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Nikon D2X vs Canon 5D

The Nikon D2X and the Canon EOS 5D are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2004 and August 2005. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D2X) and a full frame (5D) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 12.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D2X
versus
Canon 5D
Nikon D2X   Canon 5D
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 12.7 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 100-800 (100 - 3,200) ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 3,200)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.5" LCD – 235k dots 2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
3800 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
158 x 150 x 86 mm, 1252 g 152 x 113 x 75 mm, 895 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D2X and the Canon EOS 5D? 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 Nikon D2X and the Canon 5D. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D2X vs Canon 5D
Compare D2X versus 5D top
Comparison D2X or 5D rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 5D is notably smaller (28 percent) than the Nikon D2X. Moreover, the 5D is markedly lighter (29 percent) than the D2X. 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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D2X) and the Canon EF Lens Catalog (5D).

Concerning battery life, the D2X gets 3800 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the 5D can take 400 images on a single charge of its Canon BP-511A power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D2X 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 5D, Canon provides the BG-E4 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The 5D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 34 percent) than the D2X, 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D2X features an APS-C sensor and the Canon 5D a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the 5D is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D2X and Canon 5D sensor measures

With 12.7MP, the 5D offers a higher resolution than the D2X (12.2MP), but the 5D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.25μm versus 5.52μm for the D2X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 5D is a somewhat more recent model (by 10 months) than the D2X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The Nikon D2X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 5D are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-3200.

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.

D2X versus 5D MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 consideration, the 5D offers substantially better image quality than the D2X (overall score 12 points higher). The advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.5 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
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
2.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
6.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
8.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
9.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
10.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
11.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
13.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
14.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
15.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
16.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
17.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
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Neither the D2X nor the 5D offer Live View, so that they cannot project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen. Moreover, both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The D2X and the 5D 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 viewfinder in the D2X offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 5D (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the 5D has a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D2X, the Canon 5D, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
17.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D2X and the 5D write their files to Compact Flash 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 Nikon D2X and Canon EOS 5D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
16.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
17.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
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Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D2X and the 5D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D2X was replaced by the Nikon D2Xs, while the 5D was followed by the Canon 5D Mark II. Further information on the features and operation of the D2X and 5D can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D2X Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 5D Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D2X or the Canon 5D – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D2X:

  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 3 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 (3800 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2004).

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Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 5D:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.57x).
  • More compact: Is smaller (152x113mm vs 158x150mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 357g or 29 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (34 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (10 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 5D emerges as the winner of the match-up (7 : 5 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.

D2X 05:07 5D

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D2X and the Canon 5D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing 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 D2X or the 5D perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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: Nikon D2X vs Canon 5D

    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 Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2004 August 2005
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 3,299
    Sensor Specs Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.7 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 372.09 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 12.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 pixels 4368 x 2912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.52 μm 8.25 μm
    Pixel Density 3.28 MP/cm2 1.47 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 800 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 3,200 ISO 50 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 59 71
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.1 22.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.9 11.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 476 1368
    Screen Specs Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.71x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 2.5inch
    LCD Resolution 235k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy150 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D2X Canon 5D
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Canon BP-511A
    Battery Life (CIPA)3800 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 158 x 150 x 86 mm
    (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in)
    152 x 113 x 75 mm
    (6.0 x 4.4 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 1252 g (44.2 oz) 895 g (31.6 oz)
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