Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 7D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 7D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 7D 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

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Canon EOS 7D 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.

** 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 7D has 18 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 7D has a 49 % 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 7D. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 7D has 100 to 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 D3
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 7D

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 7D can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds.

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 7D. 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.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 51% heavier than Canon EOS 7D and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).

Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 7D Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 7D, 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 7D
Name	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Manufacturer	Nikon	Canon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Release Year	2007	2009
Release Date	2007-08-23	2009-09-01
MSRP	4999 USD	1699 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4256 x 2832 pixels	5184 x 3456 pixels
Megapixels	12,1 MP	18 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	DUAL DIGIC 4
Image	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
ISO Range	200 - 25600	100 - 12800
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 7D
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 Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	19
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Canon EF Canon EF-S 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	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 D3	Canon EOS 7D
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3”
Screen dots	922000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	TFT color LCD, liquid-crystal monitor
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	1× (0.62× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Frames per second	9 fps	8 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 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	Multi Center Weighted Spot Partial
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 7D
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	H.264
Video resolution	N/A	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes	Yes (N3 connector)
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional through GP-E2
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3	Canon EOS 7D
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery	Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	4300 shots	800 shots
Width	160 mm	148 mm
Height	157 mm	111 mm
Depth	88 mm	74 mm
Weight	1300 gram	860 gram