Canon EOS 5D vs Nikon D4

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 5D and Nikon D4. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS 5D

Nikon D4

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 5D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D4 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 5D were released 2005 and Nikon D4 was released 2012. That is a 7 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Canon EOS 5D	2005
Nikon D4	2012

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 5D	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D4	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 5D has a 12,7 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Canon EOS 5D	12,7 MP 12719616 pixels 4368 x 2912
Nikon D4	16,2 MP 16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280

Nikon D4 has a 27 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 5D. 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 D4 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 5D. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Canon EOS 5D has 50 to 3200.

Camera	ISO Range
Canon EOS 5D	50-3200
Nikon D4	100-204800

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 5D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 5D can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 5D	3
Nikon D4	11

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D4. Sadly, the Canon EOS 5D does not support this.

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 D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 50% heavier than Canon EOS 5D and its 895 gr (or 1.97 lb).

Camera	Weight
Canon EOS 5D	895 gr 1.97 lb
Nikon D4	1340 gr 2.95 lb