How far has Nikon cameras come in terms of burst rate, as measured by frames per second, in the last twenty years? Remember the Nikon F3H, the Super high speed film camera announced in 1996?
Its 13fps burst rate actually exceeds the new Nikon D5 DSLR firing at 12 fps. The F3H camera was a one-off modification, based on the Nikon F3 and the MD-4 motor drive. Its primary goal was for sports photographers covering the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan.
Fast forward twenty years, and now the new Canon 1D X Mark II camera can fire 14fps and 16 fps with mirror lockup. Are we comparing apples to oranges? Do we really need all that speed?
My readers know, I have been a Canon user for about 25 years. Through the decades, I have used almost all of Canon's cropped and full frame, film and digital cameras, plus the EF and EF-S lenses. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com
The recently released Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras are descendants of the original EOS-5D, released in 2005. It was the first 'affordable' full frame digital camera and the official list price was roughly the same as the current list price of the EOS-5Ds. Considering inflation and the monumental advancement in technology packed into the new camera, I must say it is a very good deal, indeed.
The Nikon D810 camera was released in March 2015. Until the announcement of the Canon EOS-5Ds, this was the only mega pixel DSLR camera on the market.
The following comparison covers the two cameras' major features, and assumes the reader is already familiar with the functionality and capabilities of DSLR cameras. It is intended to help those trying to decide whether to upgrade or keep their present Canon or Nikon bodies.
Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR 50MP full frame cameras
EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR full frame cameras :
50.6 MP sensor powered by dual DIGIC 6 processors
Optical low pass filter on EOS-5Ds. Self cancelling on EOS-5DsR
1.3x (30.5MP) plus 1.6x (19.6MP) with 1:1 ratio crop mode
3.2 inch, 1040K dot LCD screen.
Dual card slots, one CF, one SD
Burst rate 5 fps. Burst depth, up to 510 JPEG and 14 RAW files
ISO range from 100 - 6400, 50 - 12800 with expansion
61-point High Density Reticular AF, 41 cross type points, 5 double cross type
150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252 zone
Custom Functions - 16, USB 3.0
Number of cross-points depends on the speed of the lens used.
59 ms. shutter lag, 150,000 cycle shutter and .71x viewfinder.
DxOMark overall sensor score - 87
Low light ISO - 2381 ISO
Nikon D810 36MP full frame camera
Nikon D810 full frame camera :
36.3MP Full-frame CMOS sensor (no AA filter)
ISO 64-12,800 (expands to ISO 32-51,200)
Electronic first-curtain shutter and redesigned mirror mechanism
New 'RAW Size S' 9MP Raw mode
Expeed 4 engine
Max 5 fps shooting in FX mode, 7 fps in DX (with battery grip + EN-EL18)
3.2in 1,229k-dot RGBW LCD screen with customizable color
OLED viewfinder information display
Improved Scene Recognition System allows face detection in OVF mode
'Split screen zoom' display in live view allows horizons/lines to be leveled precisely
51-point AF system with new 'Group Area AF' mode (inherited from D4S)
New 'flat' Picture Control mode (intended to appeal to videographers)
Auto ISO available in manual exposure mode
Zebra strips for exposure checking in video mode
Uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous recording to memory card
Built-in stereo microphone
The first thing that stands out in many people's mind is the Canon EOS-5Ds has a much higher pixel sensor. That in itself means little since both cameras can produce excellent photos that can be printed out in fairly large size. If one needs to print super large sized photos, then the EOS-5Ds has a slight edge.
The Nikon D810 does have the advantage over the Canon EOS-5Ds, with a native ISO of 12,800 vs 6,400. The EOS-5Ds edges out the D810 in terms of AF points, 61 vs 51. Both cameras shoot at a maximum of 5 fps and Canon maxes out at 14 RAW and 510 JPEG vs Nikon's 23 RAW and 100 JPEG.
Both cameras have cropped modes, in addition to the full frame capability. Canon's 1.3x and 1.6x vs Nikon's 1.2x and 1.5x
There are of course other differences with proprietary processors, video speed, etc. but suffice to say, they are differences without much distinction. The final stand out point is the Nikon D810 has better battery management capability and claims to shoot 1,200 vs Canon's 700 shots on a fully charged battery.
In conclusion, both cameras are great full frame DSLRs, capable of producing sharp, extremely huge prints but they are unsuitable for wildlife photography, in my opinion. Whether one wants to upgrade from their present camera depends entirely on whether one needs a camera capable of producing mega prints. For Canon users thinking of upgrading from the EOS-5D Mk III, read my comparison here.
