Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs Nikon D800, and the winner is…

Sorry Nikon fanboys, but there is really nothing that makes the D800 more attractive. Ok, 36MP give you more details and resolution, but the costs are too high for me. Having good low light performance, 6 fps, an exceptional Auto-Focus system – with 41 high precision cross-type points vs the 15 of the D800 – are all things I prefer and consider more relevant. I am not a fan of high resolution sensors. At least not if I have to miss what I would call “rock-solid” performance. The EOS 5D Mark III simply outperforms Nikon’s D800 for everything that really counts. Again: sorry Nikon, but there is no competition.

Even Nikon shooters are enthusiastic about Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III. Take wedding photographer Ryan Brenizer, which used an EOS 5D Mark III for a wedding shooting sessions and was truly satisfied by it. He writes:

So why am I so excited about the Canon 5D Mark III? On the surface, it seems like an incremental upgrade. […] I’m excited because for the first time at semi-affordable rates, Canon users can combine the most comprehensive DSLR lens line-up with a full-frame camera that has no major drawbacks.

Indeed, the advanced autofocus is one of the most acclaimed features/tweaks of the EOS 5D Mark III. On the 5D Mark II it was not on a level professionals photographer wanted. Brenizers says:

Has Canon finally fixed the autofocus in the 5D line? In a word? Abso-freaking-lutely. The autofocus is accurate, fast, and a pleasure to use — in some ways moreso than the Nikon D3s. I immediately turned off all sensors except the extra-sensitive cross-type sensors — and still had 41 left! Combined with the joystick, I never have to play the focus and recompose game very much unless I want my point of focus to be at the very edge of the frame. And even then I can get it close enough to not compromise the accuracy of my focal plane, which can matter when you’re shooting with a lens like the 50mm f/1.2L

Then, there are the video capabilities of the EOS 5D Mark III, which are simply great (imho). Have a look at the following two videos Not only the 5D Mark III video looks warmer and has more vibrant colors, but things almost pop-out, it gives an overall more cinema-like experience.

EOS 5D Mark III

 

Nikon D800

 

Another comparison 5D Mark III vs D800

Even Kai W of DigitalRev, a self-proclaimed Nikon fanboy, says he “would buy the EOS 5D Mark III”. See his 15min comparison between the EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon’s D800. The cameras are compared both for video and still performance.

Kai has also a (new) 16min hands-on video about the EOS 5D Mark III, a good review of the features and highlights of the EOS 5D Mark III.

Want to see the latest pics made with a EOS 5D Mark III uploaded to Flickr and to check our live-ticker for possible deals? Yes? Then click here.

World-wide EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

This shops all have the 5D Mark III in stock and ready for shipping, some offer various kit combinations:

• Amazon: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 – click here
• Canon store: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 – click here
• B&H: 5D Mark III body $3,499 – click here
• J&R: 5D Mark III body $3,499 – click here
• J&R: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 – click here (NOTE: shows up as out of stock, should be in stock in a few hours)
• Adorama: 5D Mark III body + free photo-book $3,499 – click here
• Adorama: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L $4,299 –click here
• DigitalRev: 5D Mark III body – location-based price, different kit options, ships in 24h – click here
• DigitalRev: 5D Mark III w/24-105mm f/4 L – location-based price, different kit options, ships in 24h – click here

Have a nice day, or night… :-)