Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D800

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D800. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 6D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D800 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

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.

** 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 D800 has 36,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D800 has a 81 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 6D. 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

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 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 6D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800

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 D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

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 D800 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 D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 17% heavier than Canon EOS 6D and its 770 gr (or 1.7 lb).

Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D800 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D800, 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 D800
Name	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
Manufacturer	Canon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
Release Year	2012	2012
Release Date	2012-09-17	2012-02-07
MSRP	2099 USD	2999 USD
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Camera Type	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
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	7360 x 4912 pixels
Megapixels	20,2 MP	36,3 MP
Image Processor	DIGIC 5+	EXPEED 3
Image	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
ISO Range	100 - 25600	100 - 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 6D	Nikon D800
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection 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 D800
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3,2”
Screen dots	1040000	921000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Clear View II TFT LCD	TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle
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 D800
Frames per second	4,5 fps	6 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	12 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot Partial	Multi Center Weighted Spot Average
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 D800
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	H.264	MPEG4 H.264
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	Yes
Storage	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	Yes
Headphone Port	No	Yes
Wireless	Yes Built-in	Yes Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A)
Remote Control	Yes (Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-6)	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS	Yes Built-in, Image tagging and tracking modes	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Canon EOS 6D	Nikon D800
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	1090 shots	900 shots
Width	145 mm	146 mm
Height	111 mm	123 mm
Depth	71 mm	82 mm
Weight	770 gram	900 gram