Canon EOS 5DS R vs Nikon D1X

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS 5DS R
Canon EOS 5DS R

Released: 2015
Camera Type: DSLR

Nikon D1X
Nikon D1X

Released: 2001
Camera Type: DSLR

Canon EOS 5DS R is made by Canon, while Nikon D1X is made by Nikon. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.

Release Date and Price

Release Year

Canon EOS 5DS R was released in 2015, making it a newer model compared to Nikon D1X, which was released in 2001.

Release Date

Canon EOS 5DS R was released on 2015-02-06, making it a newer option than Nikon D1X, which was released on 2001-02-05.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.

Nikon D1X is priced higher at $4849, compared to Canon EOS 5DS R which has an MSRP of $4249. This indicates Nikon D1X might offer better features or performance.

Camera and Sensor Type

Camera Type

The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X are dslr cameras, which means they offer similar design and functionality.

Sensor Size

Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.

Canon EOS 5DS R has a Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) sensor, while Nikon D1X uses a APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) - Also known as 'DX' sensor. These differences can impact image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field.

Sensor Type

The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.

Canon EOS 5DS R uses a CMOS sensor, while Nikon D1X is equipped with a CCD sensor. The differences in sensor types can influence image quality, dynamic range, and overall performance.

Resolution and Megapixels

Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.

Canon EOS 5DS R offers a higher resolution with 50,320,896 pixels and 51 megapixels, compared to Nikon D1X, which has 5,895,680 pixels and 5,3 megapixels.

Processor

The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.

Canon EOS 5DS R uses the DUAL DIGIC 6 processor, while Nikon D1X is powered by the Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.

ISO Range

The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.

Canon EOS 5DS R provides a broader ISO range (100 - 6400) compared to Nikon D1X's ISO range (125 - 800). This allows Canon EOS 5DS R to perform better in low-light situations.

Image Properties

White Balance Presets

White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.

Canon EOS 5DS R provides more white balance presets (8) compared to Nikon D1X, which offers 6 presets. This gives Canon EOS 5DS R greater flexibility in achieving accurate color balance.

Custom White Balance

Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.

Uncompressed Format Support

Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Optics and Focus

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.

Neither Canon EOS 5DS R nor Nikon D1X have image stabilization, meaning external stabilization tools or tripods may be necessary for sharp images.

Autofocus Motor

An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X are equipped with an autofocus motor, allowing for fast and accurate focusing with a wide range of lenses.

Autofocus Modes

Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.

Autofocus Modes for Canon EOS 5DS R
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Modes for Nikon D1X
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Selective Single Point
  • Single
  • Continuous
Autofocus Points

Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.

Canon EOS 5DS R offers more autofocus points (61) compared to Nikon D1X with 5 points. This may give Canon EOS 5DS R an advantage in tracking and focus accuracy.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.

Lens Mounts for Canon EOS 5DS R
  • Canon EF
Lens Mounts for Nikon D1X
  • Nikon F
Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.

Focal Length Multiplier for Canon EOS 5DS R

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

Focal Length Multiplier for Nikon D1X

DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm

Screen and Viewfinder

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.

Canon EOS 5DS R has a higher screen resolution with 1040000 dots compared to Nikon D1X with 130000 dots, offering better viewing clarity.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Neither Canon EOS 5DS R nor Nikon D1X have a touchscreen, meaning they rely on traditional button and dial controls.

Live View

Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.

Canon EOS 5DS R supports live view, offering better real-time image preview compared to Nikon D1X, which lacks this feature.

Photography Features

Frames Per Second (FPS)

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.

Canon EOS 5DS R offers a faster burst shooting rate at 5 fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to Nikon D1X, which shoots at 3 fps.
Shutter Speed

Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

Minimum Shutter Speed

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Nikon D1X provides a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/16000, offering better performance for action photography compared to Canon EOS 5DS R, which has a slower maximum speed of 1/8000.

Built-in Flash

A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.

Neither Canon EOS 5DS R nor Nikon D1X have a built-in flash, so an external flash is required for low-light photography.

External Flash Compatibility

An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X support external flashes, providing more control over lighting for professional-grade photography.

Self-Timer Functionality

A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.

Time-Lapse Photography

The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.

Canon EOS 5DS R offers a time-lapse feature, allowing you to capture creative time-lapse videos, while Nikon D1X lacks this functionality.

Metering Modes

Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.

Metering Modes for Canon EOS 5DS R
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot
  • Partial
Metering Modes for Nikon D1X
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot

Videography Features

Video Recording Capability

Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.

Video Recording

Canon EOS 5DS R supports video recording, giving it an advantage over Nikon D1X, which lacks this feature.

Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison

Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.

Canon EOS 5DS R includes a built-in microphone, making it easier to capture audio on the go compared to Nikon D1X, which lacks this feature.

