Canon 1D Mark II versus Nikon D2H

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Nikon D2H are two professional cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2004 and July 2003. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark II) and an APS-C (D2H) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 8.2 megapixel, whereas the Nikon provides 4 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D2H

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Nikon D2H. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. If you prefer, you can also use the toggle button to switch to a comparison in percentage terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the 1D Mark II – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D2H is somewhat smaller (4 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark II. Moreover, the D2H is markedly lighter (30 percent) than the 1D Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1D Mark II) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D2H).

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1D Mark II»	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	54.1 oz	1200	Y	Jan 2004	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark II
	Nikon D2H«	6.2 in	5.9 in	3.4 in	37.7 oz	..	Y	Jul 2003	3,499	-		Nikon D2H
	Canon 5DS R« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 1D Mark IV« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	43.4 oz	1500	Y	Oct 2009	4,999	-		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Canon 1Ds Mark III« »	5.9 in	6.3 in	3.1 in	48.9 oz	1800	Y	Aug 2007	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark III« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	40.7 oz	2200	Y	Feb 2007	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 5D« »	6.0 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	31.6 oz	400	Y	Aug 2005	3,299	-		Canon 5D
	Canon 1D Mark II N« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	55.2 oz	1200	Y	Aug 2005	3,999	-		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon 1Ds Mark II« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	42.9 oz	1200	Y	Sep 2004	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Canon 1Ds« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	44.6 oz	600	Y	Sep 2002	8,999	-		Canon 1Ds
	Canon 1D« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	55.9 oz	500	Y	Sep 2001	6,499	-		Canon 1D
	Nikon D850« »	5.7 in	4.9 in	3.1 in	35.5 oz	1840	Y	Jul 2017	3,299			Nikon D850
	Nikon D810« »	5.7 in	4.8 in	3.2 in	34.6 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Nikon D700« »	5.8 in	4.8 in	3.0 in	37.9 oz	1000	Y	Jul 2008	2,999	-		Nikon D700
	Nikon D2X« »	6.2 in	5.9 in	3.4 in	44.2 oz	3800	Y	Sep 2004	4,999	-		Nikon D2X
	Nikon D1H« »	6.2 in	6.0 in	3.3 in	38.8 oz	1200	Y	Feb 2001	4,499	-		Nikon D1H
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D2H was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 22 percent) than the 1D Mark II, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D2H

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark II features an APS-H sensor and the Nikon D2H an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D2H is 34 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 8.2MP, the 1D Mark II offers a higher resolution than the D2H (4MP), but the 1D Mark II has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.17μm versus 9.50μm for the D2H). However, the 1D Mark II is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the D2H, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the 1D Mark II provides substantially higher image quality than the D2H, with an overall score that is 26 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.4 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Feature comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D2H

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark II and the D2H are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1D Mark II, the Nikon D2H, and comparable cameras. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

Both the 1D Mark II and the D2H have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D2H was replaced by the Nikon D2Hs, while the 1D Mark II was followed by the Canon 1D Mark II N.

Review summary: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D2H

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark II and the Nikon D2H? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (8.2 vs 4MP) with a 43% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (26 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.4 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.5 stops ISO advantage).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 6 months after the D2H).

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D2H:

• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.5" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 465g or 30 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (22 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in July 2003).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 1D Mark II emerges as the winner of the contest (6 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1D Mark II or the D2H handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1D Mark II»	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Jan 2004	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark II
	Nikon D2H«	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Jul 2003	3,499	-		Nikon D2H
	Canon 5DS R« »	Rec	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 1D Mark IV« »	-	89/100	-	5/5	-	Oct 2009	4,999	-		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Canon 1Ds Mark III« »	-	HiRec	4.5/5	-	-	Aug 2007	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark III« »	-	-	-	rev	-	Feb 2007	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 5D« »	88/100	HiRec	rev	rev	-	Aug 2005	3,299	-		Canon 5D
	Canon 1D Mark II N« »	-	-	-	-	-	Aug 2005	3,999	-		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon 1Ds Mark II« »	-	HiRec	-	-	-	Sep 2004	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Canon 1Ds« »	-	HiRec	-	-	-	Sep 2002	8,999	-		Canon 1Ds
	Canon 1D« »	-	HiRec	-	-	-	Sep 2001	6,499	-		Canon 1D
	Nikon D850« »	HiRec	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2017	3,299			Nikon D850
	Nikon D810« »	-	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Nikon D700« »	89/100	HiRec	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2008	2,999	-		Nikon D700
	Nikon D2X« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Sep 2004	4,999	-		Nikon D2X
	Nikon D1H« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Feb 2001	4,499	-		Nikon D1H

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when refering to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

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