Full frame shoot out: D4 vs D800 vs 5DmkIII

[@quitelikeryan]

Just got recommended this. Great to see the evolution of your work in this type of format!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Did you look at the 4:2:2 footage from your PIX 240? I'd love to know how much better the footage holds up to colour grading, and if the moire, aliasing, and highlight rolloff see any changes. I've tried to shoot footage from the D800 to my Hyperdeck Shuttle, but the mirror refused to lock up as soon as the device was connected. I'd like to know if the results will be worth the hassle of getting it working. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Faymusmedia]

Hey Philip, Love your work and videos. I ended up getting a D800 and the video is absolutely amazing! I do not have much moire issues either but how does that Mosaic filter hold up for you in everyday usage?

[@leovillanueva9039]

one of the greatest review that i've ever seen, it is fair and square both sides, well done!

[@philipbloom]

you do understand that a red is in a whole different price league (x it by 4 for the scarily with a couple of batteries and a mag or two) and is not full frame right? Kind of hard to not get that?

[@mountainhobo]

It's a pleasure to watch such practical, no nonsense reviews from a pro, and I mean all of your reviews here on KZbin. Cheers, Philip!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I use Novoflex adaptors, generally with Nikon and Pentax lenses. You can get adaptors that will enable using Canon EF lenses, but they're much more expensive than adaptors for lenses with a mechanical aperture. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Faymusmedia]

Hey Philip. Review is awesome. Love the videos you make. Just one question. Is it possible that maybe Nikon has made a firmware update to the D4? Because you said its not good for video and its "Soft" however my D4 is "tack sharp" on all video settings. I dont know why.

[@jds77sam]

Great review Philip. Thanks for sharing these reviews with the community. Even though there are still countless variables to consider, these videos make the entire process of of selecting a new camera so much easier. Again, thank you!

[@JordanDuran5101]

As usual...Great breakdown, Philip! You're a true professional. I really appreciate that. Answered every question that needed answering with great clarity. I'm looking forward to the next shootout. Keep up the great work!

[@MichaelSchmidt_UrbnPxl]

why is KZbin "recommending" me this in 2022 ?! ...no other current videos to show? ;) ... its funny tho' to see how far we have been come in camera-technology and image quality ... 4-8k, 24-120fps, 10bit 4:2:2 in small lil mirrorless cams ... :D

[@TheMrBennito]

still great to digest this info in 2018, mr. Bloom. I am an absolute amateur, started out in the early 70s. And just loved the D4 low light footage in the bar. Just the feel of it. Can't explain it.

[@braxtechindustries8829]

I'm from Indiana and I love to see stuff like this. There's loads of beautiful scenes in Indiana to shoot. Thanks for this Philip, really appreciate it!

[@philipbloom]

did you actually watch this review before commenting? You are clearly talking about the still features of the D4 which are amazing. This is a review of the video features! :)

[@marcin520s]

THIS IS MOST ASTONISHING ,PERFECT ,TEST OF FX CAMERAS ,I AM 13 YEARS USER OF NIKON CAMERA , I DO NOT RECORDING ANY MOVIES . CANON LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE ,BASE OF YOUR TEST IS AMAZING . ON THE OTHER SIDE SHARPNESS OF NIKON CAMERA AND LENSESS IS UNBITABLE I KNOW , WHAT I SHOULD BUY NOW !!!!!!! THX!

[@joshikk1690]

Absolutely wonderful review. No partiality towards any brand. Great.

[@srobart]

I'm curious what you think of the new Canon 70D. Perhaps you will get your wish with a camera that does it all? The focusing system is brilliant and perhaps the first semi-usable auto-focusing system in a DSLR.

[@philipbloom]

Which software is this please!?

[@SportsShackEDM]

Wondering about the d800, hdmi uncompressed output, recording into a separate recorder. Having the 4-2-2 Would that make a difference?

[@philipbloom]

both of you need to mind your language please. no settings were changed for the D4. Soft in FX, softer in DX, sharp as a tack in 1:1

[@davidmcghee6646]

I own a D800 and was considering using it for video. This review was wonderful in showing just what I wanted (and needed) to know about using that Nikon for video. So its a three and half year old review? So what … its solid information to know and quite usable info at that. Thank you Phillip for putting together the review and for leaving it up.

[@philipbloom]

what about the 1DX?

[@ppcelestino]

The best and most technical explanation I have heard so far congratulations' There is no one so far that a scientific explicaion like yours

[@NarekAvetisyan]

Quite helpful review of the three cameras. Thanks Philip.

[@TheMugfaker]

The BEST video comparing ANY cameras

[@igobyandrew]

Really enjoyed that, thanks! I am cut between canon and nikon! I dont know which one to get. they both have their pros and cons. However I'm leaning towards the Canon. It'll be my first DSLR camera and I'll be using it mostly for video. Do you reckon thats a good choice?

