Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D800 Part 3 with Chad Tweten

The final video in our D800 vs 5D Mark III series has us testing the video abilities of these fantastic full frame cameras. Chad Tweten of Welcome to the West joins Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls of The Camera Store to put these camera through their cinematic paces. See how they fare recording a music video for the Robot Workers and check out some detailed tests.
Special thanks to Chad Tweten (www.welcometoth...) and the Robot Workers (www.robotworker....
Shot by Chris Niccolls
Edited by Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls
Filmed on the Panasonic AF100

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Most of our recent videos were filmed with the Panasonic AF100. We always list the camera used in the description of every video. We have just switched to a Sony FS700 as our primary camera, you can see the first example in our Leica Monochrom video.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Chad will have it up soon. I'll post a notice when its on at Welcome to the West.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That's a 5 stop ND filter. Thanks for watching! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The cards were removed from the camera, and I had a monitor that would have been used with the Hyperdeck, had we been able to get it working. I discussed these issues with Nikon Canada and they aren't sure why we had the issues we did. Also, there is no 2.7X crop on the D800, that's the D4. We did forget to shoot samples with the DX mode, so we edited out the portion where we talked about it. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I know. The reason we encountered this issue is that the Blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle is incompatible with the D800. We've since captured video with Hyperdeck Shuttle 2 and Atomos Ninja. The cards were out, the issue was the recorder. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@KhmerAdventures]

Sorry, I did not mean to offend you, but let me ask you a question, If the camera can focus in the dark without AF-assist beam, why do they put that onto the body? can you put black tape cover the beam and try to focus in the dark to see if it can focus or not?. Again, please don't be mad, I just want to know.

[@marcandsebe]

Well done on 3 great videos. As I already have a 7D and that the 5D3 just about won the race, that will be my next camera.

[@jeremymartin17]

*SaleOff upto 35% for Best DSLR Cameras & FreeShipping* amzn.to/1pvBAND Have EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting 9-point AF system

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We used a flat profile on both cameras. The only things that were sharpened were the parts labelled 'sharpened' in the second half of the video. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

There's a blog post at The Camera Store's website describing our respective kits. It's on the main page under the 'Blogs' section.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We used a Cinevate Atlas 10, its the same slider we use in most of our shoots. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@SilatShooter]

Terrific Series! A real benefit to have you guys here on KZbin! Thanks for the great efforts! Really enjoy all of them!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The crop mode is still full 1080P capture, it just selects a portion of the sensor to record. Using the crop, I can get a little extra reach on my lenses with no loss in quality. If I had a 70-200 F2.8, I could also get the field of view of a 300mm F2.8, without lugging around a second 7 kilo lens. It's a handy feature.

[@darkh0st]

Great review. Factual and to the point. What I enjoy the most about this series is you're not biased towards one brand.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We did, and its mentioned at 3:16. It's just a shame that you have to program your 'set' button to magnification, when it could be used for something if they left the zoom button location alone. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We never were able to get the Blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle working. We tried again on the second day, but still no luck. I've seen reports of the Atomos Ninja working, so I'll try that soon and post my results. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That's the Beachtek Multimount. It's a handy little piece for DSLR video. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ts13a141]

From 15:40 on I think this truly sums up which is better - "Commercial photography, landscape, large reproduction... yes the D800's got it. Sports, action event photography... The Canon 5D Mark III." Neither is the better camera, they (quite simply) are both great cameras with a different main purpose. Great video series guys!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I like to use a Zacuto Z-Finder Pro for handheld shooting, as you get a magnified look at the LCD as well as the stability a viewfinder offers. For tripod, slider and crane work I use the Sony V55 monitor that Chad was using in this video. Very inexpensive and it offers focus peaking and magnified views while recording. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Yes. Both cards out, but the mirror still refused to flip up.

[@KhmerAdventures]

Are we watching the same video? I watched the video part 1 couple of time and still cannot find where did they say about Nikon is better focus in low light? instead of that they said Canon lock focus better than Nikon.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That was a Cinevate Atlas 10. It rocks, and can be mounted on any standard 3/8" tripod screw. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Make sure your 'Sharpness' is turned all the way down in your image processing. A very light diffusion filter can help with moire, but it will also lead to flare in areas of high contrast. Past that, there's not much you can do about the moire issue, all you can do in post is soften the image like crazy. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@imagesilike]

These reviews are great. They're not too boring like some other reviews, and they're not full of ridiculous over-the-top, immature jokes as coined by DRTV. You learn all you need to learn about the cameras without being bored to death by an anorak wearer. Keep up the great work guys.

