• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 15.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon EOS 50D
  • Nikon D800
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Nikon D800 webpage
Predecessor: Canon 40D
40D vs 50D
Nikon D700
D700 vs D800
Successor: Canon 60D
50D vs 60D
Nikon D810
D800 vs D810
General
Model Number: 50D D800
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1399.00 $2999.95
Street Price: $999.95 $1,849.95
Date Available: 2008-10-15 2012-03-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.0 oz (822 g)
includes batteries
35.6 oz (1,008 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in.
(146 x 108 x 74 mm)
5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in.
(146 x 123 x 82 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Canon Sony
Effective Megapixels: 15.1 36.3
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.99 microns 4.88 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.6x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 63 95
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.8 25.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 11.4 14.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 696 2,853
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4752 x 3168 (15.1 MP, 3:2),
3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2),
2352 x 1568 (3.7 MP, 3:2)
7360 x 4912 (36.2 MP, 3:2),
5520 x 3680 (20.3 MP, 3:2),
3680 x 2456 (9.0 MP, 3:2),
6114 x 4080 (24.9 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 3056 (14.1 MP, Other),
3072 x 2040 (6.3 MP, Other),
4800 x 3200 (15.4 MP, 3:2),
3600 x 2400 (8.6 MP, 3:2),
2400 x 1600 (3.8 MP, 3:2),
6144 x 4912 (30.2 MP, 5:4),
4608 x 3680 (17.0 MP, 5:4),
3072 x 2456 (7.5 MP, 5:4)
Image File Format: JPEG, 14-bit RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2 JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; TIFF
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.3 4.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: No Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
Movie File Format:   MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio)
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S Nikon F
Lens: Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 45 - 216mm  
Focal Length (actual): 28 - 135mm  
Zoom Ratio: 4.82x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5-22 (W), f/5.6-36 (T)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 72.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes
Digital Zoom Values:   1.2x, 1.5x (DX), 5:4 crop modes
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: AF-dedicated CMOS Sensor, 9 cross-type AF points, f/2.8 rotated cross center point 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 central sensors; Contrast detection AF in Live View mode
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 95% coverage, 0.95x mag., 22mm eyepoint. -3 to +1 diopter SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.59x 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.95x 0.70x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 920,000 dots 921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x  
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 3200 6400
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 100 - 3200 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, H1=6400, H2=12800 Auto, 100 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 25,600 in Hi-2
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin 2800K - 10,000K Auto (2), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual (4), Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K); Fine-tuning available for all options.
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 35-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (9%), Spot (3.8%) 91K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame), Spot (4mm circle or about 1.5% frame, centered on selected focus area)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Creative Auto, Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off, User1, User2 None
Self Timer: 10 or 2 seconds 2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: E-TTL II Front-curtain sync, Slow sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync; supports Advanced Wireless Lighting system
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 13.0 m / 42.7 ft. 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens aperture dependent Lens aperture dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/250 (up to 1/320s with lower flash range)
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, PC Sync ISO-type hot-shoe, PC Sync terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   Full TTL exposure
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / CF2 CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:   UDMA7/UHS-I compliant
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: 14-bit RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2 RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; TIFF
Movie File Format:   MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 3.0 Super Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Optional wired or wireless
Connections (extended): N3-type push-in terminal, HDMI mini out Mini HDMI (Type C), 10-pin Expansion Terminal (GP-1 GPS compatible), Stereo Mic Mini Jack (3.5mm), Stereo Audio Out (3.5mm)
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): <0.3 0.42
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): <0.3 0.39
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited 23
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.46
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 6.3 4.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 43 54
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   4.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   18
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   4.0
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   14
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.13 seconds 0.21 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):   1.74 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.184 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.120 seconds 0.044 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.24 seconds 0.22 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.063 seconds 0.043 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Live View: Full AF, Quick Mode: 0.85s Prefocus, Quick Mode: 0.108s Full AF, Face Detect: 1.97s Full AF, Live Mode: 2.06s OVF, Full Autofocus, 51-point Auto Area = 0.306s Live View, Full Autofocus = 1.735s Live View, Prefocused = 0.184s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.3 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.5 seconds 0.2 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 1.9 seconds 3.8 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 640 shots 900 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary BP-511/A, BP-512; BG-E2N Battery Grip Proprietary EN-EL15
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeble Lithium-ion rechargeable or MB-D12 battery grip
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary BP-511A Lithium-ion rechargeble 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X. Windows, Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 15.1-megapixel upgrade to 40D: APS-C, DIGIC IV, 920K LCD, HDMI Out, Vignetting Correction, AF Microadjustment for up to 20 lenses, new Creative Auto exposure mode, 4-step adjustable high-ISO NR, 4-step adjustable ALO, 6.3 fps, Face Detection in LV mode. Native ISO range, 1/3 stop adjustable up to 3,200. H1 is 6,400, H2 is 12,800. Variable RAW (15.1MP (L), 7.1MP(M), 3.8MP(S) in RAW). New 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, New EXPEED 3 processor, 91K-dot Matrix Metering III, Improved Auto ISO, Full HD 1080p30 movies, HMDI simultaneous output, Dual SD+CF slots, USB 3.0.