Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Nikon D700 vs Canon EOS 5D

Camera settings:

• Nikon D700: Nikkor 85 mm F1.8 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 200 (default base)
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Normal), Self-Timer, Exposure delay
   
  
• Canon EOS 5D: Canon EF 85 mm F1.8 lens, Aperture Priority,
  ISO 100, JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard PS), Self-Timer
  

Nikon D700	Canon EOS 5D
3.7 MB JPEG (4256 x 2382)	3.9 MB JPEG (4368 x 2912)

There are two obvious differences between the output of these two cameras. The 5D's default sharpening is considerably higher than the D700's and the Nikon deals better with the roll off of highlights as they approach the point where they clip. If you turn the D700's fairly conservative default sharpening a little up (either in-camera or in post processing) the differences in detail captured and overall sharpness will pretty much disappear.