Canon 30D vs Nikon D800

Below, we will be contrasting the Canon 30D vs Nikon D800, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Canon and Nikon. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the 30D (8MP) and D800 (36MP) and the 30D (APS-C) and D800 (Full frame) possess different sensor measurements.

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The 30D was brought out 7 years before the D800 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the 30D grades vs the D800 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS 30D & Nikon D800. The entire galleries are provided at Canon 30D Gallery & Nikon D800 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon 30D comes with external measurements of 144mm x 106mm x 74mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.9") having a weight of 784 grams (1.73 lbs) whilst the Nikon D800 has measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs).

Look at the Canon 30D vs Nikon D800 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the 30D compared to the D800.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 30D and D800 is 58 and 54 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 30D and D800.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 30D because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Nikon D800 will show greater detail having its extra 28MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older 30D will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.