• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 12,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D810 advantages over Canon SL3

  • 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.54x
    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
  • More AF points
    51 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    23 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL3 advantages over Nikon D810

  • Less expensive
    $699 vs $2079
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Newer
    6 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 57 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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 D810
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm lens
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Buy the Canon SL3
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm lens (White)
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Review Excerpt

  • Handles even better than its predecessors; Absolutely spectacular images from the 36-megapixel image sensor; Unusually wide sensitivity range for its resolution; Improved performance and buffer depths; Improved video feature set; Impressive low-light autofocus

  • Prone to moire and false color with some subjects; No longer available with a low-pass filter; Demands excellent lenses for the best detail; White balance tends warm under tungsten lighting

  • Read our Nikon D810 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D810
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D810 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon SL3
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Nikon D800

Nikon D810
Nikon D800
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D810 vs Nikon D800

Canon SL3
Nikon D800
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D800

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D810
Nikon D800E
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup

Compare Nikon D810 vs Nikon D800E

Canon SL3
Nikon D800E
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D810
Canon 5DS R
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D810 vs Canon 5DS R

Canon SL3
Canon 5DS R
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D810
Canon SL2
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D810 vs Canon SL2

Canon SL3
Canon SL2
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon SL2

Compare Other Cameras?