Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D3s
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 6D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
Canon EOS 6D were released 2012 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Canon EOS 6D | 2012 |
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 6D | 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 6D has a 20,2 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 6D |
20,2 MP
19961856 pixels 5472 x 3648 |
Nikon D3s |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Canon EOS 6D has a 66 % 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 6D. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Canon EOS 6D has 100 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Canon EOS 6D | 100-25600 |
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 6D
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 6D can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Canon EOS 6D | 4,5 |
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 6D 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.
Nikon D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 61% heavier than Canon EOS 6D and its 770 gr (or 1.7 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Canon EOS 6D | 770 gr 1.7 lb |
Nikon D3s | 1240 gr 2.73 lb |
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D3s Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 6D 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 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Name | Canon EOS 6D | Nikon D3s |
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Release Year | 2012 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2012-09-17 | 2009-10-14 |
MSRP | 2099 USD | 5199 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 6D |
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 | 5472 x 3648 pixels | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
Megapixels | 20,2 MP | 12,1 MP |
Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ | EXPEED |
Image |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
ISO Range | 100 - 25600 | 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 6D |
Nikon D3s |
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 | 11 | 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 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 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 | 97% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71× | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Frames per second | 4,5 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 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 Partial |
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 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
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 | Yes | No |
Storage |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in |
Yes Optional |
Remote Control |
Yes (Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-6)
|
Yes |
GPS |
Yes Built-in, Image tagging and tracking modes |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 6D |
Nikon D3s |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1090 shots | 4200 shots |
Width | 145 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 111 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 71 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 770 gram | 1240 gram |