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Canon 1DX Mark III Vs Nikon D6 – Overview
In this discussion, we will be pitting the 1DX Mark III from Canon against the D6 from Nikon.
Canon introduced the 1DX Mark III in January 2020, Nikon, on the other hand, introduced the D6 in February 2020.
These pro DSLRs have a one-month gap with regard to the release date, so you can expect this to be a close comparison with regard to age and tech level.
In addition, expect this to be a tight matchup because both of these cameras rank top 5 in the list of best DSLRs.
Out of 36 pro DSLRs, the D6 was ranked number one, and the 1DX Mark III was ranked second.
That said; let’s look compare the design and ergonomics, technical specs, sensors, and connectivity options of these two pro DSLRs.
Canon 1DX Mark III Technical Specifications
Canon 1DX Mark III vs Nikon D6 – Nikon 1DX Mark III
- Autofocus: pixel grid autofocus with 155 cross-type focus points
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI mini, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C, and Wi-Fi
- Continuous shooting speed: 20 fps
- Image sensor: 20 Megapixel full-frame CMOS
- ISO range: 100 – 102,400
- Max Image Size: 5472 x 3648
- Metering Modes: center-weighted, evaluative, partial and spot
- Video Resolution: 5.5K, 4K (2160p) and Full HD (1080p)
- Viewfinder: Pentaprism
- Storage: 2x CFExpress
- Dimensions: 158.0 x 167.6 x 82.6mm
- Weight: 2.75 pounds (body only) or 3.17 pounds (body, battery, and storage cards)
Nikon D6 Technical Specifications
Nikon D6
- Autofocus: phase-detect autofocus with 105 focus points
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI mini, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C, and Wi-Fi
- Continuous shooting speed: 14 fps
- Image sensor: 20.8 Megapixel full-frame CMOS
- ISO range: 100 – 102,400
- Max Image Size: 5568 x 3712
- Metering Modes: center-weighted, highlight weighted, matrix and spot
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p) and Full HD (1080p)
- Viewfinder: Pentaprism
- Storage: 2x CFExpress
- Dimensions: 160 x 163 x 92 mm
- Weight: 2.8 pounds (body only) or 3.2 pounds (body, battery, and storage cards)
Canon 1DX Mark III vs. Nikon D6: Design and Ergonomics
Both cameras clearly have very different designs and ergonomics that are specifically tailored to their users. These cameras have curvy and smooth finishes with deeply recessed rubber grips for exceptional handling.
Both cameras provide an equally impressive shooting experience. However, aspects such as button placement, overall feel, and UI can take some time to get used to.
As a result, you shouldn’t take any comparison as the law; rather, use both cameras and see the better fit.
Canon has always had a rotary dial in its high-end DSLRs, and the 1DX Mark III is continuing this trend.
As you can see from the image above, the rotary dial on both cameras is huge, making it very comfortable to use when wearing gloves.
Canon 1DX Mark III vs. Nikon D6: Sensor Comparison
Both the 1DX Mark III and D6 have full-frame sensors, but they differ slightly in size. The sensor region on the Nikon D6 is 1% smaller.
However, they have the same format factor of 1.0 and native aspect ratio of 3.2.
Despite having the smaller sensor, the D6 has a slightly better resolution of 20.8 Megapixels compared to 20 Megapixels on the 1DX Mark III.
With regard to sensor technology, both the 1DX Mark III and D6 use the CMOS framework.
Canon 1DX Mark III vs. Nikon D6: Connectivity Comparison
For some applications, the extent to which a camera can interact with its surrounding can be an important feature in the decision process.
Both the 1DX Mark III and the D6 have a PC Sync terminal to adjust pro strobe lights which is a handy feature for studio photographers.
Landscape and travel photographers will love that the 1DX Mark II has an in-built geo-localization sensor to capture GPS coordinates in EXIF data.
Both the Canon 1DX Mark III and the Nikon D6 are recent builds that are part of the current Pro DSLR lineup. The Canon 1DX Mark II replaced its predecessor, the Canon 1DX Mark II. The Nikon D6, on the other hand, replaced its predecessor, the Nikon D5.
More information on the two Pro DSLRs can be found in manuals and user guides. In addition, you can open the official Canon and Nikon web pages and learn more.
Final Thought
So what conclusions can we draw? Is the 1DX Mark III better than the D6 or vice versa? The 1DX Mark III is the clear winner if you consider the technical specs alone.
However, the importance of individual camera aspects varies depending on needs and preferences. Therefore the decision on which of the two cameras is best for you is personal.