Canon EOS 1D Mark III vs Nikon D700

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D Mark III and Nikon D700. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1D Mark III is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D700 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1D Mark III has a "APSH"-sensor while Nikon D700 has a "FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 1D Mark III has a 10,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D700 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D700 has a 20 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 1D Mark III. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D700 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1D Mark III. Nikon D700 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 1D Mark III has 50 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D700

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1D Mark III can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Nikon D700 can shoot up to 5-8 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Canon EOS 1D Mark III or Nikon D700 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 1D Mark III weighs 1155 gr (equal to 2,55 lb) which is 8% heavier than Nikon D700 and its 1074 gr (or 2,37 lb).