Canon 5d Mark Iii Or Nikon 810?

If you don't want the 36mp images from the 810, then there is very little reason to get it. That is one of its two major advantages, so if you consider it a disadvantage then that's a major hit against it. Additionally, the 36mp files will not help you much here on FAA as they will exceed the 25mb file limit of the site and require compression that will eliminate much of the advantage that extra resolution would give you with large prints.

I just decided between these cameras myself, and here's the pro/con list I came up with.

5d mk iii
- Better autofocus
- Better live view
- Silent shutter
- Generally more intuitive interface, and more comfortable grip (subjective, but somewhat agreed upon)

D810
- Higher resolution (36mp vs. 24mp) for large prints or cropping
- Significantly better dynamic range
- Less issues with banding

Lens selection is going to be pretty similar. Canon has much better tilt-shift lenses for architecture shooting, but at the same time has no equal to Nikon's awesome 14-24 on the UWA side of things.

It basically depends on what you want to use it for. Generally, the recommendation you'll see is the 5d mk iii for action, sports, candids, and architecture due to its AF reliability (action), quiet shutter (candids), and architecture (tilt-shift lens selection). Likewise, the D810 is generally recommended for landscape shooting with its big resolution and awesome dynamic range. Of course, if you consider 36mp a downside rather than an upside, it sounds like the 5d might be what you'd prefer.

To add, I actually ended up going with the Nikon (actually the D800e to save a few bucks), but the big resolution was very much a major draw for me. In your case, without knowing what you primarily shoot it sounds like you might prefer the 5d mk iii.

Ryan,

Good info! I actually had a friend and he rented the Nikon 800 for a photoshoot and we shot a couple of images in my backyard and I was surprised to see not much of a difference in dynamic range over my old-ish 1Ds MKIII and the Nikon............

Maybe a tad less noise............

Rich

I would look more at which lenses you would like to own. And also what flash system. Even in the high end cameras you can spend way more than the cost of a body for the lenses. What is your dream macro lens? Your ideal long telephoto? Or do you like to shoot wide?

I agree with Bradford look at your lens options first ones you decide on Nikon or Canon you are invested in that brand. A good lens goes a long way.

Thank you all for you input.

Linda,

If you have a local camera store that has both the bodies in stock, I'd suggest you go there and get a feel for how each one feels in your hands. The ergonomics was a major factor for me and if you anticipate spending a good deal of time with your camera this is something you should give a lot of importance. Just my $0.02 :)

Good luck!

Yes.....

Both are great.

Canon has better high ISO. Nikon has a bigger image.

I was going to mention the high ISO capability of the Canon but JC beat me to it.

I shoot Canon, but I recently got a mirrorless 36MM camera so I could use my Canon lenses on it because I didn't feel like investing in Nikon glass, I do some portrait work, used to do a ton of it back in the days of film, in those days I shot a 6X7 film cameras, and I would add that the 36 megapixel camera is the closest I have been able to come to medium format film...just sayin.
Terry
www.tlmair.com

Oh yeah and there is life beyond FAA for those extra pixels.
TM

Covers both...

Heather, great video. I've subscribed to him on youtube but had not noticed or looked for this info yet. Sounds to me like Canon lenses and Nikon bodies should be allowed to marry!

Another thing you might want to consider is whether the 5D III is really better suited to your needs than the 6D. When I needed a new camera I compared the two and decided that the built-in GPS locator on the 6D would be more use to me (for travel photos) than the extra bells and whistles on the 6D. I'm not sure now what the differences are but I think I recall that the 5D would be better for video, which doesn't interest me too much, and it certainly lacks GPS. I was surprised, though, that the 6D didn't have a flash lead socket, so off-camera flash has to be done by radio remote or via a separate socket fitted to the hotshoe. As for image quality, the 5D III and 6D seem to have the same technology.

Asking this question in a forum with photographers that use one or the other is not the best way to find out whats actually the best camera for you. Canon users will say Nikon is not as good and visa versa. I'm pretty astonished that more Nikon 810 users have not come in to say how magnificent the camera is.
As long as you don't buy cheap lens's, both have great ones.

A few links with specs from photogs and sites that use and test all brands,

http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.luminous-landscape.com
http://www.dpreview.com/

what about the recently released Nikon D750? Looks like an excellent camera. The major complaint I have picked up on regarding Canon is that they have not brought any real innovations for a number of years. The D750 looks like a very sweet camera...

I use the 5dmk3 and 6D for theater plays (as well as the 6D) and indoor sports, the quieter shutter is a real bonus.
The 6D handles high ISO noise a bit better the the 5DMK3, but the 5DMK3 has better tracking/autofocus for say volleyball, hockey, etc.

Both great bodies and both excel in given situations.

