Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV were released 2016 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 7 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 2016
Nikon D3s 2009

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 5D Mark IV 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D3s 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 5D Mark IV has a 30 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3s has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30 MP
30105600 pixels
6720 x 4480
Nikon D3s 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a 150 % larger resolution than Nikon D3s. 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 5D Mark IV has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3s. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 102400 while Nikon D3s has 200 to 102400.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 50-102400
Nikon D3s 200-102400

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 5D Mark IV
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 9-11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 7
Nikon D3s 9-11

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Nikon D3s 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.

Nikon D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2,73 lb) which is 39% heavier than Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and its 890 gr (or 1,96 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 890 gr
1,96 lb
Nikon D3s 1240 gr
2,73 lb