• APS-C 323.4mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon T3 advantages over Nikon Df

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    702g vs 983g
    Lighter weight
  • Wider angle kit lens
    29 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Nikon Df advantages over Canon T3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 5.15 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    24.6 vs 21.9 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,279 vs 755 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.1 vs 11.0 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1400 vs 700 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.50x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    39 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.4 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    29 vs 3 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Well-considered ergonomics and control layout; Solid build; Good image quality; Great battery life; High-def movie capture.

  • Frame rate and burst depth not the best, especially for raw; Weak flash for an SLR; No sensor cleaning function; No spot metering.

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Canon T3
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Df
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D3100

Canon T3
Nikon D3100
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon Df
Nikon D3100
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Canon T3
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A37

Canon T3
Sony A37
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Df
Sony A37
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A99

Canon T3
Sony A99
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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