[@spencersmat]

Been waiting for this video for weeks! Thanks for the series guys, it was really great! :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Super, earth shatteringly straight. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ttian2]

Thanks a lot Jordan! Really appreciate it.

[@JackTadoussac]

I normally watch DigitalRevTV but in this series you guys at TheCameraStore knock it out of the park -- with your in-depth analysis of the products. I also liked your Sony RX1 review. It was spot on.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Both cameras have Zeiss 50mm F1.4 lenses on them. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We used the Beachtek Multimount 5D. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I use Apple's Compressor to convert the videos to H.264 Quicktime files at 10MBps. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Beforeitgetsdark]

I'm sure its already been posted here, but the zoom button problem at 2:30 can be fixed by assigning the SET button to zoom. So you can keep zooming with your right hand.

[@fletch665]

HI. You can reassign buttons so that your zoom in (into the sensor) can be handled by pressing the SET button with your right thumb if you want to.

[@iSOBigD]

Great review and testing guys, very nicely done! Keep up the good work.

[@huyked]

Very nice 3 parter series, guys. I appreciate it very much.

[@yangboi88]

I could be wrong, but I read somewhere on a HDSLR blog that canon has its excellent video capability and quality from its original design of being a video camera first. When Canon was working on the 5Dmkii they made the sensor to be a HD video sensor and then added the still image. Where as any other brand, like Nikon, designed their cameras to be natively a still camera and then added the HD video capabilities.

[@AlmightyUniden]

awesome 3 part series guys. Enjoyed it.

[@owlexterminator8005]

Jordan, yes, the D800 doesn't have in-video metering, but it does give you a live histogram, which I think is better than a single-dimension meter.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Oh, I'll see it. The first two shootouts were great, informative videos. I hadn't heard anything about the results though. The GH2 records brilliant video, but that ranking surprises me if true. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Panasonic AF100. It's the TCSTV camera of choice.

[@nathanma4273]

this channel is way much better and pro than "Digital rev tv"!!!!! good job!!!

[@KhmerAdventures]

Yes, I Agree with you in some part but it is not the focus system itself, if you have the ability to turn off AF-assist on Nikon, the camera never focus in the dark either because there is no light shine on the subject, AF-Assist on Nikon is just like you put an extra flashlight onto the body that camera see thing in the dark, anyways thank you for your reply, have a wonderful day!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That screen protector is included with the D800.

[@Tigersann]

To me, Nikon totally discredited itself here with the greenish hue to pics and video it produces... Fixing white balance on every single shot is a pain in the butt... That just swayed me heavily to the canon side... Thanks for the review it's the most thoroughly conducted review I've seen so far... Good job!

[@danieldougan269]

The AF100 looked better than the 5D Mark III and the D800 despite the smaller sensor. It was much more detailed!

[@StephenBoBeffin]

Thanks! I enjoyed all three episodes.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Go to menu Item F2: 'Multi Selector Center Button', Select 'Live View', and choose 'Zoom on/off'. Then go make glorious films! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Glasseh]

What I could suggest is using a higher f-stop while recording, if you are able to get away with it. Having a smaller aperture will increase the depth of field, making it easier to focus.

[@42pigs]

good job guys, a solid review of strictly the differences in video between the two is what i was after!

[@Superfoot]

Great video...this help me to make a decision.The project I will be doing will be shot mostly at night so the 5DIII get the nod... But dang it...that short film by Sandros with the D800 shot at night still lingers in my head. lol.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Sony V55. It's a great, small monitor. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

Jordan Zacuto is running there another camera test and the GH2 came in third place the ARRI Alexa and the Sony F65 came in first and second. But the GH2 beat out the Red Epic and the Canon C300. There show will be on June 15th. I'll send you a PM to read more about it.

[@MonteOlsen]

Great videos, of course. The important thing Iis credibility, and you have it. Thanks for the quality and your efforts.

[@WhatsReallyGoodShow]

Hi Chris! This is a really good video! I want to get into photography also, this was very helpful! I would also like to know what camera you used to shoot your commentary shots? Thanks in advance!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Sony V55. Great, inexpensive monitor. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

To fix moire go to Google and type in "Caprock Filter" it works really well. There is also another filter that can go inside the body of the D800. Philip Bloom shows it in his review of the D800 and D4. I'll send you a direct link.

[@perrymorrisjr]

Appears to me that the winning is "The AF1001", the camera that filmed this video! LOL!.

