Nikon Df has a
16.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 3 processor. On the other hand, Canon 5D MIII has a
22.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 5+ processor.
Canon 5D MIII's sensor provides 6MP more than Nikon Df's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the Df and 5D MIII sensor size comparison.
Nikon Df and Canon 5D MIII have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon Df and Canon 5D MIII sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, Df has scored 89, 8 points higher than 5D MIII.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Nikon Df |
89 |
24.6 bits |
13.1 Evs |
3279 ISO |
Canon 5D MIII |
81 |
24.0 bits |
11.7 Evs |
2293 ISO |