Canon EOS 5D Mark II

	Nikon D700 Comparison Summary
The Canon 5D Mark II surpasses the slightly more expensive Nikon D700 in key performance tests, and delivers 21.1-megapixel resolution to the Nikon's 12.1.
	Nikon D90 Comparison	Page 19 of 21	Conclusion

	Comparison Specifications and Scores
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
Price	$2699 (body only)	$2999 (body only)
Dimensions	6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in./152.0 x 113.5 x 75.0mm 28.6 oz./810g	5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in./147 x 123 x 77mm 35 oz./ 995g
Resolution	21.1-megapixels	12.1-megapixels
Processor	DIGIC 4	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	36.0mm x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS	23.9 x 36mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS
Kit Lens	EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM	None
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism, 0.71x magnification, 98% coverage	Eye-level pentaprism, .072x magnification, 95% coverage
LCD	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels	Super density, wide-viewing angle, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode/Face Detection Live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)	Tripod mode Handheld mode
Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max. 3.9 shots/sec.	Max. 5 shots/sec
Autofocus	9 AF Points (1 Cross Type) + 6 AF Assist Points	51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)	±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three level), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 50-25600	ISO 200-6400 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-25600 equivalent
Flash	External only	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV	Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80 percent Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60 percent TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality Uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
Movie Mode	Yes	No
Media Type	CF, UDMA compatible	CF, UDMA compatible
Connections	USB, Video out, HDMI, WFT-E4A extension system	NTSC, Hi-speed USB, 10-pin Terminal, HDMI, PAL
Other Hardware	No	No

	Video: Comparison Scores
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
Video: Color & Noise	23.88	no video capabilities
Video: Motion & Sharpness	19.59	no video capabilities
Video: Low Light Performance	27.6	no video capabilities
Video Features	20.25	no video capabilities
Exclusive - Video testing on the Canon 5D Mark II is provided by CamcorderInfo.com, the world leader in camcorder and video reviewing.

Performance
The breakthrough feature of the D700 was extremely low image noise, but the 5D Mark II equaled this performance in our testing, and bested the Nikon significantly in resolution and dynamic range testing. The comparative strengths of the D700 lie in superior long exposure results (thanks to low-light noise superiority), more accurate white balance and faster shot-to-shot timing, with 4.9 frames per second to the Canon's 3.81.

Components
The 5D Mark II's 21.1-megapixel resolution is in a different class from the Nikon's 12.1 megapixels. Both cameras provide similar 3-inch LCD screens with 920,000-dot resolution and offer HDMI output to high-definition TVs. Live View display is smoother on the 5D Mark II, though; we observed some stuttering and slowness in the Nikon implementation. In the viewfinder display, Nikon has two advantages; the option to superimpose grid lines on the display, and a "virtual horizon" system that helps keep the camera level.

Handling
With lenses mounted, the two cameras feel roughly the same in your hand, though we prefer the deeper righthand grip of the 5D. 

Controls
The level of user customization is similar for the two cameras, though the use of a mode dial on the 5D Mark II makes accessing features and settings a bit faster. Both systems provide dual control dials, making manual exposure settings straightforward, though the front dial on the Nikon is a bit hard to handle. On the other hand, the Canon joystick is quite finicky to control accurately. Both cameras offer built-in lens vignetting correction and autofocus fine-tuning.

	ISO Examples
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 50
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 100
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 200
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 400
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 800
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 1600
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 3200
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 6400
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 12800
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D700
ISO 25600

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

Nikon D90 Comparison	Page 19 of 21		Conclusion
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Video Color & Noise
Video Motion & Sharpness	Video Low Light	Video Features	Canon 50D Comparison
Sony A900 Comparison	Nikon D90 Comparison	Nikon D700 Comparison	Conclusion
Specs & Ratings