[@leo_hoang]

I replied earlier, doesn't seem as if it sent properly. So apologies if I'm repeating myself. But if you watch the first video from 7min50sec, they discuss the struggles that 5DMK3 has in focusing in low-light. No AF-Assist, and not only that, the D800 focuses down to -2EV... the numbers don't really mean much to me, but they say it can basically rely on moonlight alone... But either way, no AF-Assist causes enough detrement to any cameras ability to focus in low-light.

[@CRANKYONE100]

hopefully we can do more fighting at the end of the year when Canon release their version of a D800!! - thats the one i' really waiting for.....

[@MistaFussichannel]

I’m watching this in August 2019. They both look so young and that video looks so mushy compared to the crispy 4k we have available now. 🤔😆

[@WHSCMD]

No shock the Black Magic Design product failed to work with the D800. If you have access to an AJA KiPro Mini you should give that a try. If you do, post the results. I'm sure lots of folks will be interested.

[@Videoteq]

Great review - would really appreciate a similar shoot-off between the D600 and 6D.

[@BladeRunner21577]

I really hope you guys will be testing the new Canon 5DS & 5DSr in a similar kind of test you did with the 5D III

[@jasonasselin5965]

you have to take out the sd and cf cards to use the 4.2.2 hdmi out!!!! that the only activation step! then you just run in live view mode and hit record on the external drive. this is also the only way to control aperture with the 1/6 stop stepper in the d800.

[@MacReviewzOnline]

excellent - and fun to watch! thxs guys.

[@Robboa1]

These videos play to the strengths of the Canon - but where the D800 shines is in resolution and in that case you bring in a MF cam. How about seeing this through, and doing a comparison between the Canon and D800e there?

[@mrtawe1]

finally the part 3 come out

[@markwjr1]

I had the EXACT same problem with my Hyperdeck. I eventually got it to show video on the screen, but there was no way to tell when it was recording or anything similar. So, I sold that, the SSD, and docking station on Craigslist. Next time, I'll just rent the Atomos Ninja.

[@leo_hoang]

Not offended at all... But please pay attention to what I'm about to say. I said it can focus better in "low-light" than the 5DMK3, and better than any other camera that I used. I didn't say "No light". So there is a point where even the D800 would even need AF Assist. Also, no need for Black Tape, I can just go into the Menu System to turn it off there to test "Low Light". In fact, my settings are off all the time, as I haven't found that I needed the AF Assist.

[@leo_hoang]

You do have the ability to turn off the AF Assist on the D800. Without the actual test on the Nikon being done in those exact same conditions, you cannot say the Nikon would've failed to focus then. Even without the AF-Assist on in the D800, it's impressive. I own this camera, so I know first hand. The numbers mean nothing to anyone really "focuses at -2EV", but when you actually go do it, you'll see what it means. It's worth you having a read up about it. But yes, have a good day too...

[@jessykolendier9945]

Great review

[@jessykolendier9945]

You can get the 5d on pre holiday sale at www.photolg.com/canoneos5dmarkiii they still have a few left

[@akhany]

Awesome, awesome review, guys!

[@audiveritas]

Thank you so much for your fair-minded and professional review series! This is a world class review and worth every megabyte of bandwidth - should also be worth thousands of $ to the manufacturers. I own a D800 and can second any of your findings about this camera, btw. But now I am able to appraise what I have and what I miss in comparison to Canon.

[@newc30]

Hi, i'd like to know if you could please do a review of these two cameras against the Sony A99, it would be interesting for many of us, since these cameras have plenty of similar features to offer, but there's no real versus test at the moment out, that compares them in the real world, telling which is best in which situation. By the way great review as usual, your reviews are the best in the field.

[@Lorne65]

great vid. Lots and lots of really useful stuff. BUT is the mk3 worth another $1000??

[@jamesg1745]

Really enjoyed the three shows, but could you do a DX-1 and Nikon Comparative or a DX-1 and Canon 5D Mk III?

[@xDaveyLovex]

I think I have made my decision thanks to your video. I'm a Nikon shooter, but I think it's time for a change :) Thanks for taking your time to make this :) By the way, what is that which you put in front of the camera at 10:32? Thank you :)

[@JasonJGallant]

Great video. How would you "sharpen" video in post? I use FCP X.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Under the 'Blur' tab in the "Effects' menu, you will find the sharpening filter. Let me know if you have any issues. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@JasonJGallant]

thanks!

[@samiturunen5335]

Thanks. Awesome trilogy. I like to see more :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks! You keep watching, we'll keep shooting! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@meeeeeeeeeeeify]

TheCameraStoreTV Jordan - how come no mention of Magic Lantern in this episode? That puts the Canon head and shoulders above the Nikon, no?

