Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Nikon D3 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.
Nikon D3 were released 2007 and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II was released 2016. That is a 9 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3 | 2007 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II | 2016 |
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 ** |
Nikon D3 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II | 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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Resolution
Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 1D X Mark II has 20 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D3 |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
20 MP
19961856 pixels 5472 x 3648 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II has a 66 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. 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 1D X Mark II has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3. Canon EOS 1D X Mark II has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3 has 200 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3 | 200-25600 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II | 100-51200 |
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 D3
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II can shoot up to 16 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3 | 9 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II | 16 |
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 Canon EOS 1D X Mark II. Sadly, the Nikon D3 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.
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II weighs 1530 gr (equal to 3.37 lb) which is 18% heavier than Nikon D3 and its 1300 gr (or 2.87 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3 | 1300 gr 2.87 lb |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II | 1530 gr 3.37 lb |
Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 1D X Mark II Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, 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 D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Name | Nikon D3 | Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Canon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Release Year | 2007 | 2016 |
Release Date | 2007-08-23 | 2016-02-02 |
MSRP | 4999 USD | 5999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4256 x 2832 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,1 MP | 20 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | DUAL DIGIC 6+ |
Image |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
ISO Range | 200 - 25600 | 100 - 51200 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 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 D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 61 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Canon EF See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
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 |
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 |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 922000 | 1620000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | N/A | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | 0.76× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 0 |
Photography features |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Frames per second | 9 fps | 16 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 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 |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional via WFT-E8 |
Remote Control | Yes | Supported |
GPS |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Yes Built-in (with e-compass) |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3 |
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
|
LP-E19 lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 4300 shots | 1210 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 158 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 168 mm |
Depth | 88 mm | 83 mm |
Weight | 1300 gram | 1530 gram |