Nikon D100 vs Canon EOS 50D
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D100 and Canon EOS 50D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Nikon D100 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 50D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.
Nikon D100 were released 2002 and Canon EOS 50D was released 2008. That is a 6 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D100 | 2002 |
Canon EOS 50D | 2008 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 50D has a "Canon APS-C"-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 ** |
Nikon D100 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Canon EOS 50D | 80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6 |
** 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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Resolution
Nikon D100 has a 6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 50D has 15,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D100 |
6 MP
6016000 pixels 3008 x 2000 |
Canon EOS 50D |
15,1 MP
15054336 pixels 4752 x 3168 |
Canon EOS 50D has a 150 % larger resolution than Nikon D100. 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 D100. Canon EOS 50D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D100 has 200 to 1600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D100 | 200-1600 |
Canon EOS 50D | 100-12800 |
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 Nikon D100
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 50D
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 50D can shoot up to 6,3 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D100 | 3 |
Canon EOS 50D | 6,3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Nikon D100 or Canon EOS 50D 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.
Canon EOS 50D weighs 822 gr (equal to 1.81 lb) which is 5% heavier than Nikon D100 and its 780 gr (or 1.72 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D100 | 780 gr 1.72 lb |
Canon EOS 50D | 822 gr 1.81 lb |
Nikon D100 vs Canon EOS 50D Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D100 and Canon EOS 50D, 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 |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Name | Nikon D100 | Canon EOS 50D |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Canon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Release Year | 2002 | 2008 |
Release Date | 2002-02-21 | 2008-08-26 |
MSRP | 1999 USD | 1399 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Resolution | 3008 x 2000 pixels | 4752 x 3168 pixels |
Megapixels | 6 MP | 15,1 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | DIGIC 4 |
Image |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
ISO Range | 200 - 1600 | 100 - 12800 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 5 | 9 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Canon EF Canon EF-S See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
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 |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 1,8” | 3” |
Screen dots | 118000 | 920000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | TFT liquid-crystal color LCD |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | 0.95× (0.59× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Frames per second | 3 fps | 6,3 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 11 meters | 13 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
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 |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No | No |
Remote Control | Yes (Via Optional vertical grip or software) | Yes (N3 connector) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D100 |
Canon EOS 50D |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Nikon EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery
|
Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | 800 shots |
Width | 144 mm | 146 mm |
Height | 116 mm | 108 mm |
Depth | 81 mm | 74 mm |
Weight | 780 gram | 822 gram |