[@proto35]

great video, but I feel that the sharpening test didnt show the true colors on the 5Dmrk3. Watching Philip Blooms comparison on both cameras, the sharpening he did really made the video come to life. Regardless though, both cameras dont disappoint. In the end, its usually about the brand you carried before. Unless money isnt an issue of course.

[@SomebodyPickaName]

I'd like to see a follow up to this series where you hack the MK III with Magic Lantern. Perhaps Colorista Free and LUT buddy for color grading. In other words, now that we've seen what this thing can do out of the box........let's see how far we can take it with third party solutions. I actually like Nikon's flat default colors for video because it produces desirable color grading results in post. Agree or disagree? Thoughts?

[@RyanPrentiss]

Canon's new firmware update allows it to output uncompressed video via hdmi, and rumor is Magic Lantern will soon allow the Canon to output RAW video.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Yup, every camera at 400% is crap. We just wanted to make it obvious what we saw, once the videos were compressed for the web. At 100%, they're both quite nice. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@leonardwong9806]

Hi, I have a question regarding colour accuracy of both cameras. Looking at 9:51 - 9:57 min of the video, I can see that canon's image on the lcd is obviously warmer compared to background. Whereas when video is pan over to the nikon. The nikon's image seems more accurate. The video camera used was indicate as a panasonic AF100. As I am not at the location, so I would no be able to judge. So my question is, which of the 2 cameras have better colour accuracy. Thank you.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The beard made Jordan more serious and a little older.

[@sasatrifunovski]

Thanks a lot for answering, I honestly wasn't expecting an answer this soon :) 3/8" that would be 10 mm in metric system??

[@musicut4]

it is a really nice compare review.Thank you! could u tell me how to sharp your 5dIII footages as your metioned in this video?

[@DCuerpoJr]

Love the videos you're producing. Keep up the great work. - New Subscriber.

[@adamsisler9687]

from what i see, Canon excels in: -Video -Faster Af lock -generally better WB -more user friendly file size the canon does everything decently Nikon -Better resolution -Better dynamic range Nikons have a niche but are very demanding cameras, both infront and at the computer. You have to work around and be smart to get the best out of the nikon, where as the canon doesn't have as much to work with but it comes much easier. Nikons are for studio shooters and seasoned pro's who know exactly

[@enticingimagery]

Nikon shooter, looking to upgrade to the D800. I want mostly studio shooting, but want to dabble in video too. Stay Nikon, get the D800 and upgrade all my Dx lenses, or switch to Canon, get the 5D mk III and start with L lenses??

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The Panasonic AF100.

[@adamsisler9687]

Nikon you have to shoot RAW almost always, because you have to do more adjustments in post. Canon's sensor tho, if you look at the detail it just looses so much detail in the shadows and you can't fix that because they noise filter their shots so much.

[@dphotos007]

I own both the Mark ll and the lll. I had to get another body for the type of work I do. The lll is a better camera than the ll. Personally now, For the money I paid I am upset that Canon stuck with 22 mp and did not match the Nikon 36. I also feel the video should come out sharp right out of the camera and not rely on post processing.

[@mannequindisplay]

Also have you tried the Ninja Recording External with the D800 as I seen you had problems with your HDMI

[@hawg427]

When shooting video with a DSLR he had mentioned that when using a bigger lens 80-200 his dept of field went down. Now if you used a dedicated video camera would you still have the same DOF problem? Also, would using portable audio recorders like the Zoom H2 or similar models give you better sound quality than the ones you were using on the video?

[@CowboyFrankHarrell]

Old video but the one thing that wasn't discussed was auto focus in an action environment. When I got my D800 4 years ago I started getting back into video (which I had dropped out of back in 2000 when I got my first DSLR). Auto focus in rodeo events for video is basically useless. It can't make up its mind on what to focus on. The camera does great for still photographs but was terrible for video subjects that are moving. After fighting with focus for a couple of years I eventually went to a Cannon FX205 video camera and use the D800 for still shots.

[@SamKessler11]

FINALY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ccodyvickerss]

What do you think about the d7100 ? You should do a video on it!

[@astikamusics]

Hi, I was wondering how do you get such a clear and sharp pic when you imported to youtube? I recently bought D800 and couldn't get the export setting right. Thank you in advance. You answer much appreciated ! :)

[@BigJyYari]

Am I missing something? Where is the video of The Robot Workers? Is not on Chad's website, tried to search for it and could not find it.

[@DimmerHouseProd]

great videos here man, love them :)