[@rickgodinproductions]

Well, Phil, got my D4 this week and quite pleased. May not be best video camera in the world, but with a 35 year bag of Nikkor glass in hand and the opportunity to shoot stills and video in one piece of iron, I love it. After I saw this comparison this morning I tried my own with a 28-70 Nikkor f2.8. Thanks for your tireless work, I so enjoy them and learn so much from you. rg

[@Bramm19822]

Nicely done! Very informative and well presented. I do have some sidenotes that I think are worth mentioning. 1st) How does the latitude/dynamic range on these camera's compare? The D800 with a 'flaat' picture profile apparently has 11.5 stops of dynamic range and is in generall a stop better than Mark3. Your thoughts about this? 2nd) With a proper de-noiser the D800 can (almost) match the Mark3, so it looks like the D800 just lacks a decent in-camera denoiser? If you compare RAW on DPreview...

[@duncandim]

Thanks for the review Phillip. But it does seem craze that the output of the D4 is that soft. looking at other videos it seems sharper than all the others (can't copy the like to it youtube won't let me) Don't you think that it was your specific camera that had that issue ? Cheers

[@philipbloom]

how is it biased my friend? examples please.

[@TheCameraGear]

Outstanding review, appreciate the time taken to provide us with such in-depth testing and real world results. I'm tossing up moving from the D3s to a D4 (I already have the D800) and this may convince me to stick with the D3s a little longer.

[@bnorris07]

hey Philip, I've been hearing that the D800 has had some bad white balance issues. Did you notice this during your tests? If so was it easy to deal with in post? Thanks again. love the vids

[@Soshi2k]

One last question Philip, Which would you go with. The 1DC or the SCARLET-X. It seems you have had time with both of them and they are in the same price range. I'm not sure how the Scarlet-X is for stills but the video seems great (from what I see on KZbin) I did read your Camera conundrum and you see to love the 1DX. So i'm guessing the 1D C has to be better for video being that it's shooting 4k. Sorry for all these questions but I feel your the only one that can help me with this. Thank you

[@TravelingPhotoman]

Hi Philip, Great review, it's definitely food for thought and has helped me to make my mind up.

[@Cinema528491]

Hey Phil, I've just read that Canon are realising a firmware update for the Mark 3 in April 2013 to allow for uncompressed HDMI out. What is your take on this as you mentioned in this video that the mark 3 can't do HDMI out? Does this shift your opinion of the Mark 3 at all?

[@debuys]

Thanks again Philip for a real world test. I'm not a pro so tests like these are extremely valuable to me when considering a full frame camera. So right now it looks like it costs about $1,000 per stop.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Just a quick revisit to this excellent demo of the time. First reaction ... My goodness how things have changed. I still own some of these cameras. Short of becoming door stops, I will use the 5Dmklll for stills but certainly not video. So many game changing developments since this was filmed. As always, content is king ... I still enjoy your old EX1 and EX3 videos as the content stands the test of time.

[@LukeSchaeferFilms]

Phillip! I have a big question if you don't mind! Im using the t3i currently and soon will have enough for the mark 2. I film music videos(freelance) and short films but I don't have enough for mark 3. You kind of made the mark 2 sound unappealing in this video! Will I be okay getting it because I really want it and havee no money for the mk3? Thankyou so much. Your videos are insightful.

[@DerKrazyKrautGaming]

very nice! What picture style and white balance? Is there any WB Shift?

[@nalgazo]

Philip could you tell me what audio equipment your using for this , what mic and radio kit and what your recording the sound into, thanks Dave

[@MichaelLaing71]

Nice video. From looking at ISO comparison videos between the D800 and 5Dmk3, it generally seems that the D800 is around 1/2 to 2/3 of a stop brighter, when both cameras are set up the same. Is this something you have found? I hope that Nikon eventually does a decent firmware update, which will allow for the sound to be changed and also to sort out the 720p moire. There again i wonder if Canon could have firmware to allow, the D5mk3 to be able to record externally in the future.

[@T-gamerNL]

Best comperison video ive seen in a long run. My respect for the awesome work.

[@Incagraphy]

Philip, that was a really helpful video. Thanks for making it. I own a D300 and have been looking for an update with video capability or to invest in more glass. Thanks to this review, I decided that neither D4 or D800 is for me. So, I will use my current savings to get more glass- 70-200 f/2.8. I could switch to 5d3, but then I don't have glass to go with it. So, I hope Nikon brings a nicer deal next time. One Q: your audio was excellent. Do you mind telling me what microphone model you use?

