• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 24.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon T8i advantages over Nikon D800

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 1008g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D800

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T8i
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All T8i 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

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 T8i
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i 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 T8i
Nikon D800E
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon D800
Sony A99
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D800 vs Sony A99

Canon T8i
Sony A99
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Sony A99

Compared to Nikon D600

Nikon D800
Nikon D600
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D600

Canon T8i
Nikon D600
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D600

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 T8i
Nikon D810
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D810

Compare Other Cameras?