Nikon D4 vs Canon EOS 1D Mark III

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturer

Nikon D4 is made by Nikon, while Canon EOS 1D Mark III is made by Canon. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.

Release Year

Nikon D4 was released in 2012, making it a newer model compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which was released in 2007.

Release Date

Nikon D4 was released on 2012-01-06, making it a newer option than Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which was released on 2007-02-22.

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 D4 is priced higher at $5999, compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III which has an MSRP of $3999. This suggests Nikon D4 may offer additional features or higher-quality components.

Camera Type

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

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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.

Nikon D4 has a Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) - Also known as 'FX' sensor, while Canon EOS 1D Mark III uses a APS-H (approx 27.9 x 18.6 mm) 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.

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III feature the same sensor type: CMOS. This similarity could indicate comparable image processing and performance characteristics.

Resolution and Megapixels

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

Nikon D4 offers a higher resolution with 16,163,840 pixels and 16,2 megapixels, compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which has 10,077,696 pixels and 10,1 megapixels.

Processor

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

Nikon D4 uses the EXPEED 3 processor, while Canon EOS 1D Mark III is powered by the DUAL DIGIC 3 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.

Nikon D4 provides a broader ISO range (100 - 204800) compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III's ISO range (50 - 6400). This allows Nikon D4 to perform better in low-light situations.

White Balance Presets

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

Nikon D4 provides more white balance presets (12) compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which offers 8 presets. This gives Nikon D4 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 Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III offer custom white balance, allowing for precise color adjustments in challenging lighting conditions.

Image Stabilization

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

Neither Nikon D4 nor Canon EOS 1D Mark III have image stabilization, meaning external stabilization tools or tripods may be necessary for sharp images.

Uncompressed Format Support

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

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Autofocus Motor

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

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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 Points

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

Nikon D4 offers more autofocus points (51) compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III with 19 points. This may give Nikon D4 an advantage in tracking and focus accuracy.

Lens Mount Compatibility

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

Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

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

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

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

Nikon D4 has a higher screen resolution with 921000 dots compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III with 230000 dots, offering better viewing clarity.

Touchscreen

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

Neither Nikon D4 nor Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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.

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III support live view, making it easier to preview shots in real time on the LCD screen.

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.

Nikon D4 offers a faster burst shooting rate at 11 fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which shoots at 10 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 Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III offer the same maximum shutter speed of 1/8000, making them equally capable of freezing fast motion.

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 Nikon D4 nor Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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 Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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 Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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.

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III support time-lapse photography, making them ideal for capturing stunning time-lapse videos of landscapes, skies, or cityscapes.

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.

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

Nikon D4 supports video recording, giving it an advantage over Canon EOS 1D Mark III, 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.

Nikon D4 includes a built-in microphone, making it easier to capture audio on the go compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which lacks this feature.

Nikon D4 includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for on-camera audio playback compared to Canon EOS 1D Mark III, which lacks this feature.

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.

Nikon D4 supports HDMI output for external monitoring, but Canon EOS 1D Mark III does not have this feature.

Neither Nikon D4 nor Canon EOS 1D Mark III have a microphone port, so you'll have to rely on built-in microphones.

Neither Nikon D4 nor Canon EOS 1D Mark III 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.

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III feature wireless connectivity, making it easy to transfer photos or control the camera remotely.

Nikon D4 supports wireless features like Optional via WT-5, WT-5A, while Canon EOS 1D Mark III includes features like Optional with WFT-E2 II.

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 Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III support remote control functionality. Nikon D4 offers Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal), while Canon EOS 1D Mark III provides Yes (N3 connector), allowing for hands-free control during shooting.

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.

Both Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D Mark III are environmentally sealed, making them durable options for photographers who need protection against harsh weather conditions.

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 1D Mark III is rated at 2200 shots, outperforming Nikon D4's 0 shots, making it ideal for extended shooting.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

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

The Nikon D4 measures 160 mm in width, 157 mm in height, and 91 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III measures 156 mm in width, 157 mm in height, and 80 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III is more compact with a total volume of 1959360 mm³ compared to the Nikon D4, which has a larger volume of 2285920 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 Nikon D4 weighs 1340 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III weighs 1155 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III is lighter, weighing 1155 grams, compared to the Nikon D4 which weighs 1340 grams.

Measurements and Weight Comparison

When choosing a camera, size and weight can play a significant role, especially for photographers who are constantly on the move. Let’s compare both the size (volume) and weight of the two cameras.

The Nikon D4 measures 160 mm in width, 157 mm in height, and 91 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III measures 156 mm in width, 157 mm in height, and 80 mm in depth.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III is more compact, being 16.7% smaller in volume compared to the Nikon D4.

The Nikon D4 weighs 1340 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III weighs 1155 grams including the battery.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III is lighter by 16.0% compared to the Nikon D4.

Product
	Price	Price
Name This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.	Nikon D4	Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Manufacturer The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.	Nikon	Canon
Release Date and Price
Release Year The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.	2012	2007
Release Date The exact date when this camera model was launched.	2012-01-06	2007-02-22
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.	$ 5999	$ 3999
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 23.9 mm) - Also known as 'FX'	APS-H (approx 27.9 x 18.6 mm)
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	CMOS
Resolution Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.	4928 x 3280 pixels	3888 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.	16,2 MP (16,163,840 pixels)	10,1 MP (10,077,696 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.	EXPEED 3	DUAL DIGIC 3
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 - 204800	50 - 6400
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.	12	8
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.	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous 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.	51	19
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.	Nikon F	Canon EF
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	APS-H Sensor 1.3x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 31 mm 50 mm becomes 65 mm 100 mm becomes 130 mm 200 mm becomes 260 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”	3”
Screen Dots Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.	921000	230000
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.	TFT color LCD with brightness control	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	Yes
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%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.	0.7×	0.76× (0.58× 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.	11 fps	10 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	1/8000 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	Yes
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	Multi Center Weighted Spot Partial
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, 1 EV steps)	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 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.	MPEG4 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 XQD	Compact Flash SD/SDHC
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.	No	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.	Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A	Yes Optional with WFT-E2 II
Wireless SKU The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's wireless module or accessory.	WT-5 and WT-5A	WFT-E2 II
Remote Control Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.	Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal)	Yes (N3 connector)
GPS Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.	Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector)	No
GPS SKU The specific SKU associated with the camera's GPS module or accessory.	GP-1
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.	Yes	Yes
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.	Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger	Battery Pack LP-E4
Battery SKU The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.	EN-EL18	LP-E4
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.	N/A	2200 shots according to CIPA
Width The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	160 mm	156 mm
Height The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	157 mm	157 mm
Depth The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.	91 mm	80 mm
Weight The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.	1340 grams including battery	1155 grams including battery

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