Canon EOS 1200D vs Nikon D3x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1200D and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1200D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3x is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1200D has a "Canon APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 1200D has a 18 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3x has 24,5 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D3x has a 36 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 1200D. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1200D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3x

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1200D can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Canon EOS 1200D. Unfortunately Nikon D3x does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 162% heavier than Canon EOS 1200D and its 480 gr (or 1.06 lb).

Canon EOS 1200D vs Nikon D3x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1200D and Nikon D3x, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Name	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Manufacturer	Canon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Release Year	2014	2008
Release Date	2014-02-12	2008-12-01
MSRP	549 USD	7470 USD
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Camera Type	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm)	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	5184 x 3456 pixels	6048 x 4032 pixels
Megapixels	18 MP	24,5 MP
Image Processor	DIGIC 4	EXPEED
Image	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
ISO Range	100 - 6400	100 - 6400
White Balance Presets	6	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	9	51
Lens Mount	Canon EF Canon EF-S See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	APS-C Sensor 1.6x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 38 mm 50 mm becomes 80 mm 100 mm becomes 160 mm 200 mm becomes 320 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3”
Screen dots	460000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT color LCD, liquid-crystal monitor	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8× (0.5× 35mm equiv.)	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Frames per second	3 fps	5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	9 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Partial	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1920 x 1080	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (E3 connector)	Yes
GPS	No	Yes Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Canon EOS 1200D	Nikon D3x
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion LP-E10 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	500 shots	4400 shots
Width	130 mm	160 mm
Height	100 mm	157 mm
Depth	78 mm	88 mm
Weight	480 gram	1260 gram