Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D800
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D800. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 1Ds is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D800 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
Canon EOS 1Ds were released 2002 and Nikon D800 was released 2012. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Canon EOS 1Ds | 2002 |
Nikon D800 | 2012 |
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 1Ds | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Nikon D800 | 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 1Ds has a 11 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D800 has 36,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
11 MP
10989056 pixels 4064 x 2704 |
Nikon D800 |
36,3 MP
36152320 pixels 7360 x 4912 |
Nikon D800 has a 229 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 1Ds. 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 D800 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1Ds. Nikon D800 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Canon EOS 1Ds has 50 to 1250.
Camera | ISO Range |
Canon EOS 1Ds | 50-1250 |
Nikon D800 | 100-25600 |
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 1Ds
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Canon EOS 1Ds | 3 |
Nikon D800 | 6 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D800. Sadly, the Canon EOS 1Ds does not support this.
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 1Ds weighs 1585 gr (equal to 3.49 lb) which is 76% heavier than Nikon D800 and its 900 gr (or 1.98 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Canon EOS 1Ds | 1585 gr 3.49 lb |
Nikon D800 | 900 gr 1.98 lb |
Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D800 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D800, 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 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Name | Canon EOS 1Ds | Nikon D800 |
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Release Year | 2002 | 2012 |
Release Date | 2002-09-24 | 2012-02-07 |
MSRP | 7499 USD | 2999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Sensor Size | Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4064 x 2704 pixels | 7360 x 4912 pixels |
Megapixels | 11 MP | 36,3 MP |
Image Processor | DIGIC | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
ISO Range | 50 - 1250 | 100 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets | 8 | 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 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 45 | 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 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 2” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 120000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Frames per second | 3 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 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 Partial |
Multi Center Weighted Spot Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A) |
Remote Control |
Yes (N3 connector, Remote switch RS-60 E3)
|
Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 1Ds |
Nikon D800 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Ni-MH Pack NP-E3
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | 900 shots |
Width | 156 mm | 146 mm |
Height | 158 mm | 123 mm |
Depth | 80 mm | 82 mm |
Weight | 1585 gram | 900 gram |