Is Nikon's Flagship D4 DSLR Truly Superior to Canons 1D X?

Image via jahkenz.blogspot.com/

For all the hype that the EOS 1DX has been getting as Canon’s top of the line professional DSLR, DxOMark appears to be unimpressed. As the industry standard for camera and lens ratings, DxOMark’s rating of the 1DX as falling short compared to the three year old Nikon D3s and the brand new D4, really shakes things up.

According to DxOMark, the 1DX overall score of 82 is equal to that of the Nikon D3s ; the two models practically tie when it comes to color depth and dynamic range, whereas the low-light ISO on the D3s appears far superior to the 1DX. When the brand new Nikon D4 is brought into the picture, it ranks much higher than the 1DX with an overall score of 89 and higher ratings in color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO.

Both the Canon 1DX and Nikon D4 have been ranked as the top of the line flagship DSLRs of their respective brands. Canon’s 1DX is meant to be a replacement of the EOS 1D Mark III and the EOS 1D Mark IV, and boasts beefed up autofocus and autoexposure systems. The 18-megapixel camera includes a full-frame sensor capable of shooting at up to 14 frames per second (12 fps with autofocus), and an all-new 61-point autofocus system. A powerful ISO range of 100-51200 (up to 204800, expanded) allows for the capture of sharp images even in the lowest light conditions. The EOS 1DX is currently priced at $6,799.



Nikon’s D4 is a 16-megapixel full frame DSLR with a CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 3, Nikon’s latest image-processing engine. This new DSLR can shoot up to 10 frames per second with autofocus and includes a 51 point autofocus system. Its image system allows for a wide ISO range from 50-204800. The D4 also has enhanced movie features that allow for recording of full HD videos with stereo sound. The Nikon D4 is currently priced at $5,999.



Given that DxOMark’s camera ratings are often controversial, how do you think the Canon 1DX stacks up to the Nikon D4 and D3s?

1Dx is better than the D4. Both are fine, but the 1Dx wins this round by a sneaky uppercut right to the fps-jaw.

The AF system is better.
It has slightly more MP.
The fps is higher.

Of course both do the job intended.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: 1Dx is better than the D4. Both are fine, but the 1Dx wins this round by a sneaky uppercut right to the fps-jaw.

The AF system is better.
It has slightly more MP.
The fps is higher.

Of course both do the job intended.

I'm a nikon guy and I agree with this.

DxO OVERALL rating was a bit low because it "only" has 11.8 stops of dynamic range. Nikon usually has a bit more dynamic range in the lower iso levels. Good for landscapes and such.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: DxO OVERALL rating was a bit low because it "only" has 11.8 stops of dynamic range. Nikon usually has a bit more dynamic range in the lower iso levels. Good for landscapes and such.

DxO ratings only matter to DxO.

Both companies did a great job with these cameras. Makes you wonder what will be next?