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 MIV has a
30.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 6+ processor.
Canon 5D MIV's sensor provides 18MP 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 MIV sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MIV Cameras
Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MIV 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 149% larger pixel area compared to Canon 5D MIV, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It 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. Nikon D700 and Canon 5D MIV sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that 5D MIV has a better overall score of 91, 11 points higher compared to D700's score of 80.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Nikon D700
80
23.5 bits
12.2 Evs
2303 ISO
Canon 5D MIV
91
24.8 bits
13.6 Evs
2995 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 MIV ,
including hyperfocal distance.
