Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS 1D X

Nikon D3

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1D X is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 1D X were released 2011 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Canon EOS 1D X	2011
Nikon D3	2007

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Even though the camera sensors might be called differently they are both considered Full frame which means that the focal length of the lenses is not affected. There is no crop factor on any of these cameras and sensors.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS 1D X	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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 1D X has a 18,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Canon EOS 1D X	18,1 MP 17915904 pixels 5184 x 3456
Nikon D3	12,1 MP 12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832

Canon EOS 1D X has a 49 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. 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

Canon EOS 1D X has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Canon EOS 1D X has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.

Camera	ISO Range
Canon EOS 1D X	100-51200
Nikon D3	200-25600

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 1D X
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1D X can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1D X	12
Nikon D3	9

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 1D X. Unfortunately Nikon D3 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.

Canon EOS 1D X weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 3% heavier than Nikon D3 and its 1300 gr (or 2.87 lb).

Camera	Weight
Canon EOS 1D X	1340 gr 2.95 lb
Nikon D3	1300 gr 2.87 lb