Canon EOS 50D vs Nikon D3x
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 50D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3x is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
These two camera models were both released 2008.Camera | Released |
Canon EOS 50D | 2008 |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 50D 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.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Canon EOS 50D | 80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6 |
Nikon D3x | 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 50D has a 15,1 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:
Camera | Megapixels |
Canon EOS 50D |
15,1 MP
15054336 pixels 4752 x 3168 |
Nikon D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon D3x has a 62 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 50D. 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 50D has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Canon EOS 50D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Canon EOS 50D | 100-12800 |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
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 50D
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 50D can shoot up to 6,3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Canon EOS 50D | 6,3 |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Canon EOS 50D or Nikon D3x 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 53% heavier than Canon EOS 50D and its 822 gr (or 1.81 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Canon EOS 50D | 822 gr 1.81 lb |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Canon EOS 50D vs Nikon D3x Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 50D 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 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Name | Canon EOS 50D | Nikon D3x |
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Release Year | 2008 | 2008 |
Release Date | 2008-08-26 | 2008-12-01 |
MSRP | 1399 USD | 7470 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 50D |
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 | 4752 x 3168 pixels | 6048 x 4032 pixels |
Megapixels | 15,1 MP | 24,5 MP |
Image Processor | DIGIC 4 | EXPEED |
Image |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
ISO Range | 100 - 12800 | 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 50D |
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 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 920000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT liquid-crystal color LCD | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.95× (0.59× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Frames per second | 6,3 fps | 5 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 | 13 meters | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
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 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No | No |
Remote Control | Yes (N3 connector) | Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D3x |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 800 shots | 4400 shots |
Width | 146 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 108 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 74 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 822 gram | 1260 gram |