Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 5D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 5D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 5D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon 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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 5D has 12,7 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 5D has a 6 % 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

Nikon D3 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 5D. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 5D has 50 to 3200.

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 5D

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 5D can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D3 or Canon EOS 5D 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.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 45% heavier than Canon EOS 5D and its 895 gr (or 1.97 lb).

Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 5D Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 5D, 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 5D
Name	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
Manufacturer	Nikon	Canon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
Release Year	2007	2005
Release Date	2007-08-23	2005-08-22
MSRP	4999 USD	3299 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
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	4368 x 2912 pixels
Megapixels	12,1 MP	12,7 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	DIGIC 2
Image	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
ISO Range	200 - 25600	50 - 3200
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 5D
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	51	9
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 5D
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	2,5”
Screen dots	922000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	TFT liquid-crystal color LCD
Live view	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	96%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.71×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
Frames per second	9 fps	3 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)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
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 D3	Canon EOS 5D
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes	Yes (N3 connector)
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	No
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 5D
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery	Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	4300 shots	400 shots
Width	160 mm	152 mm
Height	157 mm	113 mm
Depth	88 mm	75 mm
Weight	1300 gram	895 gram