Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D3s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1D X is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 1D X were released 2011 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 1D X 2011
Nikon D3s 2009

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 D3s 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 D3s 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 D3s 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Canon EOS 1D X has a 49 % larger resolution than Nikon D3s. 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

Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1D X. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Canon EOS 1D X has 100 to 51200.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 1D X 100-51200
Nikon D3s 200-102400

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 D3s

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 D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1D X 12
Nikon D3s 11

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D3s can shoot movies.

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 8% heavier than Nikon D3s and its 1240 gr (or 2.73 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 1D X 1340 gr
2.95 lb
Nikon D3s 1240 gr
2.73 lb

Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D3s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D3s, 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 1D X
Nikon D3s
Name Canon EOS 1D X Nikon D3s
Manufacturer Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Release Year 2011 2009
Release Date 2011-10-18 2009-10-14
MSRP 6799 USD 5199 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 18,1 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor DUAL DIGIC 5+ EXPEED
Image
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
ISO Range 100 - 51200 200 - 102400
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 1D X
Nikon D3s
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 61 51
Lens Mount Canon EF

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier 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
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 1D X
Nikon D3s
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3”
Screen dots 1040000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Clear View II TFT LCD Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.76× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Frames per second 12 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
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 1D X
Nikon D3s
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
Motion JPEG
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Optional with LC-5
Yes
Optional
Remote Control Yes (N3 connector) Yes
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-E1 and GP-E2
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D3s
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion LP-E4N rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1120 shots 4200 shots
Width 158 mm 160 mm
Height 164 mm 157 mm
Depth 83 mm 88 mm
Weight 1340 gram 1240 gram