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Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon 1 V2

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon 1 V2 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2012 and October 2012. The 5D Mark III is a DSLR, while the V2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (5D Mark III) and an one-inch (V2) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 22.1 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 14.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 5D Mark III
versus
Nikon 1 V2
Canon 5D Mark III   Nikon 1 V2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Nikon 1 mount lenses
22.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 14.2 MP – 1" sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400) ISO 160-12,800
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
6 shutter flaps per second 15 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
950 shots per battery charge310 shots per battery charge
152 x 116 x 76 mm, 950 g 109 x 82 x 46 mm, 278 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon 1 V2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon 1 V2. 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.

The V2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the 5D Mark III is only available in black.

Size Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon 1 V2
Compare 5D Mark III versus V2 top
Comparison 5D Mark III or V2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon 1 V2 is considerably smaller (49 percent) than the Canon 5D Mark III. Moreover, the V2 is substantially lighter (71 percent) than the 5D Mark III. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5D Mark III is splash and dust resistant, while the V2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

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, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon 1 V2 109 mm 82 mm 46 mm 278 g 310 n Oct 2012 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 699ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon 1 J4 100 mm 60 mm 29 mm 232 g 300 n Apr 2014 549ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V1 113 mm 76 mm 44 mm 383 g 350 n Sep 2011 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon 1 V3 111 mm 65 mm 33 mm 381 g 310 n Mar 2014 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

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 V2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 77 percent) than the 5D Mark III, 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

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 5D Mark III features a full frame sensor and the Nikon 1 V2 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the V2 is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 5D Mark III and Nikon 1 V2 sensor measures

With 22.1MP, the 5D Mark III offers a higher resolution than the V2 (14.2MP), but the 5D Mark III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.25μm versus 2.86μm for the V2) due to its larger sensor. However, the V2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the 5D Mark III, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 5D Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 19.2 x 12.8 inches or 48.8 x 32.5 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon 1 V2 are 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 12.3 inches or 46.8 x 31.2 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for excellent quality prints.

The V2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon 1 V2 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

5D Mark III versus V2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 5D Mark III provides substantially higher image quality than the V2, with an overall score that is 31 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.8 bits higher color depth, 0.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
2.
 
Nikon 1 V2 1-inch 14.2 4608 30721080/60p20.210.840350
3.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
5.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
6.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
7.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
8.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
9.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
10.
 
Nikon 1 J4 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.742653
11.
 
Nikon 1 V1 1-inch 10.0 3872 25921080/60i21.311.034654
12.
 
Nikon 1 V3 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.738452
13.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
14.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
15.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
16.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
17.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the V2 provides a faster frame rate than the 5D Mark III. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the V2 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the 5D Mark III has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark III and Nikon 1 V2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon 1 V21440 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 15.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon 1 J4none n3.0 / 1037 Fixed Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon 1 V11440 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon 1 V3optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
16.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 5D Mark III, but is missing on the V2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the V2 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon 1 V2 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 5D Mark III writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the V2 uses SDXC cards. The 5D Mark III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the V2 only has one slot. The V2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 5D Mark III cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

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 5D Mark III and Nikon 1 V2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon 1 V2-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
6.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
7.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
8.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Nikon 1 J4-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon 1 V1-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon 1 V3-stereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
13.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
16.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
17.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

It is notable that the 5D Mark III has a hotshoe, while the V2 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark III (unlike the V2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 5D Mark III and the V2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 5D Mark III was replaced by the Canon 5D Mark IV, while the V2 was followed by the Nikon 1 V3. Further information on the features and operation of the 5D Mark III and V2 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 5D Mark III Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon 1 V2 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 5D Mark III better than the Nikon 1 V2 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (22.1 vs 14.2MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (31 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (950 versus 310) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2012).

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon 1 V2:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (109x82mm vs 152x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 672g or 71 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (77 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (7 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 5D Mark III is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 13 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. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

5D Mark III 18:13 V2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon 1 V2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

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 5D Mark III or the V2 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.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon 1 V23/5......4.5/54/5 Oct 2012 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 699ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon 1 J43/5......4.5/54/5 Apr 2014 549ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V1..+..69/1004.5/54/5 Sep 2011 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon 1 V33/5....76/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2014 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring 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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon 1 V2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Nikon 1 mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2012 October 2012
    Launch Price USD 3,499 USD 799
    Sensor Specs Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 22.1 Megapixels 14.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5760 x 3840 pixels 4608 x 3072 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.25 μm 2.86 μm
    Pixel Density 2.56 MP/cm2 12.19 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC 5+ EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 50
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.0 20.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2293 403
    Screen Specs Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Continuous Shooting 6 shutter flaps/s 15 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 5D Mark III Nikon 1 V2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Canon LP-E6 Nikon EN-EL21
    Battery Life (CIPA)950 shots per charge310 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 152 x 116 x 76 mm
    (6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
    109 x 82 x 46 mm
    (4.3 x 3.2 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 950 g (33.5 oz) 278 g (9.8 oz)
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