Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Nikon |
| Model | EOS 5D | D800 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2005 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
22/08/2005 | 07/02/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 152 x 113 x 75 mm | 146 x 123 x 82 mm |
| Camera weight | 895 g | 1000 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.7 MP050 | 36.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4368 x 2912 | 7360 x 4912 |
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 fps045 | 4 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 II | 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. |
16003003280000 | 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. |
10030200 | 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. |
32003003280000 | 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 | 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. |
90300 | 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 | ||
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. |
N/A | 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. |
N/A | 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. |
N/A | 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. |
N/A | MPEG |
| 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 | 2.5" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 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) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery type | BP-511A | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
400 shots1505000 | 900 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D800 triumphs over the Canon EOS 5D with a notable 29-point difference in scores, earning 69/100 compared to the Canon’s 40/100. Both cameras share the DSLR classification and were initially priced in the upper range, with the Canon at $2000 and the Nikon at $2999. They also have similar dimensions and weight, with the Canon being slightly lighter at 895g.
The Nikon D800’s higher score is due to its superior performance and more recent release year, 2012, as opposed to the Canon’s 2005 debut. However, the Canon EOS 5D has the advantage of a lower launch price and a more compact, lightweight design.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D800 delivers better overall performance, while the Canon EOS 5D offers affordability and portability for those prioritizing these aspects in their camera choice.
The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D in optics, scoring 74/100 compared to the Canon’s 46/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a full frame CMOS sensor, no image stabilization, and a shooting speed difference of just one frame per second. However, the Nikon D800 has several advantages that contribute to its higher score.
The Nikon D800 boasts a significantly higher megapixel count at 36.3, compared to the Canon EOS 5D’s 12.7 megapixels. This difference allows the D800 to capture more detail and produce sharper images. Additionally, the Nikon D800 has a more advanced processor, the Expeed 3, compared to the Canon’s Digic II processor. This results in faster image processing and better overall performance.
Furthermore, the Nikon D800 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, with a score of 95 compared to the Canon EOS 5D’s 71. This indicates that the D800’s sensor has better overall performance in terms of dynamic range, color depth, and low-light capabilities.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D has the advantage of a wider range of compatible lenses due to its Canon EF lens mount. This provides users with more options for lens selection and versatility in different shooting situations.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the Nikon D800 emerges as the clear winner in terms of optics, delivering higher resolution images, better sensor performance, and a more advanced processor. While the Canon EOS 5D offers a wider lens compatibility, it falls short in the other key areas that contribute to overall image quality and performance.
When examining the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 5D and the Nikon D800, it becomes clear that the Canon EOS 5D lacks any video functionality. This absence of video recording features makes it impossible to compare the two cameras in this aspect. Therefore, the focus shifts to the Nikon D800’s video capabilities.
The Nikon D800 has a video score of 57 out of 100, which reflects its ability to record videos with a maximum resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080). This camera is capable of recording videos at a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second, ensuring smooth and clear footage. Additionally, the D800 possesses a built-in time-lapse functionality, a feature that allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos by capturing images at specific intervals and combining them into a single video file.
Taking into account the video capabilities of both cameras, it is evident that the Nikon D800 offers more in this category due to its ability to record videos, while the Canon EOS 5D does not provide any video functionality. This distinction should be considered by potential buyers when choosing between these two cameras, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D in features, scoring 57 points compared to the Canon’s 30 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the lack of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. However, both cameras come equipped with WIFI capabilities.
The Nikon D800 surpasses the Canon EOS 5D in terms of screen size and resolution. The D800 boasts a 3.2-inch screen, while the 5D has a smaller 2.5-inch screen. Additionally, the D800’s screen resolution is significantly higher at 921,000 dots, compared to the 5D’s 230,000 dots. This difference results in a clearer and larger display for the Nikon D800, enhancing the user’s experience when reviewing images or navigating menus.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D does not offer any significant advantages over the Nikon D800 in terms of features. Both cameras lack certain modern amenities, such as a touchscreen and GPS, which could be seen as a drawback for some users. However, these missing features do not make the Canon EOS 5D superior to the Nikon D800.
Considering the feature scores and specifications, the Nikon D800 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its larger, higher-resolution screen provides a better user experience, while the Canon EOS 5D fails to offer any notable advantages. Although both cameras lack some modern features, the Nikon D800 still stands out as the better option in this comparison.
The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D in storage and battery with a score of 71/100, while the Canon EOS 5D scores 24/100. Both cameras share the absence of USB charging and accept Compact Flash memory cards.
The Nikon D800 excels with two memory card slots, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) cards in addition to Compact Flash, offering greater storage flexibility. Moreover, the D800 boasts a battery life of 900 shots, powered by an EN-EL15 battery, significantly longer than the Canon EOS 5D’s 400 shots using a BP-511A battery.
Although the Canon EOS 5D falls short in comparison, it still provides adequate storage and battery life for casual photographers. It has one memory card slot and supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D800 proves superior in storage and battery performance, making it a better choice for photographers requiring extended battery life and versatile storage options. The Canon EOS 5D, while not as strong in these aspects, remains a viable option for less demanding users.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D or the Nikon D800:
