Nikon D3x vs Canon EOS 5D
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Canon EOS 5D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Nikon D3x is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 5D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.
Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Canon EOS 5D was released 2005. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Canon EOS 5D | 2005 |
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 D3x | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Canon EOS 5D | 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 D3x has a 24,5 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:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Canon EOS 5D |
12,7 MP
12719616 pixels 4368 x 2912 |
Nikon D3x has a 92 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 5D. 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 D3x has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 5D. Nikon D3x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Canon EOS 5D has 50 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
Canon EOS 5D | 50-3200 |
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 D3x
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 D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 5D can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
Canon EOS 5D | 3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Nikon D3x 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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 41% heavier than Canon EOS 5D and its 895 gr (or 1.97 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Canon EOS 5D | 895 gr 1.97 lb |
Nikon D3x vs Canon EOS 5D Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x 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 D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Name | Nikon D3x | Canon EOS 5D |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Canon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Release Year | 2008 | 2005 |
Release Date | 2008-12-01 | 2005-08-22 |
MSRP | 7470 USD | 3299 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D3x |
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 | 6048 x 4032 pixels | 4368 x 2912 pixels |
Megapixels | 24,5 MP | 12,7 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | DIGIC 2 |
Image |
Nikon D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
ISO Range | 100 - 6400 | 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 + TIFF | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D3x |
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 D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 2,5” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 230000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | 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 D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Frames per second | 5 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, 1 EV steps) | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3x |
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 D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3x |
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 through GP-1 |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3x |
Canon EOS 5D |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 4400 shots | 400 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 152 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 113 mm |
Depth | 88 mm | 75 mm |
Weight | 1260 gram | 895 gram |