Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Nikon D5000

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and Nikon D5000. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D5000 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 1Ds Mark II has a "FF"-sensor while Nikon D5000 has a "DX"-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 1Ds Mark II has a 16,6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5000 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a 36 % larger resolution than Nikon D5000. 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 D5000 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II. Nikon D5000 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has 50 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5000 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 1Ds Mark II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5000

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5000 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

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 D5000. Sadly, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 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 Mark II weighs 1565 gr (equal to 3,45 lb) which is 165% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1,3 lb).