Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D780

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D780. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1D X is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D780 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 1D X were released 2011 and Nikon D780 was released 2020. That is a 9 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 1D X 2011
Nikon D780 2020

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Even though the camera sensors might be called differently they are both considered Full frame which means that the focal length of the lenses is not affected. There is no crop factor on any of these cameras and sensors.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS 1D X 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D780 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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 D780 has 25 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 D780 25 MP
24337152 pixels
6048 x 4024

Nikon D780 has a 36 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 1D X. 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

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 51200.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 1D X 100-51200
Nikon D780 100-51200

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 X
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D780

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 D780 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1D X 12
Nikon D780 12

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 D780 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 60% heavier than Nikon D780 and its 840 gr (or 1.85 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 1D X 1340 gr
2.95 lb
Nikon D780 840 gr
1.85 lb

Canon EOS 1D X vs Nikon D780 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D780, 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 D780
Name Canon EOS 1D X Nikon D780
Manufacturer Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Release Year 2011 2020
Release Date 2011-10-18 2020-01-07
MSRP 6799 USD 2299 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
Megapixels 18,1 MP 25 MP
Image Processor DUAL DIGIC 5+ EXPEED 6
Image
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
ISO Range 100 - 51200 100 - 51200
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 D780
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
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
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 61 51
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
FX (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
Screen & Viewfinder
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 3.2” 3.2”
Screen dots 1040000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type Clear View II TFT LCD TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.76× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Frames per second 12 fps 12 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 900 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight 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 D780
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless Yes
Optional with LC-5
Yes
Built-in (802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1)
Remote Control Yes (N3 connector) Yes (via wired, wireless or smartphone)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-E1 and GP-E2
No
Body & Dimensions
Canon EOS 1D X
Nikon D780
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion LP-E4N rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1120 shots 2260 shots
Width 158 mm 144 mm
Height 164 mm 116 mm
Depth 83 mm 76 mm
Weight 1340 gram 840 gram