What To Know
- The 1DX Mark II has a slight edge in dynamic range, with a native ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-409,600) compared to the D5’s 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-3,280,000).
- The D5 and 1DX Mark II both employ advanced autofocus systems, but the D5 has a slight advantage with its 153-point AF system (99 cross-type) compared to the 1DX Mark II’s 61-point AF system (41 cross-type).
- The 1DX Mark II has a slight advantage in terms of button placement and ergonomics, making it easier to change settings on the fly.
The Nikon D5 and Canon 1DX Mark II are two of the most advanced professional DSLRs on the market, offering exceptional performance for photographers who demand the best. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of each camera to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right tool for your needs.
Image Quality
Sensor: Both the D5 and 1DX Mark II feature full-frame CMOS sensors, with the D5 offering a slightly higher resolution of 20.8 megapixels compared to the 1DX Mark II’s 20.2 megapixels. In real-world scenarios, the difference in resolution is negligible, and both cameras produce stunningly sharp and detailed images.
Dynamic Range: The 1DX Mark II has a slight edge in dynamic range, with a native ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-409,600) compared to the D5’s 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-3,280,000). This means the 1DX Mark II can capture more detail in both highlights and shadows.
Color Depth: Both cameras support 14-bit RAW files, ensuring accurate color reproduction and flexibility in post-processing.
Autofocus
System: The D5 and 1DX Mark II both employ advanced autofocus systems, but the D5 has a slight advantage with its 153-point AF system (99 cross-type) compared to the 1DX Mark II’s 61-point AF system (41 cross-type). This gives the D5 more precise and accurate focus tracking, particularly in low-light conditions.
Tracking: Both cameras offer excellent subject tracking capabilities, but the D5’s 3D Tracking mode is slightly more advanced, allowing it to maintain focus on moving subjects even when they change direction or distance.
Speed
Continuous Shooting: The D5 outperforms the 1DX Mark II in terms of continuous shooting speed, capturing up to 14 frames per second (FPS) compared to 16 FPS. This makes it an ideal choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
Buffer: The D5 also has a larger buffer, allowing it to capture up to 200 RAW images (14-bit lossless) or 300 JPEGs in a single burst. The 1DX Mark II‘s buffer is smaller, allowing for a maximum of 170 RAW images (14-bit lossless) or 400 JPEGs.
Ergonomics
Body: The D5 and 1DX Mark II are both rugged and weather-sealed DSLRs, designed to withstand harsh conditions. The D5 is slightly smaller and lighter than the 1DX Mark II, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
Controls: Both cameras offer intuitive control layouts, with customizable buttons and dials for quick access to key settings. The 1DX Mark II has a slight advantage in terms of button placement and ergonomics, making it easier to change settings on the fly.
Video Capabilities
Resolution: Both the D5 and 1DX Mark II can record 4K video at 30 FPS and 1080p video at up to 60 FPS. However, the 1DX Mark II offers a higher bit rate of 400 Mbps compared to the D5’s 250 Mbps, resulting in better video quality.
Log Recording: The 1DX Mark II also supports Log recording, which allows for more flexibility in color grading and post-production. The D5 does not offer this feature.
Other Features
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer and remote control. The 1DX Mark II has the added advantage of GPS for geotagging images.
Dual Card Slots: Both the D5 and 1DX Mark II feature dual card slots, allowing for simultaneous backup or increased storage capacity. The D5 supports CFexpress and XQD cards, while the 1DX Mark II supports CompactFlash and CFast 2.0 cards.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Camera
The Nikon D5 and Canon 1DX Mark II are both exceptional DSLRs that cater to the needs of professional photographers. The D5 offers faster continuous shooting speed, a more advanced autofocus system, and a slightly smaller body. The 1DX Mark II has a wider dynamic range, higher video bit rate, and better ergonomics. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences. For photographers who prioritize speed and autofocus performance, the Nikon D5 is the ideal option. For those who need exceptional video capabilities and dynamic range, the Canon 1DX Mark II is a better choice.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?
A: Both cameras have excellent low-light performance, but the Nikon D5 has a slight advantage due to its higher ISO range.
Q: Can either camera shoot 8K video?
A: No, neither the Nikon D5 nor the Canon 1DX Mark II can shoot 8K video.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Canon 1DX Mark II has a slightly longer battery life than the Nikon D5, with a CIPA rating of 1210 shots per charge compared to 3780 shots per charge.
