Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D5100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1D X is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D5100 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

These two camera models were both released 2011.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 1D X 2011
Nikon D5100 2011

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1D X has a "Canon Full Frame"-sensor while Nikon D5100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS 1D X 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D5100 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 X has a 18,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5100 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Canon EOS 1D X 18,1 MP
17915904 pixels
5184 x 3456
Nikon D5100 16,2 MP
16084992 pixels
4928 x 3264

Canon EOS 1D X has a 11 % larger resolution than Nikon D5100. 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

Canon EOS 1D X has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Canon EOS 1D X has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 1D X 100-51200
Nikon D5100 100-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 1D X has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5100 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5100 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D X
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5100

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1D X can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1D X 12
Nikon D5100 4

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D5100 can shoot movies.

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 X weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 119% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 1D X 1340 gr
2.95 lb
Nikon D5100 611 gr
1.35 lb

Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D5100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D5100, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Name Canon EOS 1D X Nikon D5100
Manufacturer Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Release Year 2011 2011
Release Date 2011-10-18 2011-04-05
MSRP 6799 USD 359 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
Megapixels 18,1 MP 16,2 MP
Image Processor DUAL DIGIC 5+ EXPEED 2
Image
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
ISO Range 100 - 51200 100 - 6400
White Balance Presets 6 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Autofocus Motor Yes No
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 61 11
Lens Mount Canon EF

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Articulated LCD Fixed Fully articulated
Screen size 3.2” 3#
Screen dots 1040000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Clear View II TFT LCD TFT LCD monitor
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.76× 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Frames per second 12 fps 4 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Optional with LC-5
Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Yes (N3 connector) Yes (Optional ML-L3)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-E1 and GP-E2
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D5100
Enviromentally sealed Yes No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion LP-E4N rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1120 shots N/A
Width 158 mm 128 mm
Height 164 mm 97 mm
Depth 83 mm 79 mm
Weight 1340 gram 611 gram