Canon 5D mark III comes with new sensor, improved 61 point AF system same as 1D-X and better video mode. Nikon D800 is a megapixel monster with limited ISO range and slow burst mode compared to new 5D mark II.
Megapixel: Both have same Fullframe sensor but Nikon D800 features 36.3 Megapixel sensor and 5D mark III comes with 22.3 Megapixel sensor, with large individual 6.25 µm pixels and canon 5D mark III has a much-improved S/N ratio resulting in better images from the base ISO.
AF system: Canon 5D mark III features better AF system with 61 point AF (up to 41 cross-type points) but limited up to f/5.6, the Nikon D800 has working AF at f/8 and comes with 51 point AF system .
ISO range: Nikon D800 you get limited standard ISO range up to 6400 only, canon 5D mark III offers standard ISO range up to 25600.
Continuous shooting: The canon new DIGIC+ image processor Working with two 4-channel A/D converter front-end processing circuits, and delivering speeds of up to 6.0 fps, Nikon D800 Continuous shooting speed is limited to 4 fps only.
Video: Canon offers both All-I and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption, No details available about Nikon D800 uncompressed HDMI output, Nikon D800 Max Video length is limited to 20 minutes only.
Conclusion:
Canon 5D Mark III recommended for videographers, professional action and sports photographers, photojournalist, Studio, commercial and still life photographers.
Nikon D800 is recommended for Studio, commercial and still life photographers.
Buy/ Pre-order Canon 5D mark III at Amazon – B&H
Buy Pre-order Nikon D800 at Amazon – B&H
Update @ March 24, 2012
High ISO Sensitivity test done at dcfever.com (chines website)
settings – Canon EOS 5D Mark III: EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, f/8.0, AWB (Jpeg), the default of NR, the IS Off,
the Nikon D800, tripod shooting : AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 G IF-ED,, f/8.0, AWB (Jpeg), the default of NR, the VR Off tripod shooting
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Canon 5D mark III vs Canon 5D mark II
If only number of megapixel important, then we should look forward towards Nokia pure view smartphone with 41 Megapixel sensor.
ahaha this is a fair comparision? for example d800 in dx mode and bg is 6 fps and 16 mpx perfect for my sport shoot and my 70 200 –> 300 2.8 and canon?? is a great camera sure but it isnt a winner are 2 good cameras, i tried d800 and i can say is a perfect all around too! do better comparision next time canon fan boys
Both cameras are great
The comparison is sacks go and get a life
Thanks for the comparison review
and to Nikon D800 fans here…..Before buying Nikon D800 you have to create a controlled environment for taking perfect pictures, because the canon DIGIC 5+ processor reduces noise and you get excellent noise free JPEG even at 12800 ISO…, Nikon D800 Image processor is slow and so you get less fps and more noise in JPG….So with D800 you have to spent a lot of time with RAW files to reduce the noise in High ISO images……
For weeding / sports and Press photographers canon 5D mark III is an excellent camera…
In the Greek sites the prices of canon mark 3 is 3200 Euros vs Nikos d800 2650 euros
If is true I go for Nikon the different is 550 Euros more
Dxo mark labs rates Nikon D800 in there top of there list wiht score 95!!!!!!!
it mast be a hell of a camera
The chart is incorrect: the lowest ISO setting on the Mark iii is 50, not 100
Thanks for the update Tim.