Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography vs Nikon D3
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography were released 2005 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.| Camera | Released |
| Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | 2005 |
| Nikon D3 | 2007 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography has a "Canon APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
| Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
| Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | 80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6 |
| 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 20D Astrophotography has a 8,2 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 20D Astrophotography |
8,2 MP
8185344 pixels 3504 x 2336 |
| Nikon D3 |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Nikon D3 has a 47 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography. 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 D3 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography has 100 to 3200.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | 100-3200 |
| 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 20D Astrophotography
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 20D Astrophotography can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | 5 |
| Nikon D3 | 9 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography or Nikon D3 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.
Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 69% heavier than Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography and its 770 gr (or 1.7 lb).
| Camera | Weight |
| Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | 770 gr 1.7 lb |
| Nikon D3 | 1300 gr 2.87 lb |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography vs Nikon D3 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography and Nikon D3, 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 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Name | Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography | Nikon D3 |
| Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Release Year | 2005 | 2007 |
| Release Date | 2005-06-01 | 2007-08-23 |
| MSRP | 1499 USD | 4999 USD |
| Buy it today |
|
|
Camera Type |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| 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 | 3504 x 2336 pixels | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
| Megapixels | 8,2 MP | 12,1 MP |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 2 | EXPEED |
Image |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| ISO Range | 100 - 3200 | 200 - 25600 |
| 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 |
Optics & Focus |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
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 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
| Screen size | 1.8” | 3” |
| Screen dots | 118000 | 922000 |
| Touch screen | No | No |
| Screen type | N/A | N/A |
| Live view | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.9× (0.56× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
| Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Frames per second | 5 fps | 9 fps |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Built-in Flash Range | 12 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 | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Video recording | No | No |
| Video format | N/A | N/A |
| Video resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| HDMI Output | No | Yes |
| Microphone Port | No | No |
| Headphone Port | No | No |
| Wireless | No | No |
| Remote Control | Yes (N3 connector) | Yes |
| GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1
|
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 20D Astrophotography |
Nikon D3 |
| Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Details |
Battery Pack BP-511A
|
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
|
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 1000 shots | 4300 shots |
| Width | 144 mm | 160 mm |
| Height | 106 mm | 157 mm |
| Depth | 72 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 770 gram | 1300 gram |