Nikon D3200 vs Canon EOS 5D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3200 and Canon EOS 5D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3200 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 5D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon 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. Nikon D3200 has a "DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 5D has a "FF"-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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D3200 has a 24,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 5D has 12,7 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D3200 has a 89 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 5D. 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 D3200 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 5D. Nikon D3200 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Canon EOS 5D has 50 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 5D has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3200 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3200 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 Nikon D3200
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 5D

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3200 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 5D can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D3200 or Canon EOS 5D can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 5D weighs 895 gr (equal to 1,97 lb) which is 77% heavier than Nikon D3200 and its 505 gr (or 1,11 lb).