.
On the other hand, the Nikon D810 has a higher megapixel count of 36.3, compared to the Canon’s 30.4 megapixels. This results in higher resolution images, providing more detail and flexibility in post-processing. Furthermore, the Nikon D810 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 97, compared to the Canon’s 91. The higher DXOMARK score signifies better overall image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
Considering the optics, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is better suited for photographers who prioritize faster shooting speed and advanced processing power. Meanwhile, the Nikon D810 is a better choice for those who value higher resolution and superior image quality. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras comes down to individual preferences and priorities when it comes to optical performance.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 30.4 MP | 36.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6720 x 4480 px | 7360 x 4912 px | |
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 mm | 24 x 35.9 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps | 5 fps | |
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 6+ | Expeed 4 | |
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 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 64 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 32,000 | 32,000 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 32 | |
Maximum 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. | 102400 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 61 | 51 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 (tunnel) |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 Video Performance
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D810 in video capabilities with a video score of 91, while the Nikon D810 scores 70. Both cameras share the feature of built-in time-lapse functionality, offering creative options for videographers. However, the Canon 5D Mark IV boasts superior video specifications, contributing to its higher score.
The Canon 5D Mark IV excels with a maximum video resolution of 4K (4096 x 2160) and a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. This higher resolution and frame rate allow for more detailed and smoother video footage, making it an ideal choice for professional videographers and enthusiasts alike. Moreover, the 4K resolution provides the flexibility to crop or downscale the footage without losing much quality, which is an advantage in post-production.
On the other hand, the Nikon D810’s maximum video resolution is Full HD (1920 x 1080) and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. While this is still suitable for most casual users, it falls short in comparison to the Canon 5D Mark IV for those seeking higher quality video output. The lower resolution and frame rate limit the flexibility and potential of the Nikon D810’s video capabilities.
To conclude, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the superior choice for video capabilities due to its higher video score, 4K resolution, and 120fps frame rate. The Nikon D810, though offering built-in time-lapse functionality like the Canon, has a lower video score and lesser video specifications with Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate. Therefore, the Canon 5D Mark IV is the better choice for individuals prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 4096 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
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. | 120 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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, MP4 | MOV |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D810 in features, scoring 74/100 compared to the D810’s 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, the absence of a flip screen, WIFI connectivity, and no Bluetooth support.
The 5D Mark IV has a higher screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots, providing clearer and sharper image previews, as opposed to the D810’s 1,229,000 dots. Additionally, the 5D Mark IV includes a touchscreen interface, making it more user-friendly and efficient in navigating through settings and options. The 5D Mark IV also has GPS functionality, allowing users to geotag their photos for easy organization and location-based searches.
On the other hand, the Nikon D810 lacks a touchscreen and GPS functionality, making it less versatile and slightly more challenging to use compared to the 5D Mark IV. However, it is essential to note that these features may not be crucial for all photographers, and the D810 still performs well in other aspects.
In comparing these two cameras, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a clear advantage in terms of features, such as a higher screen resolution, touchscreen, and GPS capabilities. This makes it a more user-friendly and versatile option for photographers. While the Nikon D810 falls short in these areas, it is still a solid camera with reliable performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the individual preferences and priorities of the photographer.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 1,229,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 Storage and Battery
The Nikon D810 triumphs over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in storage and battery with a score of 79/100 compared to the Canon’s 71/100. Both cameras possess two memory card slots and do not support USB charging. They accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, while the Canon is UHS-I compatible and the Nikon also accepts Compact Flash UDMA cards.
The Nikon D810 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in battery life, offering 1200 shots per charge compared to the Canon’s 900 shots. The Nikon uses an EN-EL15 battery, while the Canon relies on an LP-E6N battery. This longer battery life is a clear advantage for the Nikon D810.
However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV still holds its ground with its UHS-I compatibility, allowing for faster data transfer rates when using compatible memory cards. This feature can be beneficial for photographers who need quick data transfer.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D810 emerges as the better camera in terms of storage and battery, thanks to its longer battery life and additional memory card compatibility. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, while having a faster data transfer feature, falls short in this comparison.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6N | EN-EL15 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 900 shots | 1,200 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.8 bits | 25.7 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs | 14.8 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2995 | 2853 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D810 – Our Verdict
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 IV or the Nikon D810:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D810
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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