Nikon D3x vs Canon EOS 1D X

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Canon EOS 1D X. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3x is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 1D X 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

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.

** 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 D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 1D X has 18,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D3x 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

Canon EOS 1D X has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3x. Canon EOS 1D X has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3x has 100 to 6400.

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 Nikon D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D X

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 1D X can shoot up to 12 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 Canon EOS 1D X. Sadly, the Nikon D3x 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 1D X weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 6% heavier than Nikon D3x and its 1260 gr (or 2.78 lb).

Nikon D3x vs Canon EOS 1D X Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Canon EOS 1D X, 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	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Name	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Manufacturer	Nikon	Canon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Release Year	2008	2011
Release Date	2008-12-01	2011-10-18
MSRP	7470 USD	6799 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	6048 x 4032 pixels	5184 x 3456 pixels
Megapixels	24,5 MP	18,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	DUAL DIGIC 5+
Image	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
ISO Range	100 - 6400	100 - 51200
White Balance Presets	12	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW + TIFF	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	61
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Canon EF See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	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	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	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3.2”
Screen dots	920000	1040000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle	Clear View II TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.76×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Frames per second	5 fps	12 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 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	Multi Center Weighted Spot Average
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
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	No
Storage	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Memory Card	Compact Flash	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	Yes Optional with LC-5
Remote Control	Yes	Yes (N3 connector)
GPS	Yes Optional through GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-E1 and GP-E2
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D3x	Canon EOS 1D X
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion LP-E4N rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	4400 shots	1120 shots
Width	160 mm	158 mm
Height	157 mm	164 mm
Depth	88 mm	83 mm
Weight	1260 gram	1340 gram