The following video from DigitalRev is a tongue-and-cheek presentation of the upcoming Nikon D5 camera. According to Nikon Rumors, the new camera may include 4K video, 20MP full frame sensor, native ISO of 102,400, 15 fps and 173 AF points. Canon is also expected to announce their EOS-1D X Mk II camera some time later this year.
My readers know I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for a long time. For those who shoot with Nikon cameras and want to better acquaint themselves with the AF funtions and features of their DSLRs, especially the newer models, the video below may offer some clarity. It covers important aspects of the Nikon auto focsuing systems and is geared towards sports and wildlife photography.
In the last few years, Nikon dominated the world of 'megapixel' full frame photography with their D800 and D810 cameras. Ever since the EOS-1Ds Mk III was discontinued by Canon and followed by the EOS-5D Mk III in 2012, equipped with a 22MP full frame sensor, many photographers are wondering when Canon will respond to the challenge.
Now Canon has announced the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R 50MP full frame cameras with a delivery date of late June. On the face of it, Canon has retaken the MegaPixel crown so let us take a quick comparison of the two DSLR's main features from the stand point of a wildlife photographer.
Canon EOS-5Ds vs. Nikon D810
Sensor : The EOS-5Ds has a 50MP sensor with a low-pass filter. D810 comes with a 36MP sensor and lacks the filter.
ISO : EOS-5Ds has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 while the D810 is capable of 64 - 12,800
AF Points : 61 points with 41 cross-type vs. 51 points with 15 cross-type
Speed : 5 fps vs. 5 fps and 7 fps with MB-D12 grip in crop mode
List price : $3,699 vs. $3,000
My readers know I am not a fan of chasing megapixels. Anything over a low to mid 20MP sensor on a full frame camera is an overkill for me in wildlife photography. Shooting speed is more important for a wildlife photographer like myself. The 5fps and maximum 14 RAW file buffer on the Canon EOS-5Ds is too slow for me, even in 1.3x and 1.6x mode. The Nikon D810's speed improves to 7 fps in crop mode and maxes out with a 23 RAW file buffer, due to its lower pixel count sensor.
Lighting fast AF is crucial in capturing wildlife action. The EOS-5Ds has a newer, more robust 61 points system, with 41 more accurate cross-type points but only 1 center f/8 cross-type point. By comparison, the D810 offers less total and cross-type points, 51 and 15, but 7 more f/8 cross-type points. This comes in handy when using long lens and extenders to bring the action closer.
Low light performance is another crucial consideration in wildlife photography. Canon's EOS-5Ds comes with 1/3 increment adjustment from ISO 100 to 6400. Nikon's D810 offers better native ISO range, from 64 to 12,800, expandable to 32 - 51,200.
The EOS-5Ds offers a more advanced metering system with a 150,000 pixel RGB/IR sensor while the D810 has a 91,000 pixel RGB system.
Battery life is another factor out in the field and the Nikon D810 has the edge here with a rated 1,200 shots in between charge while the Canon EOS-5Ds is rated at only 700 shots. The former comes with a built-in, pop up flash while the latter lacks one.
Both cameras are made of magnesium alloy, weather sealed and professional grade. The EOS-5Ds is slightly lighter at 29.8 oz and has a LCD screen with fewer pixels (1040K) while the D810 boasts a 1229K resolution LCD screen and weighs 31.1 oz.
The two cameras are pretty much evenly matched. The EOS-5Ds has the edge in AF, resolution and metering while the D810 wins in the high ISO and speed contest. Both cameras fall short compared to the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS-7D Mk II when it comes to wildlife photography. I will not be buying the EOS-5Ds but will wait for the EOS-5D Mk IV and the EOS-1D X Mk II later this year.
To be honest, I have never heard of this presenter in the video before but once again the debate of Canon vs. Nikon brings people like him in front of cameras to pontificate and explain. I suspect we all know the reason why so many people like this discussion and rivalry to continue forever.
My own view is simple. There are many good equipment out there. Canon and Nikon are both fine companies, like General Motors and Ford. It is just a matter of choice and preference. No camera line from any company is consistently better than its rivals but particular models may.
I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. Canon provides me with the broadest line of equipment to choose from and gives me very good customer service. I have little time for stats, charts, graphs and side by side comparisons. My field encounters and experience dictate my equipment needs and so far they are met so I stick with Canon. It is a very practical and logical decision for me. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com and read my Canon equipment recommendation.