Canon EOS 5DS R includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for on-camera audio playback compared to Nikon D1X, which lacks this feature.

Connectivity

HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison

These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.

Canon EOS 5DS R supports HDMI output for external monitoring, but Nikon D1X does not have this feature.

Canon EOS 5DS R has a microphone port for external mics, but Nikon D1X does not, making Canon EOS 5DS R more versatile for audio recording.

Neither Canon EOS 5DS R nor Nikon D1X have a headphone port, making audio monitoring during recording difficult.

Wireless Connectivity Comparison

Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.

Neither Canon EOS 5DS R nor Nikon D1X offer wireless connectivity, so you'll need to transfer files manually using a cable or memory card.

Remote Control Feature Comparison

Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.

Both Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X support remote control functionality. Canon EOS 5DS R offers Yes (Wired and wireless), while Nikon D1X provides Supported, allowing for hands-free control during shooting.

Camera Body and Dimensions

Environmentally Sealed Comparison

An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.

Canon EOS 5DS R is environmentally sealed, providing extra durability in harsh weather, while Nikon D1X lacks this feature.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.

The battery life of Canon EOS 5DS R is rated at 700 shots, which is better than Nikon D1X's 0 shots. This makes Canon EOS 5DS R a better choice for long shooting sessions.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.

The Canon EOS 5DS R has dimensions of 152 mm in width, 116 mm in height, and 76 mm in depth.

The Nikon D1X measures 157 mm in width, 153 mm in height, and 85 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 5DS R is more compact with a total volume of 1340032 mm³ compared to the Nikon D1X, which has a larger volume of 2041785 mm³.

Camera Weight Comparison

The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.

The Canon EOS 5DS R weighs 930 grams including the battery.

The Nikon D1X weighs 1200 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 5DS R is lighter, weighing 930 grams, compared to the Nikon D1X which weighs 1200 grams.

View and Compare Specifications for Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D1X

Product
Canon EOS 5DS R

Nikon D1X

Name
This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.
Canon EOS 5DS R Nikon D1X
Manufacturer
The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.
Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Release Year
The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.
2015 2001
Release Date
The exact date when this camera model was launched.
2015-02-06 2001-02-05
MSRP
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars.
$ 4249 $ 4849
Camera Type
Camera Type
The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless).
DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Sensor Size
The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications.
Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) - Also known as 'DX'
Sensor Type
The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed.
CMOS CCD
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.
8688 x 5792 pixels 3008 x 1960 pixels
Megapixels
Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.
51 MP (50,320,896 pixels) 5,3 MP (5,895,680 pixels)
Image Processor
The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance.
DUAL DIGIC 6 Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image
ISO Range
The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise.
100 - 6400 125 - 800
White Balance Presets
White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors.
8 6
Custom White Balance
Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions.
Yes Yes
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.
No No
Uncompressed Format
An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes.
RAW RAW
Optics and Focus
Autofocus Motor
The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses.
Yes Yes
Autofocus
Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame.
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points
Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes.
61 5
Lens Mount
The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types.
Canon EF

Nikon F

Focal Length Multiplier
The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses.
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
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen and Viewfinder
Articulated LCD
An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography.
Fixed Fixed
Screen Size
The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus.
3.2” 2”
Screen Dots
Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.
1040000 130000
Touchscreen
A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen.
No No
Screen Type
The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc.
ClearView II TFT-LCD N/A
Live View
Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it.
Yes No
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder.
Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage
Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture.
100% 96%
Viewfinder Magnification
Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.
0.71× 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution
Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image.
N/A N/A
Photography Features
Frames per second
Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography.
5 fps 3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations.
30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects.
1/8000 seconds 1/16000 seconds
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality.
No No
External Flash
An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility.
Yes Yes
Self-Timer
The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake.
Yes Yes
Time-lapse
Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster.
Yes No
Metering Modes
Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions.
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed.
+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/2 EV, 1/3 EV steps)
Videography Features
Video Recording
Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality.
Yes No
Video Format
The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video.
H.264
Video Resolution
The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video.
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone
Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture.
Yes No
Built-in Speakers
Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback.
Yes No
Storage
Memory Card
Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera.
Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
HDMI Output
Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays.
Yes No
Microphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port.
Yes No
Headphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording.
No No
Wireless
Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control.
No No
Remote Control
Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.
Yes (Wired and wireless) Supported
GPS
Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.
No No
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed
Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.
Yes No
Battery
The type of battery used by the camera.
Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details
Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details.
LP-E6 lithium-ion battery & charger Ni-MH Battery Pack EN-4
Battery SKU
The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.
LP-E6 EN-4
Battery Life
The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models.
700 shots according to CIPA N/A
Width
The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
152 mm 157 mm
Height
The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
116 mm 153 mm
Depth
The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
76 mm 85 mm
Weight
The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.
930 grams including battery 1200 grams including battery
Henrik Törner

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby


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