Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Nikon D800 are two professional cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2004 and February 2012. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark II) and a full frame (D800) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 8.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 36.2 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
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Canon 1D Mark II | Nikon D800 | |
Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex | |
Canon EF mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses | |
8.2 MP, APS-H Sensor | 36.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor | |
no Video | 1080/30p Video | |
ISO 100-1600 (50-3200) | ISO 100-6400 (50-25600) | |
Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder | |
2.0" LCD, 230k dots | 3.2" LCD, 921k dots | |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) | Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) | |
8.3 shutter flaps per second | 4 shutter flaps per second | |
Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body | |
1200 shots per battery charge | 900 shots per battery charge | |
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1535 g | 146 x 123 x 82 mm, 1000 g |
Body comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Nikon D800. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D800 is notably smaller (27 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark II. Moreover, the D800 is substantially lighter (35 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 compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1D Mark II) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D800).
Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark II gets 1200 shots out of its NP-E3 battery, while the D800 can take 900 images on a single charge of its EN-EL15 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1D Mark II has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D800, Nikon provides the MB-D12 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on eBay).
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
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 D800« | 5.7 in | 4.8 in | 3.2 in | 35.3 oz | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | - | Nikon D800 | ||
Canon 5DS« » | 6.0 in | 4.6 in | 3.0 in | 32.8 oz | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | Canon 5DS | |||
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 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 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 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 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 5D« » | 6.0 in | 4.4 in | 3.0 in | 31.6 oz | 400 | Y | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | - | Canon 5D | ||
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 D610« » | 5.6 in | 4.4 in | 3.2 in | 30.0 oz | 900 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | Nikon D610 | |||
Nikon D800E« » | 5.7 in | 4.8 in | 3.2 in | 35.3 oz | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | - | Nikon D800E | ||
Nikon D700« » | 5.8 in | 4.8 in | 3.0 in | 37.9 oz | 1000 | Y | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | - | Nikon D700 | ||
Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D800 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 33 percent) than the 1D Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.
Sensor comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark II features an APS-H sensor and the Nikon D800 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D800 is 57 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 36.2MP, the D800 offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark II (8.2MP), but the D800 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 8.17μm for the 1D Mark II). Yet, the D800 is a much more recent model (by 8 years) than the 1D Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D800 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-25600..

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D800 offers substantially better image quality than the 1D Mark II (overall score 29 points higher). The advantage is based on 3 bits higher color depth, 3.3 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.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 1D Mark II» | APS-H | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | - | 22.3 | 11.1 | 1003 | 66 | Canon 1D Mark II | |
Nikon D800« | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | Nikon D800 | |
Canon 5DS« » | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/60p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | Canon 5DS | |
Canon 5DS R« » | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/60p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | Canon 5DS R | |
Canon 1D Mark IV« » | APS-H | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.0 | 1320 | 74 | Canon 1D Mark IV | |
Canon 1D Mark III« » | APS-H | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | - | 22.7 | 11.7 | 1078 | 71 | Canon 1D Mark III | |
Canon 1Ds Mark III« » | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | - | 24.0 | 12.0 | 1663 | 80 | Canon 1Ds Mark III | |
Canon 1D Mark II N« » | APS-H | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | - | 22.3 | 11.2 | 975 | 66 | Canon 1D Mark II N | |
Canon 5D« » | Full Frame | 12.7 | 4368 | 2912 | - | 22.9 | 11.1 | 1368 | 71 | Canon 5D | |
Canon 1Ds Mark II« » | Full Frame | 16.6 | 4992 | 3328 | - | 23.3 | 11.3 | 1480 | 74 | Canon 1Ds Mark II | |
Canon 1Ds« » | Full Frame | 11.0 | 4064 | 2704 | - | 21.8 | 11.0 | 954 | 63 | Canon 1Ds | |
Canon 1D« » | APS-H | 4.1 | 2496 | 1662 | - | - | - | - | - | Canon 1D | |
Nikon D850« » | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 14.8 | 2660 | 100 | Nikon D850 | |
Nikon D810« » | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/60p | 25.7 | 14.8 | 2853 | 97 | Nikon D810 | |
Nikon D610« » | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.4 | 2925 | 94 | Nikon D610 | |
Nikon D800E« » | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | Nikon D800E | |
Nikon D700« » | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | - | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2303 | 80 | Nikon D700 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The D800 indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1D Mark II does not. The highest resolution format that the D800 can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark II and the D800 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1D Mark II and Nikon D800 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution ('000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Shutter speed (1/sec) |
Shutter flaps (1/sec) |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 1D Mark II» | optical | Y | 2.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 8.3 | n | n | Canon 1D Mark II | |
Nikon D800« | optical | Y | 3.2 | 921 | fixed | n | 8000 | 4.0 | Y | n | Nikon D800 | |
Canon 5DS« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 1040 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | n | n | Canon 5DS | |
Canon 5DS R« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 1040 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | n | n | Canon 5DS R | |
Canon 1D Mark IV« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 8000 | 10.0 | n | n | Canon 1D Mark IV | |
Canon 1D Mark III« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 10.0 | n | n | Canon 1D Mark III | |
Canon 1Ds Mark III« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | n | n | Canon 1Ds Mark III | |
Canon 1D Mark II N« » | optical | Y | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 8.5 | n | n | Canon 1D Mark II N | |
Canon 5D« » | optical | Y | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 3.0 | n | n | Canon 5D | |
Canon 1Ds Mark II« » | optical | Y | 2.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 4.0 | n | n | Canon 1Ds Mark II | |
Canon 1Ds« » | optical | Y | 2.0 | 120 | fixed | n | 8000 | 3.0 | n | n | Canon 1Ds | |
Canon 1D« » | optical | Y | 2.0 | 120 | fixed | n | 16000 | 8.0 | n | n | Canon 1D | |
Nikon D850« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 2359 | tilting | Y | 8000 | 9.0 | n | n | Nikon D850 | |
Nikon D810« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 1229 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | Y | n | Nikon D810 | |
Nikon D610« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 921 | fixed | n | 4000 | 6.0 | Y | n | Nikon D610 | |
Nikon D800E« » | optical | Y | 3.2 | 921 | fixed | n | 8000 | 4.0 | Y | n | Nikon D800E | |
Nikon D700« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 922 | fixed | n | 8000 | 8.0 | Y | n | Nikon D700 |
One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D800 has one, while the 1D Mark II does not. While the built-in flash of the D800 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.
