• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Canon 5DS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 4.14 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,853 vs 2,381 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    14.4 vs 12.4 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 900 vs 700 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    54 vs 28 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 5DS advantages over Nikon D800

  • More cross-type AF points
    41 vs 15
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 36.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    4.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Very large files; Slower frame rate; Custom white balance gives a greenish tint; Battery life lower than D700.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
Canon 5DS
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Canon 5DS
Nikon D800E
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800
Nikon D810
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2363
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Canon 5DS
Nikon D810
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2363
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D800
Canon 5DS R
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels
Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS R
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Pentax K-1

Nikon D800
Pentax K-1
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Canon 5DS
Pentax K-1
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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