[@OscarWestrup]

With experience i notice that the canon cameras are better supported for filming. This is not only with the tech specs of the camera but also third party software you can install to enhance your filming with an dslr

[@ralfspringhorn7979]

Hi Phillip, thanx again for your incredible Work on testing, etc. The 5DmkIII has a clean FullHd HDMI out! If you press the info button, you can switch betwen the different modis! It´s a nice clan one!

[@philipbloom]

thank you Ralf. Back in May 2012 it didn't though :)

[@foxtowercommunications]

Great video, Philip. Thx so much for your insight and expertise. I was really beginning to lose faith in Canon with all the issues they've been having with the camera. What do you think of DX0's review of the cameras?

[@fourth1000]

Thanks for the reply! Last question... which adapter do you recomend, as there are a lot to choose from, that is not a smart adapter like the metabones, but will give my manual control of the Iris on the lens from the adapter.. or should I just go with Nikon because they all have manual Iris on the lens? Thanks again. I sold my 5DIII for a soon arriving FS100

[@thetreverpitts]

both camera are great do you like Canon t3i Panasonic GH2 ?

[@philipbloom]

hi duncan...not it's a known fact..checked with numerous d4 testers at the time. if it was specific to the one camera there is no way i would have put this video up.

[@philipbloom]

Hi Juan Carlos. There is little difference for Video to be honest. It does have a little more moire in stills though. It's a bit unnecessary. I bought the normal one. P

[@shane8109]

I know you stay crazy busy Philip but thanks for keeping the people who can't buy all the cameras and test them out in the loop on everything

[@fourth1000]

Mr. Bloom! Mr. Boom! Question!! When using an adapter to mount different lenses on your sony FS100, is there an even greater crop factor aside from the 1.5 crop that happens due to the s35 sensor? Sorry about my question being unrelated.

[@leonardotdias]

Awesome tutorial! Lots of good info here. Subscribed! I wish the Nikon D800 was good in low key light... But this way I'm still confused about which one to buy.... :/

[@oldskoolcool1983]

Great review.Very helpful as I'm trying to decide on a new video camera. Keep up the great work.

[@curso88]

The problem of sharpness in MKIII is the low pass filter anti aliasing, the 6D does not have this problem, but the moriré and aliasing is the same of the D800, but the sharp quality too

[@f00fightrs]

What camera and lens did you use for the last minute of the review? A dim light on one side of your face, while your giving your final thoughts- it looks fantastic.

[@thebowenchin]

Great comparison test, although I wish you tested the cameras' dynamic range and see which is better for video.

[@philipbloom]

why still images? this is a test of the video features. I am not a pro photographer. I work in film and video.

[@xstncd]

Damn these reviews are like short movies/documentaries, so good!

[@boysherman]

Wow, what an excellent and unbiased review. I am just starting to tinker with the D7000.

[@yellowpanda04]

C300 looks amazing, I just can't afford that one. do you think the 5D3 can be almost as good as the C300 for lowlight video?

[@ecao86]

Hi Phillip I love your stuff! quick question with post sharpening 5d mkiii video. I am not sure if you're familiar with Sony Vegas, but I was wondering if you knew if Sony Vegas could post sharpen 5d mkiii footage the same way as Adobe premiere would... thank you!!!

[@juancarlosamezcua2404]

Hey philip i just spent the last hour and a half watching some of your reviews. I was in the works for buying the d800e but i did catch a statement where you said it wasn't superior when compared to the d800? Is there a significant difference? note i do a balanced amount of pictures and film. Thanks!

[@AnjjLee]

Hi Philip, well done. I just love your "custom solutions", such as the mosaic engineering anti-aliasing filter and the sound device video recorder that takes the hdmi signal and does not compress it. I own a canon sx20 IS and I'm looking to do a HD music video with it, and I'm wondering if the HDMI signal is higher than the in-camera 1040p compression as it was in the nikon d800. If so, I'll be looking into the sound device video recorder you use. aloha, anjj

[@JasonMemory]

Phillip, love your review. Do you intend to test Mark III in April 2013 when HDMI out gets enabled by the new firmware?

[@omarlondon]

great review! which camera did you use for the 'Abraj: The two towers of Dubai' time lapse?

[@Arkasai]

Any chance we can get a look at some touched up uncompressed footage from the D800? It's easy to assume 220mbps files will take more punishment in post, but I haven't seen any real qualitative comparisons.

[@DistrictDRIVE]

of course it is? It records at 4K, has a super 35mm sensor made for video and isn't downscaled.. it has all video features and is way sharper, has more dynamic range and detail all over without compromises

[@DistrictDRIVE]

I really wanted the GH3, but I don't like having to worry about lighting or doing low light video, so I decided I might go with the d7100 as it has a new sensor, or the fs100 if it drops price in a year

[@philipbloom]

that is coming! both on order!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

No additional crop. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@JayanthMurthy1]

Thanks for the review. This is very informative. Could you please do a review of still photography performance of the three?