The 1D Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SD cards, while the D800 uses Compact Flash or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.
Connectivity comparison: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Nikon D800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Type |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 1D Mark II» | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | Canon 1D Mark II | |
Nikon D800« | Y | mono | mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D800 | |
Canon 5DS« » | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | Canon 5DS | |
Canon 5DS R« » | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | Canon 5DS R | |
Canon 1D Mark IV« » | Y | stereo | - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 1D Mark IV | |
Canon 1D Mark III« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 1D Mark III | |
Canon 1Ds Mark III« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 1Ds Mark III | |
Canon 1D Mark II N« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | Canon 1D Mark II N | |
Canon 5D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 5D | |
Canon 1Ds Mark II« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 1Ds Mark II | |
Canon 1Ds« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - | Canon 1Ds | |
Canon 1D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - | Canon 1D | |
Nikon D850« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | Y | Nikon D850 | |
Nikon D810« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | Nikon D810 | |
Nikon D610« » | Y | mono | mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D610 | |
Nikon D800E« » | Y | mono | mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D800E | |
Nikon D700« » | Y | - | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D700 |
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Both the 1D Mark II and the D800 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 1D Mark II was replaced by the Canon 1D Mark II N, while the D800 was followed by the Nikon D810.
Review summary: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark II and the Nikon D800? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1D Mark II:
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1200 versus 900) on a single battery charge.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2004).

Advantages of the Nikon D800:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 8.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 110%.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (29 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.3 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.5 stops ISO advantage).
- Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/30p video.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 230k dots).
- More compact: Is smaller (146x123mm vs 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 535g or 35 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 1.1).
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (33 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 8 years of technical progress since the 1D Mark II launch.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D800 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1D Mark II or the D800 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.
Camera Model |
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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 D800« | HiRec | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | - | Nikon D800 | ||
Canon 5DS« » | Rec | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | Canon 5DS | |||
Canon 5DS R« » | Rec | 83/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | Canon 5DS R | |||
Canon 1D Mark IV« » | - | 89/100 | - | 5/5 | - | Oct 2009 | 4,999 | - | Canon 1D Mark IV | ||
Canon 1D Mark III« » | - | - | - | rev | - | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | - | Canon 1D Mark III | ||
Canon 1Ds Mark III« » | - | HiRec | 4.5/5 | - | - | Aug 2007 | 7,999 | - | Canon 1Ds Mark III | ||
Canon 1D Mark II N« » | - | - | - | - | - | Aug 2005 | 3,999 | - | Canon 1D Mark II N | ||
Canon 5D« » | 88/100 | HiRec | rev | rev | - | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | - | Canon 5D | ||
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 D610« » | HiRec | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | Nikon D610 | |||
Nikon D800E« » | - | 84/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | - | Nikon D800E | ||
Nikon D700« » | 89/100 | HiRec | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | - | Nikon D700 |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
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Specifications: Canon 1D Mark II vs Nikon D800
Camera Model | Canon 1D Mark II | Nikon D800 |
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | January 2004 | February 2012 |
Launch Price | USD 4499 | USD 2999 |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-H Sensor | Full Frame Sensor |
Sensor Size | 28.7 x 19.1 mm | 35.9 x 19.1 mm |
Sensor Area | 548.17 mm2 | 861.6 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 34.5 mm | 43.2 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.3x | 1.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 8.2 Megapixels | 36.2 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3504 x 2336 pixels | 7360 x 4912 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 8.17 μm | 4.88 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.49 MP/cm2 | 4.20 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | 1080/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100-1600 ISO | 100-6400 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50-3200 ISO | 50-25600 ISO |
Image Processor | DIGIC II | EXPEED 3 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 66 | 95 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.3 | 25.3 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.1 | 14.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1003 | 2853 |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.55x | 0.70x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | n/a | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 2.0 inch | 3.2 inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | ||
Autofocus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.3 shutter flaps/s | 4 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Build-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or SD cards | CF or SDXC cards |
Second Storage Option | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 1.1 | USB 3.0 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | ||
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | NP-E3 power pack | EN-EL15 power pack |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1200 shots per charge | 900 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in) |
146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in) |
Camera Weight | 1535 g (54.1 oz) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
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