• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Canon T4i

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Better color depth
    25.3 vs 21.7 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,853 vs 722 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    14.4 vs 11.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 900 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    54 vs 19 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    18 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon T4i advantages over Nikon D800

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T4i

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; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes.

  • Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T5i

Nikon D800
Canon T5i
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Canon T4i
Canon T5i
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Canon T3i

Nikon D800
Canon T3i
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon T4i
Canon T3i
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C

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 T4i
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Canon T4i
Nikon D800E
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Pentax K-30

Nikon D800
Pentax K-30
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Canon T4i
Pentax K-30
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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