Nikon D700 has a
12.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed processor. On the other hand, Canon 5D MII has a
21.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Canon 5D MII's sensor provides 9MP more than Nikon D700'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 D700 and 5D MII sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MII Cameras
Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MII have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon D700 has 74% larger pixel area compared to Canon 5D MII, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MII 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, D700 has scored 80, 1 points higher than 5D MII.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Nikon D700
80
23.5 bits
12.2 Evs
2303 ISO
Canon 5D MII
79
23.7 bits
11.9 Evs
1815 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Nikon D700
or the
Canon 5D MII ,
including hyperfocal distance.
