Nikon D3 vs Canon 5D Mark II: A Major Showdown
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the second mid-range full-frame DSLR in Canon's lineup. It boasts an impressive start-up speed of just 0.1 seconds, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second and a shutter lag of only 73 milliseconds. The shutter system has been specially optimized for a lifespan exceeding 150,000 actuations. Thanks to its full-frame image sensor, there's no need for the hassle of calculating lens focal length multipliers. Currently, retailers are offering promotional discounts on the Canon 5D Mark II; the standalone unit is priced at 16,000 yuan, while the package including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (24-70mm), professional DSLR bag, screen protector, professional tripod, 4GB high-speed CF card, and cleaning kit is priced at 23,999 yuan. For a model that has consistently maintained a high price, this promotional activity represents a significant price drop, so interested friends should consider it.
In terms of design, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II closely resembles the previous 5D model. The body is made of magnesium alloy, making it lightweight yet robust, with excellent electromagnetic shielding properties. Its dimensions are 152x113.5x75mm, weighing approximately 810g. The handle features a contoured design with extensive leatherette treatment, greatly enhancing the user's operational feel while ensuring slip-resistance and durability.
The Canon 5D Mark II retains the AF system with 9 cross-type focus points + 6 assist focus points, a shutter speed range of 30-1/8000th of a second, and a flash sync speed of 1/200th of a second. It offers six color style modes and three user-defined color modes. In Live View manual focus mode, the viewfinder image can be magnified by 5x or 10x. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II measures 152x113.5x75mm, weighs 810g, uses CF cards as storage media, and includes an HDMI interface.
As the successor to the 5D, Canon has redesigned the CMOS sensor for the 5D Mark II, increasing the ISO maximum value to 25600, allowing for better results when shooting in darker conditions. The EOS 5D Mark II also integrates the new Digic 4 image processing engine, which, working in tandem with the new CMOS sensor, enables continuous shooting at 3.9fps in medium quality, capable of capturing up to 310 images per burst without missing any great moments.
The Canon EOS 5D MARK II, with its formidable performance, is the ideal model for many DSLR users. The only downside is its frequent stock shortages. Currently, the retailer's promotion offers varying discounts on both the standalone unit and the kit version of the 5D MARK II, so interested friends should pay attention.
Canon 5D Mark II (with 24-70mm lens)
Compared to the previous model D3, Nikon's new flagship DSLR, the D3S, primarily adds 720p resolution video recording capability at 24 frames per second, with sensitivity increased to ISO12800, extendable to ISO102400. It uses the same sensor system as the D3, providing a 12.1-megapixel imaging capability. The Nikon D3S supports a high-speed continuous shooting speed of 9 frames per second (FX format), up to 11 frames per second (DX format). On its back is a 3-inch, 920k-dot LCD screen. The current tax-included price for the Nikon D3S with dual lenses (24-70mm and 70-200mm) is 56,980 yuan, making it an extremely valuable kit for those interested.
The Nikon D3s body is crafted from magnesium alloy, with an integrated grip and the absence of a built-in flash contributing significantly to its robustness and reducing weak points. Through sealing treatments on various seams and button edges of the casing, the Nikon D3S possesses strong dust and drip resistance, enabling reliable shooting even under harsh weather conditions. It features a 3.0-inch, 920k-dot low-temperature polysilicon screen, offering a 170-degree viewing angle for clear visibility even at extreme angles.
The Nikon D3s is equipped with a new image sensor and employs advanced image processing technology. Notably, after expansion, it achieves an unprecedented ISO102400 sensitivity in full-frame cameras, marking a significant leap forward. It supports a high-speed continuous shooting speed of 9 frames per second (FX format), up to 11 frames per second (DX format), making it highly suitable for professional sports photography. In finer details, the D3s continues to feature Nikon's outstanding 51-point autofocus system, including 4 dynamic area autofocus options with 51 points (3D tracking), delivering exceptional speed.
Nikon D3S (with 24-70mm and 70-200mm II dual lenses)
The Nikon D3S ensures top-notch shooting performance even under extreme lighting conditions, maximizing image quality. This DSLR is primarily targeted at professional users such as journalists.
Canon 5D Mark II with 24-70mm lens