Full-format SLR - Better quality

Full-format cameras with sensors in the classic 24 x 36-mm KB format offer above all more reserves in poor light conditions. In addition to professionals, many amateurs also appreciate this. Canon, Nikon and Sony already offer “entry-level models” by 2000 euros, like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II selected here. In addition, top models up to 7000 euros for the studio or for the reportage like the particularly fast Nikon D3s for 5000 euros Br>

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Image quality / sensor Compared to the sensors in the APS-C format, the KB sensors score 2.4 times the surface area. They also capture 2.4 times the amount of light and are therefore more sensitive - crucial for low-noise images in low light: the full-format sensor leaves room by pixel in the order of 6.4 μm with a 21-megapixel Canon EOS- 5D-Mark II and 8.5 μm in the 12-megapixel Nikon D3s. Nikon does not use a resolution camera, but instead uses a maximum pixel size that allows sensitivities up to ISO 102000. With ISO 12800 the results are still really good. But also a Canon EOS 5D Mark II holds with ISO 6400 noise and detail losses in a better ratio than APS-C cameras.


If you want to use the top picture quality of VF cameras, you have to adjust to follow-on costs with the lenses. The problem is the larger picture circle, which leads to larger, heavier and more expensive lenses. In addition, the selection is not only less, but if you want sharpness to the corners, you also have to do without many older designs.


Auto-focus phase detection AF is standard. While the EOS 5D Mark II is limited to 9 sensors as in the APS-C class, Nikon has 51 sensors, 15 of which are cross sensors, without the AF times becoming longer. Live view and HD video offer the most VF models. In our candidates, the Canon scores with full HD video 1920 x 1080 compared to the expensive D3s with 1280 x 720p HD video. If you want to change from contrast mode to live mode AF in live view mode, you have to live with both cameras with the lazy mirror flap and monitor blackout.


Operation Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Nikon D3s are classic with the second display on the top of the case on the top of the case. The EOS 5D Mark II comes with a relatively few control buttons at the back, arranged around the handy control dial with central OK button. Thanks to the second black-and-white display underneath the main LCD monitor and the additional display on the top of the camera, the actual monitor image remains always clear. The D3s with the Nikon-typical many individual buttons and wheels also shows the most important setting in the second Screen on the camera. Quite different from the classic basic operation, the original Nikon menu structure requires familiarization, but is fast. The built-in built-in accessibility makes the camera larger, but offers extra controls for high-resolution capture.


The robust magnesium basic housing of EOS 5D Mark II and D3s are designed for hard use and are protected against dust and moisture. The professional soundness is reflected in the case weight: still moderate 900 g with the EOS 5D Mark II and almost 1.5 kg with the D3s. The 160 x 157 x 88 mm Nikon D3s with integrated Akkugriff exceeds the 152 x 114 x 75 mm large Canon EOS 5D Mark II especially in height. Canon has an optional access code.


Viewfinder / Monitor The viewfinder is one of the strengths of the VF-SLRs. EOS 5D Mark II and D3s shine with 0.7x effective magnification and show 98 or 100 percent of the image field. The basis for this are complex optical constructions with large glass prisms. A flash-out flash would make the cameras even bigger. If you want to see white balance and exposure before shooting, you must take a live view. The high-resolution LCD monitors with 3-inch diagonal and 307000 RGB pixels of both models offer the same service. They are not foldable and rotatable, but there is room for improvement.