Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Nikon D700

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and Nikon D700. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

Nikon D700

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D700 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II were released 2004 and Nikon D700 was released 2008. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	2004
Nikon D700	2008

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 1Ds Mark II	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D700	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 1Ds Mark II has a 16,6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D700 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	16,6 MP 16613376 pixels 4992 x 3328
Nikon D700	12,1 MP 12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a 38 % larger resolution than Nikon D700. 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 D700 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II. Nikon D700 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has 50 to 3200.

Camera	ISO Range
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	50-3200
Nikon D700	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 1Ds Mark II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D700

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D700 can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	4
Nikon D700	8

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II or Nikon D700 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 1Ds Mark II weighs 1565 gr (equal to 3.45 lb) which is 46% heavier than Nikon D700 and its 1074 gr (or 2.37 lb).

Camera	Weight
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	1565 gr 3.45 lb
Nikon D700	1074 gr 2.37 lb