Nikon D700 v Canon EOS 5D mk II
Head to head, Nikon v Canon
The Canon EOS 5D mark II took the market by storm 6 months ago when it was first available. Superceding the very popular, and somewhat aging 5D (mark I), it was a long overdue replacement.
The Nikon D700 was released a few months before, fitting between the D300 and D3 in their range. It uses Nikon's new FX-format, full-frame sensor.
Price-wise, the cameras are very similar, so why is the 5D apparently so much more popular. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications of both cameras:
| Model | Nikon D700 | Canon EOS 5D Mk II |
| Sensor | Nikon FX format (36.0 x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor; total pixels: 12.87 million |
21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor (36 x 24 mm) |
| Image Size | 4,256 x 2,832 | 5,616 x 3,744 |
| Sensitivity | ISO 200 to 6,400 in 1/3 stop increments | ISO 100 to 6400 in 1/3 stop increments |
| Burst | Up to 8fps (with optional battery MB-D10 grip) | 3.9fps |
| LCD Monitor | 3.0", 920,000-dot (VGA) | 3.0" |
| Viewfinder | Approx. 95 % horizontal and 95 % vertical / Approx. 0.72 x | Approx. 98% vertical/horizontal coverage. |
| Max., Min. Shutter | 30 secs., 1/1800 secs. | 30 secs., 1/1800 secs. |
| Dimensions | Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm |
152 x 113.5 x 75mm |
| Weight | Approx. 995g | 810g |
| Price* | AU$4,349 (body only) | AU$3,999 (body only) |
* Prices from www.camera-warehouse.com.au; correct at 9am, 9th June 2009
With the exception of the burst frame rate, which is a disappointing 3.9 frames per second on the Canon, the EOS 5D mk II wins in almost all other aspects.
I'm a big fan of Nikon, and I'd not expected these results. I'd never advocate basing a purchasing decision on megapixels alone (12.1 megapixels is more than adequate) but the difference between the two is significant. The Canon camera is also cheaper.
