Nikon D800 vs Canon 5d Mark Iii: Which Dslr Reigns?
Choosing between the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III can feel like picking a side in a legendary photography battle. Both are titans of the DSLR world, offering incredible image quality and a wealth of features designed to elevate your photography.
This comparison dives deep into the heart of these two cameras. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which one best suits your photographic style and needs. Get ready to uncover the nuances that separate these two powerhouse cameras.
The Nikon D800 boasts impressive resolution, while the Canon 5D Mark III offers a more refined user experience. We will analyze the image quality, focusing capabilities, and overall performance of each camera. Prepare to discover which camera will become your perfect companion on your photographic journey.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Nikon D800 | Canon 5D Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 36.3MP | 22.3MP |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (expandable to 50-25600) | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) |
| Autofocus Points | 51 | 61 |
| Continuous Shooting | 4 fps | 6 fps |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| LCD Screen Size | 3.2 inch | 3.2 inch |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 1040k dots |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Media | CF & SD | CF & SD |
| Weight (body only) | 900g | 860g |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Megapixels
- Nikon D800: Boasts a 36.3MP full-frame sensor, offering incredibly detailed images and significant cropping potential. Its high resolution, however, can lead to larger file sizes and potentially slower processing.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Features a 22.3MP full-frame sensor, providing excellent image quality with a slightly lower resolution compared to the D800. This results in smaller file sizes, faster processing, and generally better low-light performance due to larger individual pixels.
- Winner: nikon d800
Autofocus System
- Nikon D800: Equipped with a 51-point autofocus system, offering a wide coverage area and reliable subject tracking. While powerful, some users find its performance slightly less refined than the competition in continuous autofocus.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Utilizes a 61-point autofocus system, known for its speed, accuracy, and excellent subject tracking capabilities, particularly in continuous shooting mode. It’s considered a highly reliable and versatile system.
- Winner: canon 5d mark iii
ISO Performance
- Nikon D800: Offers a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50-25600. While it produces excellent images at lower ISOs, high ISO performance isn’t as clean as the 5D Mark III, with noticeable noise at higher settings.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 50-102400. It excels in low-light conditions, producing cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings compared to the D800.
- Winner: canon 5d mark iii
Video Capabilities
- Nikon D800: Shoots 1080p video at various frame rates, offering good quality video output. However, its video autofocus performance and overall usability for video are not as refined as the 5D Mark III’s.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Records 1080p video with excellent quality, featuring manual controls and a headphone jack for audio monitoring. Its video autofocus, while improved, still isn’t perfect, but the overall feature set makes it a strong choice for video.
- Winner: canon 5d mark iii
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Nikon D800: Shoots at a rate of 4 frames per second (fps), which is adequate for some action photography but slower than the 5D Mark III. This can be limiting for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Offers a continuous shooting speed of 6 fps, allowing for a better chance of capturing the perfect moment in action photography.
- Winner: canon 5d mark iii
Build Quality and Ergonomics
- Nikon D800: Features a robust build, constructed with weather-sealed magnesium alloy. The ergonomics are generally well-regarded, with a comfortable grip, but some users may find the button layout less intuitive than the 5D Mark III.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Also boasts excellent build quality with weather sealing. Its ergonomics are highly praised, with a well-placed button layout and a comfortable grip, making it a joy to use for extended periods.
- Winner: canon 5d mark iii
Dynamic Range
- Nikon D800: Exhibits excellent dynamic range, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing and the ability to recover details in both highlights and shadows.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Possesses good dynamic range, though it generally lags slightly behind the D800. However, it still offers plenty of latitude for adjusting exposure in post-processing.
- Winner: nikon d800
Overall Image Quality (Non-Specific)
- Nikon D800: Produces incredibly detailed images due to its high megapixel count, making it excellent for landscape, studio, and commercial photography where detail is paramount.
- Canon 5d Mark Iii: Delivers excellent image quality with a focus on color accuracy, low noise at higher ISOs, and a generally pleasing aesthetic. It’s a versatile camera suitable for various photography genres.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | Nikon D800 |
| Autofocus Speed | Canon 5D Mark III |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | Canon 5D Mark III |
| Low Light Performance | Canon 5D Mark III |
| Video Features | Tie |
| Ergonomics | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Full Frame Sensor: Both cameras feature a full-frame sensor, providing excellent image quality and low-light performance. This results in shallower depth of field and wider dynamic range compared to cameras with smaller sensors.
- Professional Build Quality: Both the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III are built with durable materials and offer weather sealing, making them suitable for demanding shooting conditions. They are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use.
- 1080p Video Recording: Both cameras can record Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, allowing for high-quality video capture. They offer manual controls for video, providing flexibility for creative filmmaking.
- Large and Clear Viewfinders: Both cameras boast large and bright viewfinders that offer 100% coverage, making it easier to compose shots accurately. This is crucial for precise focusing and framing.
- Dual Card Slots: Both cameras feature dual card slots, providing flexibility in storage options. You can use them for overflow, backup, or to separate different file types.