[@HashimbHashim5]

Is it possible to make comparison between D600 & D800, please?

[@philipbloom]

in video? As everyone else I know who has tested the D4 in video has the same issue. Using a damn expensive lens. A zeiss 35mm ZF F1.4

[@ShRooMPiX]

actually wanted to see some still image comparison, but stayed anyway .. really beautiful quality and presentation! Excellent video, amazing job!

[@leeokami1021]

I really hope you get your hands on a Black Magic Camera soon and see how it stacks up against the others.

[@andy6588]

How do you expect the Nikon D600 will perform compared to the D800 in low light video? with a lower MP count of 24.3?

[@19Manz91]

Hey Philip, I shoot mostly stills and portraits but also interested in wedding photography. I was thinking that the extra MP of the D800 would add an extra punch, though i guess the 5D Mark iii is quite capable of doing the job. Sometimes i do cover events with bits of tricky lighting and i heard that the white balance on 5D mark iii is better than the D800. I dont know whether the 6fps of 5D Mark iii would help me much, so should i go for 5D Mark iii or D800? Thanx for the awesome video :D

[@goodplanetfilms]

I really wonder which camera you have used at the end to film yourself? :)

[@eireannsg]

I watched it because I was interested in the differences between Canon 5DMIII, and the Nikons D800 and D4 and in your opinion. I like to see comparisons but I am not interested in making movies with such cameras. I have bought a D800 and still wanted to know how the Canon compares to it and if I have made a mistake with going for the D800. But then: I like the detail the Nikon gives me and I anyway dont do a lot of low light shooting.

[@CodyOsburn]

I want to start getting into videography and am currently doing some research on what camera I should buy. I want to make car videos which would be composed of a lot of in car perspective shots as well as exterior tracking shots. It would primarily be filmed in daylight and include a lot of wide scenery clips. Any advice on a what camera I should get. It's a bit overwhelming right now as this kind of thing is a bit foreign to me. I'm currently looking at the the A7s and the Canon 60D and 70D. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@AkivaPotok]

On the other hand, what did you shoot this review with? It looks really good!

[@solar75wind]

Dear PHILIP, what camera did you use to shoot the "Indiana Intro" part of this video? Amazing resolution... as if it is 4K...

[@MATTDALOR1AN]

thank you so very much for posting this, phil! You're the DSLR film mohammad

[@Soshi2k]

Philip, At the end of the video you said "why can't a camera just do it all" could that camera be the Canon EOS-1D C? please give me your feed back on this. Thank you.

[@SLRist]

Great film Philip. Bought the D800 for stills, but looking forward to using it for some video too, to supplement my XA10.

[@discordian13]

How would one sharpen the video from a mkIII to the same effect that you do in Premiere Pro, but in Final Cut X. Pre-sharpening the footage in premiere before importing in FCX is a little bit too much of a workflow bogger... any suggestions for all us FXC users?

[@TheEditingShop]

Lovely music during the ISO test, what is that?

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

Very good video. I wish you did one comparing the D800 to Blackmagic so I can choose between those. I DO want full-frame and DX option and cannot get FF on the BM but it has so many other features. Hard choice. I am mostly doing this for high-quality video.

[@rserfaty]

Excellent work. I love your vídeo and all the information provided. Congratulations.

[@Skorpion24gr]

Great review! Sorry to bother I searched but didn't find anything, what's the first song during the Nikon D4 shots?

[@MrNyuntshwe]

Sir, I'm one of your fans, but not much knowledge about camera. I now am considering to buy one for documentary, occasional wedding, and some short films. Please give me advice to choose between Canon Mark III and coming Canon XA-25 prosumer camcorder. Thank you.

[@one4all101]

Did you lower sharpening, contrast, saturation, etc in all cameras when you shot these images?

[@EbrahimSaadawii]

Your review is more touching than many short films I have seen :D

[@GaryJones72]

Having had more time with these cameras is there anything you'd add as an addendum?

[@TheCartoonHead]

Did you adjust the AF Fine Tune setting on the D4, because I've seen D4 FX videos & they were pin sharp?

[@Skyswinger]

Fantastic in depth review. I temporarily fell in love with Diana.

[@dphotos007]

Good review. If possible can you do the same test on another Canon Mark lll. I am a Canon guy and a few years ago I had a bad body that was replaced by Canon. Just a thought if you had time could you do a quick retest.

[@G3CK0S]

What do you shoot your videos with? they are incredibly sharp!

[@ACTRSINC]

Philip san. I just wanted to say thank you for always providing great reviews! I always watch your video and learn something. Arigato from Tokyo