CameraReview

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 70D
Canon
Canon EOS 70D
DSLR · 20.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
60
SCORE
$426.36
best of 3 retailers
Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Nikon D800
Nikon
Nikon D800
DSLR · 36.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
69
SCORE
$548
best of 5 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand CanonNikon
Model EOS 70DD800
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20132012
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
02/07/201307/02/2012
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 139 x 104 x 79 mm146 x 123 x 82 mm
Camera weight 755 g1000 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.2 MP05036.3 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5472 x 36487360 x 4912
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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.
15 x 22.524 x 35.9
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull 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.
7 fps0454 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-SNikon 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 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
12800300328000064003003280000
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.
100302005030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
190300510300
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/AN/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 HDFull 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 10801920 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 fps30 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.
MOVMPEG
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 LCDLCD
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.
104000011500015000009210001150001500000
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 SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6EN-EL15
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
920 shots1505000900 shots1505000
USB charging

The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D with a score of 69/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2012 and 2013, respectively. They share similarities in size and weight, with the D800 being slightly larger and heavier.

The Nikon D800 surpasses the Canon EOS 70D with its higher score, reflecting its superior quality. However, the Canon EOS 70D has a lower launch price, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon D800 is the better choice for those seeking a higher-quality camera, while the Canon EOS 70D is a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on performance.

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in terms of optics, with a score of 74/100 compared to the 70D’s 58/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, lack of image stabilization, and similar lens mounts (Canon EF-S for the 70D and Nikon F FX for the D800).

The Nikon D800 excels in several areas, most notably with its 36.3-megapixel resolution, which is significantly higher than the 20.2 megapixels offered by the Canon EOS 70D. Additionally, the D800 boasts a full-frame sensor size, compared to the 70D’s smaller APS-C sensor. This larger sensor size allows for better image quality and low-light performance. The D800 also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, achieving a 95 compared to the 70D’s 68, further indicating its superior image quality capabilities.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 70D has some advantages over the Nikon D800, such as a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second, compared to the D800’s 4 frames per second. This makes the 70D more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. Additionally, the 70D’s processor, the Digic 5+, is a more advanced model than the D800’s Expeed 3 processor.

Taking into account the specifications and scores for each camera, it is evident that the Nikon D800 is the better option for those prioritizing high-resolution images and superior image quality. However, the Canon EOS 70D may be more suitable for photographers who require faster shooting speeds and a more advanced processor.

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 Video Performance

The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in terms of video capabilities, scoring 57 out of 100 compared to the 70D’s score of 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, both cameras can achieve a maximum video frame rate of 30 frames per second.

The Nikon D800’s higher score highlights its superior video performance. One notable advantage is the presence of built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software. This feature sets the D800 apart from the 70D and contributes to its higher score.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 70D does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the Nikon D800. Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, with the 70D lacking the time-lapse functionality found in the D800. As a result, the 70D’s lower score reflects its limited video performance in comparison to the D800.

Based on the comparison of video capabilities, the Nikon D800 proves to be the superior camera. Its built-in time-lapse functionality gives it an edge over the Canon EOS 70D, which lacks this feature. For users seeking a camera with excellent video performance, the Nikon D800 is the clear winner between these two models.

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 70D outperforms the Nikon D800 in features, scoring 70 out of 100 compared to the Nikon’s 57. Both cameras share a few similarities, such as 3-inch screens, lack of GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Canon EOS 70D offers more advanced features, making it the better choice in this category.

The Canon EOS 70D has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, compared to the Nikon D800’s 921,000 dots. This provides a clearer and more detailed image preview. Additionally, the Canon EOS 70D has a touchscreen, which makes navigating menus and settings more convenient. Furthermore, the Canon EOS 70D features a flip screen, allowing for more flexible shooting angles and easier self-portraits.

The Nikon D800 does have a slightly larger screen at 3.2 inches, but this minor advantage does not compensate for the lack of other features. The Nikon D800 does not have a touchscreen or flip screen, which limits its versatility when compared to the Canon EOS 70D.

Based on these comparisons, the Canon EOS 70D proves to be the better choice regarding features. Its higher screen resolution, touchscreen, and flip screen provide a more user-friendly and versatile experience. The Nikon D800 falls short in this category, with its only advantage being a marginally larger screen. The Canon EOS 70D’s higher feature score reflects its superiority in this aspect.

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D800 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in storage and battery, scoring 71 points compared to the 70D’s 37 points. Both cameras have common features, such as accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards and lacking USB charging capabilities. However, the D800 has an advantage with two memory card slots and compatibility with Compact Flash cards.

The Canon EOS 70D has a slight edge in battery life, providing 920 shots per charge compared to the D800’s 900 shots. Nonetheless, the Nikon D800’s superior storage options give it an overall advantage in this category. While the 70D’s battery life is commendable, the D800’s dual memory card slots and additional card compatibility make it the better choice for those prioritizing storage and battery capabilities.

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D800 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 70D or the Nikon D800: