• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Canon 80D

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.75 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 1,135 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.59x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Canon 80D advantages over Nikon D800

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 15
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    9 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.08 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.8 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    6.7 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D800

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 80D
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All 80D Deals

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.

  • Read our Nikon D800 Review

  • Very good image quality; Better RAW high ISO performance than predecessor; Improved buffer depth; Very fast AF; Dual Pixel CMOS AF is excellent; f/8 AF support; 1080/60p video; Headphone jack; Very good battery life.

  • New kit lens isn't very sharp; No 4K video; No clean HDMI out; 29:59 minute video recording limit; Phase detect AF not as sensitive in low-light as expected (Dual Pixel AF is better in low-light).

  • Read our Canon 80D Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 80D
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 80D vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D800E

Canon 80D
Nikon D800E
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800
Nikon D810
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D810

Canon 80D
Nikon D810
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D810

Compared to Nikon D7200

Nikon D800
Nikon D7200
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D7200

Canon 80D
Nikon D7200
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D7200

Compared to Nikon D7500

Nikon D800
Nikon D7500
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $864
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D7500

Canon 80D
Nikon D7500
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC
  • $864
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D7500

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