Nikon D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Nikon D800 boasts a higher resolution 36.3MP full-frame sensor compared to the Canon 5D Mark III’s 22.3MP sensor. This gives the D800 a significant advantage in terms of detail and cropping flexibility. The D800 generally produces images with slightly more sharpness and resolution. However, the 5D Mark III excels in low-light performance due to its larger pixel size and excellent noise handling capabilities. Both cameras offer outstanding image quality for professional and enthusiast photographers, making the choice dependent on specific needs.
Autofocus System and Performance
The Canon 5D Mark III features a more advanced autofocus system with 61 points, compared to the D800’s 51-point system. The 5D Mark III’s autofocus is generally considered to be faster and more reliable in challenging lighting conditions, making it a better choice for action and sports photography. The D800’s autofocus system is still very capable, but it may struggle slightly more in low light or with fast-moving subjects. Consider your shooting style to assess which system is better suited to your needs.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras offer excellent video capabilities, but the Canon 5D Mark III has a slight edge in terms of features and ease of use. The 5D Mark III provides better audio controls and a wider range of frame rates. The D800, while capable of producing high-quality video, lacks some of the advanced features found in the Canon. If video is a priority, the 5D Mark III provides a more user-friendly and feature-rich experience. Both cameras offer full HD video recording.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Both the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III are built to a high standard, with durable bodies designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Both cameras offer comfortable grips and well-placed controls. The Canon 5D Mark III is slightly lighter and may feel more comfortable to some users. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference. Try holding both cameras to see which feels better in your hands, as both are built to last.
Lens Availability and Ecosystem
Both Nikon and Canon offer extensive lens ecosystems, providing photographers with a wide range of options for different shooting situations. The availability of lenses is generally similar for both brands, with a vast selection of prime and zoom lenses available. Canon’s lens lineup may have a slight advantage in terms of specialized lenses. Consider the lenses you already own or the types of photography you enjoy to assess which ecosystem better suits your needs. Both offer excellent lens choices.
Price and Value
The initial price of the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III were relatively similar when they were new. However, the prices on the used market will vary depending on the condition and accessories. Consider your budget and the features you need. Research used prices and consider the accessories included with each camera. Analyze which camera offers the best value for your intended use and the features you need. Both cameras are excellent choices at the right price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Nikon D800 If…
- You prioritize higher resolution for detailed images and large prints.
- You require the best possible image quality for landscape or studio photography.
- You prefer the Nikon lens ecosystem and user interface.
- You need a camera that can capture very fine detail.
Buy Canon 5D Mark III If…
- You value faster continuous shooting for capturing action.
- You prefer a more refined autofocus system for tracking moving subjects.
- You prefer the Canon lens ecosystem and color science.
- You need a camera that excels in low-light situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera has a higher resolution?
The Nikon D800 has a higher resolution 36.3MP sensor, providing more detail and cropping flexibility compared to the Canon 5D Mark III’s 22.3MP sensor. The D800’s higher resolution allows for larger prints and more aggressive cropping. The extra megapixels give the D800 a clear advantage in situations where detail is paramount. This can be beneficial for landscape, studio, and product photography.
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon 5D Mark III generally performs better in low-light situations. Its sensor, with larger pixels, excels at gathering light and producing cleaner images at higher ISO settings. The 5D Mark III’s superior noise handling capabilities allow photographers to capture better images in challenging lighting conditions without excessive noise. This makes it a great choice for events and night photography.
Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Canon 5D Mark III features a more advanced autofocus system with 61 points, compared to the D800’s 51-point system. The 5D Mark III’s autofocus is generally faster and more reliable, especially for tracking moving subjects. It is well-suited for action and sports photography. The D800’s AF is still very good, but the 5D Mark III has a slight edge in performance.
Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon 5D Mark III offers slightly better video features, including more advanced audio controls and a wider range of frame rates. The 5D Mark III provides a more user-friendly experience for video recording. The D800 still produces high-quality video, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Canon. Both cameras offer full HD video.
Which camera is more durable?
Both the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III are built to a high standard, utilizing durable materials and weather sealing. Both cameras are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. The build quality of both cameras is excellent, and the choice depends on individual preference. Both cameras are known for their reliability and long-term durability, making either a solid investment.
Which camera is lighter?
The Canon 5D Mark III is slightly lighter than the Nikon D800. This subtle difference can make a difference during extended shooting sessions. While the weight difference is not substantial, it can affect comfort and portability. The 5D Mark III’s slightly lighter weight might be an advantage for some photographers who prioritize portability. Both are relatively large and heavy cameras.
Which camera is better for beginners?
Neither camera is explicitly designed for beginners. Both are high-end, professional-grade cameras with a lot of features and complexity. Novice photographers might find the learning curve steeper with these cameras compared to entry-level models. However, with time and practice, both cameras can be mastered. Consider starting with simpler models before investing in either of these options.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III depends on individual needs. The D800 excels with its higher resolution and greater detail. The 5D Mark III shines in low light and offers a more advanced autofocus system. Canon offers better video features. Consider your photography style and budget when making your final decision.
Winner: [Tie]