• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Canon 6D

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,853 vs 2,340 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    14.4 vs 12.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 20.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon 6D advantages over Nikon D800

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.54 vs 4.88 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1090 vs 900 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    1250 vs 54 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    4.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Very large files; Slower frame rate; Custom white balance gives a greenish tint; Battery life lower than D700.

  • Excellent image quality on par to more expensive full-frame DSLRs (including the 5D Mark III); Responsive all-around performer; Superior HD video-shooting chops; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features, Built-in GPS and geotagging.

  • Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; No external headphone jack; Rather basic 11-point autofocus system; Mediocre burst speed.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
Canon 6D
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag

Compared to Nikon D610

Nikon D800
Nikon D610
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels
  • $1273
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Canon 6D
Nikon D610
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1273
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Nikon D800
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • On-sensor phase detect
Canon 6D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Canon 6D
Nikon D800E
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Nikon D600

Nikon D800
Nikon D600
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Canon 6D
Nikon D600
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
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