DxOMark: Nikon D800 – 95, Canon 5D Mark III – 81

http://nikonrumors.com/2012/04/19/dx...k-iii-81.aspx/

I think there's enough of these head to head tests doing the rounds that you can find all manner of differing results.

Being semi pro cameras I'd imagine the vast majority of buyers (having already invested in Canon or Nikon systems) wouldn't be comparing the two against each other but more likely comparing them against the models they are considering upgrading / replacing.

With that in mind (from a Canon point of view) at least they've gone and put a far more advanced AF system in it (from 1D) and faster shooting so where previously you had the choice of the full frame 5D2 or the AF performance and speed of the 7D - you can now get both in the one body.

Back to these two though - the general theme that seems to keep cropping up is that the D800 has the advantage for resolution at lower ISO settings but the lower pixel density starts to give the 5D3 the advantage when it comes to noise at higher ISO settings.

They're different sorts of cameras. The D800 is preferable for tripod-shooting at lower ISOs, whereas the Mark III feels like a more rounded camera with its faster shooting, superior video and high ISO performance. I would however be delighted with either and I'm pretty sure you would too. Think carefully about what kind of photos you take and which system has the most appropriate lenses, then start enjoying the superb results each of these cameras will deliver.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Ca...00_noise.shtml

Great post Phil. I feel that the standout difference about this Nikon and D3200 announced today will be the sensor mega-pixel count.

Paul

Nice to see the Nikon get a good review, but as mentioned I think there will be loads where the author favours the Canon, and vice versa.

I don't think you can make a bad choice with either, looking forward to the photos from yours Bob!

Although I posted the report I didn't intend to try & prove a point. Phil is right that the Mark III being a different camera with different intentions, just as the D800 is different from the new D4. Some are quick to point out the lack of frame rate of the D800 yet fail to recognize the amount of data it must process with a 36.3 MegaPixel sensor. Also 4 frames/sec is almost 3 times the frame rate of the original D3x, a workhorse in the industry. Without all the glass & common accessories I own between my D7000 & new D800 I might certainly have purchased the 5D Mark III. I just bought 3 new lenses for the D800 that's coming, a Nikkor 24-70mm F/2.8, a Nikkor 50mm F/1.4D & a Nikkor 70-300mm F/4-5.6G. It was also a heavy investment for two new Lexar 16Gig 1000X Professional CF memory cards to handle the huge files the D800 generates. At some point I might have to buy a bigger computer hard drive for my iMac to store these files as well.

Photography is my passion. I buy gear that I know will allow me to take the next step in my artistry in photography. As Azz mentioned, I've tested 2 of the 3 new lenses and can hardly wait to see what they'll do on the camera for which they were intended. I'm even excited Phil, that the 70-300 will become a 105-450mm on my D7000. I've been dabbling in birding and know the extra focal length will not only allow me to capture more photos of birds but better close-ups of the animals I love to photograph.

It's all good! I never have to worry about getting bored in my retirement. Shoot, we're only now entering the Spring/Summer season of beautiful weather here. I'm heading for my annual trip to the tulip festival Saturday with sunny skies and 24C promised. I can shoot up close with my 11-16mm F/2.8 Tokina, my Nikkor 85mm F/3.5 Micro or my Nikkor 70-300mm F/4-5.6G bringing Mt Hood closer in the background of those super colorful tulip fields. I'm excited.

I'll be looking forward to your results too Bob. I'll request a nice Mount Hood one now.

Remember that when you use a cropped sensor compared to a full frame sensor it only 'appears' that you're getting more reach with equal lenses. All that's happening is that you're seeing less of the scene. Just the same as if you had taken the shot on a full frame sensor and cropped it.

Cropping full frame images down to cropped sensor sizes doesn't always hold up due to sensor resolution and not using all the pixels but your D800 high res 36MP sensor can be set to DX crop mode and will still produce (I think) 15MP images which is more or less equal to your D7000.

Thanks Phil. The 70-300mm is an FX lens and I certainly understand the reduced APS-C sensor size in my D7000. My lonest focal length lens at present is my favorite Nikkor 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 VRII DX. The new lens will at least add 100mm to the game. It will have a narrower angle of capture on the DX format but will still give me a longer reach. Here's a favorite Mt Hood shot taken with my D7000.

I wasn't really going to reply to this, as I always feel that such sensor comparisons only tell a very small part of the story and there are so many other parts/factors to the whole overall camera that make the package right for a particular individual. Technical specifications are one thing, rendered finished pictures are another. You wouldn't buy other big ticket items on spec alone, you need to try, ride, drive or listen to them first.

However, I do feel Canon have lost touch with reality at the moment with their prices when compared to Nikon prices, this is definitely one area I would like to see narrowed between the two camps. So I'm pleased that Nikon have continued to produce top notch gear as stiff competition is a good thing for us.

Ooo another one of my favourite lens Bob! Can't wait to see the results!

It's due to be delivered April 24th so I won't have it for the tulip festival but I have plenty of great lenses to choose from. I'm leaning toward the 24-70 for the bulk of the shots.