~Michel Soucy

Kevin not sure if that is true anymore. Lately I see many of my fellow Canon shooters going over to Nikon. Reason customer support or the lack there off. Nikon use to be just a ted behind Canon before they came out with new stuff. From what people tell me that is not the case anymore. There are also a few prosumer cameras which do quite a good job. What is important to me: the weight of the camera,shutter speed, low light exposure, file quality and good glass. How the camera handles high key.

You don't want a 36 mp camera if you are going to be taking portraits. That's just cruel. ;-)

Cost might not be an object until you factor in other things like lenses. WIth a top of the line camera you will want top of the line lenses. Weight might be another factor. Depending one where you are coming from you might be surprised by the weight of a professional camera lots of metal in the body with heavy glass.

I have heard it said that professionals buy Canon or Nikon depending on a certain lens they need.

Iris, as a canon rep (me) I have to disagree about your reply about Canon customer service. The one reason Canon is well liked by so many is because their customer service is actually located in the United States, and not sold out to India or other third world countries. Their customer service has rave reviews. With regard to you saying that many artist use both or have used both, some of that is true because of the affordable prices nowadays, but still a lot wont change over because of loyalty and a vast array of camera lens's they already own..

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/cso_home

KevinOConnellFineArt.com

Nikon also doesn't sell out its customer service to India or other third world countries though. If you take your Nikon camera into a US service centre it is not going to be shipped to Bangladesh or Mogadishu. I think Canon might have better worldwide service as Nikon is very restrictive about fixing and servicing grey market products and products bought in other countries.

Nikon also dropped the ball big time recently with the D600 and D800; the first had sensor debris, the latter a problem with the AF. It took them a long time to admit to and fix these issues; the way they handled this was really bad and it cost them a lot of good will.

Both have great lenses and stinkers. The edge in terms of bodies at the moment would have to go to Nikon though which has delivered some killer cameras recently while Canon - and this is a complaint oft heard by Canon users - has not been innovating and improving as much. Lots of Canon shooters have moved to Nikon because of the D810/D750.

Kevin,

You might want to ask Adam Jewell what he thinks of the Canon Service program. When I had Nikon film cameras, service was great and as a Pro, got stuff fixed or loaners,almost over night,from Long Island,NY, I think it was.

I've not personally had any experiences with Canon, other than a single lens, 100-400 L glass that has been back and forth a few times now and I've read that this lens has ALWAYS been an issue with Canon.

Linda,

I would also suggest that you find a camera store and just hold both cameras that you're thinking about and see which feels more natural to you,lighter maybe too. I wouldn't not buy the Nikon,just because the file size is so large,that can be easily handled.

Good Luck,

Rich

Going to local camera store Monday. to see and hold and discuss with staff. Have a Samy's Camera nearby....Seeing package deals online, even Walmart. Amazon, etc. Thanks for all the input. I do want a camera I am comfortable with to hold (I have small hands), and I do want better lenses, then the usual ones you get in packages. Again, thanks.

Don't forget to try mirror less options from Fujifilm, Sony etc. They are smaller and lighter.

Oh, and Nikon has a proper eyepiece shutter, whereas Canon insist on using a useless piece of rubber. Perhaps not a big issue for some, but it was for me!

It sounds like Mercedes vs Bmw. Small hybrid camera will be just fine unless you want to sell on Shutterstock, Fotolia etc.

Which one feels better in your hands? Go for ergonomics. I have a photographer friend w/ smallish hands, and she developed some pain issues with using a larger bodied camera. The cameras these days are so incredible that you may as well get the one that feels best in your hands if you're going to be using it a lot.

"Mogadishu"

Let's keep the hyperbole out of the thread. Your Canon will NOT be sent to Mogadishu

I agree Mary, I am going to "test hold" the various cameras, as I do have small hands, and I know these I am interested in are bigger than my current Nikon D50.

Like Edward said - take a look at cameras like the Sony Alpha 7r. I've a feeling that the mirrorless cameras are going to leave both canon and nikon standing. The 7r weighs just a fraction of what the big SLRs are and it or its successor may well persuade me to switch away from Canon next time I need a new body.

Look at the optics!! the Canon 100L macro is far superior to the Nikon macro. Its all about optics, no camera bodies. If you want maximum MPs, just forget the small dslrs and go for Medium-format with digital backs.
The Dslrs are good enough for this place.

For high end commercial work, I also shoot with the Leica-S2 and it just about kill anything else stone-dead, except medium-format backs.

Linda I'm glad to read that you are checking these out for yourself. Either Canon or Nikon is a fine choice. I chose Canon many years ago based on ergonomics. Canon bodies feel like an extension of my hand. Simple as that.

Regarding service. One Canon body I have had some issues when it was 3 months out of warranty. I sent it in for an estimate. They not only repaired under warranty they sent it back to me via overnight.

Dean Harte, Canon has 2 main service centers in the US.

Regarding macro lens superiority, I've read a number of "shootouts" over the years between the Canon macros, Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron. They are all good.

I'm watching the mirrorless cameras closely. They are getting better and better and very appealing. I think the days of traditional SLRs may be numbered.