Monday, March 4, 2013

II: Why having a D800 feels like having a Mac in the 90's...

· Part II : 5D Mk. III  vs. D800

 

Read Part I


They both came out "almost" at the same time. It gave me some months to see if my gut was right and the Nikon would turn the table on Canon.

So I made a list of Pros and Cons:

Canon 5D Mk. III


Pros:

  • Magic Lantern type software. (Better video options and menus)
  • More lenses to be adapted. (Nikkor included, with limited options)
  • 4:2:0 8bit internal recording with a great codec. (no huge files)
  • Great high ISO performance. Up to 64000 ISO.
  • 3.2" screen (bigger is better).
  • Myriad of Canon and Mk. II fans accessory's.
  • Incredible Photographic camera (2 in 1 body). 

Cons:

  • No 4:2:2 10bit external CLEAN HDMI output (now available).
  • No internal Image Stabilizer (bad for handheld) 
  • No PL mount lenses allowed.
  • Bad low and normal ISO performance.
  • External time lapse option.
  • Bad Sound controls (worse internal sound) .
  • Moire (most non over €10,000 cameras have it).
  • No RAW output option.
  • DSLR (not user friendly for video).
  • 30 min recording barrier (due to a dumb tax law in Europe).
  • More expensive than the D800. 

Nikon D800 

 

Pros:

  • Nikkor glass fits without any converter and all functions remain.
  • 36,6mpx Sensor.
  • FX 1x, 1,2x, DX 1,5x video formats, which means all prime lenses x3.
  • Integrated time lapse option.
  • Great low and normal ISO performance. Up to 1600 ISO.
  • 14 DR stops if properly used at 100 ISO.
  • SD & CF cards compatible.
  • 4:2:0 8bit internal recording with a great codec. (no huge files)
  • 4:2:2 10bit external CLEAN HDMI output (external recorder allowed)
  • 3,2" screen. (bigger is better)
  • Very good original firmware "Movie" controls.
  • Sound input levels can be arranged to become neutral. ( better internal sound)
  • Myriad of Nikon accessory's.
  • Incredible Photographic camera (2 in 1 body). 
  • Cheaper than the 5D Mk. III

Cons:

  • Less lenses to be adapted, no PL (no Canon glass, not a great loss)
  • Moire (most non over €10,000 cameras have it)
  • No RAW output option
  • DSLR (not user friendly for video)
  • 30 min recording barrier (due to a dumb tax law in Europe)
  • No Internal Image Stabilizer (bad for handheld)
  • No Magic Lantern type software. (new to the video-hacker)

That is as far as the comparison went before the "gut feeling" became obviously right .

Here are some links that speak well of both cameras (make up your mind):

So I bought the D800 and I have never regretted it, except for the fact that I feel with the D800 the same way I felt back in the 90's with my Mac.

On Part III  I will explain why.
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