Two of the top mirrorless cameras on the market today are the Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z7 II. In this article, we’ll compare these two high-resolution, feature-packed cameras to help you figure out which one is right for you.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z7 II are targeted at photographers who need a high resolution camera, with the EOS R5 offering 45 megapixels and the Z7 II offering 45.7. However, the biggest difference is that the Canon camera is also meant for high-speed action photography, and that comes at a higher price – $3900 versus $3000. I’ll get to the specifications in a moment, so you can see why the Canon EOS R5 is geared more toward action photography. For now, let’s look at the build quality and appearance of the two cameras.
Here’s how the front of the EOS R5 and Nikon Z7 II look:
Most of the controls for both cameras are on the back and top, so let’s take a look at those.
For starters, the rear control layouts certainly have their differences in some specific button placement, but the two cameras have a similar high-end layout overall. Both have a joystick and a dedicated AF-ON button, and most controls are on the right-hand side:
The top panels are also reasonably similar, although you can see that Canon uses a Mode button while Nikon chose a standard PSAM dial:
Although these different control layouts are important, and existing Canon or Nikon users will probably have a preference, the biggest differences between the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z7 II lie beneath the surface. So, let’s take a look at the specifications of these two cameras:
Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Canon EOS R5 | Nikon Z7 II |
|---|---|---|
| *Canon’s official specifications say the EOS R5 can autofocus from -6 EV to +20 EV. However, Canon assumes an f/1.2 lens at ISO 100, while other manufacturers assume an f/2 lens at ISO 100 for this specification. Thus, the standardized focusing EV range for the EOS R5 is -4.5 EV to +21.5 EV. Read more at EV explained. | ||
| **The Nikon Z7 II official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the standards of other manufacturers, roughly 15 mm (0.6 inches) must be added to the Z7 II’s depth measurement, for a total of 85 mm (3.3 inches). | ||
| Announced | July 9, 2020 | October 14, 2020 |
| Sensor Resolution | 45.0 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes, high-res OLPF | No |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 64-25,600 |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 × 24.0mm | 35.9× 23.9mm |
| Image Size | 8192 × 5464 | 8256 × 5504 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | Dual EXPEED 6 |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76 million dots | 3.6 million dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.76× | 0.8× |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Storage Media | 1× CFe + 1× SD UHS-II | 1× CFe / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Continuous Shooting Speed, Mechanical | 12 FPS | 10 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting Speed, Electronic | 20 FPS | 10 FPS |
| Camera Buffer (12-bit Lossless) | 180 images | 77 images |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 900 sec |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 384 zone | TTL metering using camera image sensor |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Focus Points | 1053 | 493 |
| Low-Light Sensitivity* (f/2 Lens, ISO 100) | -4.5 to +21.5 EV | -3 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF enabled) |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 8K DCI @ up to 30p; 4K @ up to 120p | 4K @ up to 60p |
| 1080p Slow Motion | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 4K Video Crop | 1.0× | 1.0× (30p), 1.08× (60p) |
| Video HDMI Out / LOG | 4:2:2 10-bit / Yes | 4:2:2 10-bit / Yes |
| Video HLG / HDR Out | No | Yes |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | Tilting only |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size / Resolution | 3.2″ / 2.1 million dots | 3.2″ / 2.1 million dots |
| GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | Yes, 4.2 |
| Pixel Shift | No | No |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6NH | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 | 360 shots |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| Illuminated Buttons | No | No |
| USB Version | Type-C 3.1 | Type-C 3.1 |
| Weight (Battery and Card) | 738 g (1.63 lbs) | 705 g (1.55 lbs) |
| Dimensions** | 138× 98× 88 mm (5.4 × 3.8 × 3.5 inches) | 134 × 101 × 70 mm (5.3 × 4.0 × 2.8 inches) |
| MSRP at Time of Publication | $3900 (check price) | $3000 (check price) |
Although both cameras have their strengths, it should be clear from these specifications why the Canon EOS R5 costs $900 more than the Nikon. It all has to do with processing large amounts of data.
The Canon EOS R5 can shoot a remarkable 20 FPS despite its 45 megapixel sensor, while the Nikon Z7 II is capable of 10 FPS by comparison. Although 10 FPS is still very respectable (and more than enough for most applications), it’s pretty remarkable that the EOS R5 manages to shoot twice as fast. Even more important for many sports and wildlife photographers is buffer capacity – the number of photos that can be taken as a high-speed burst before the camera slows down or stops. The EOS R5 has a massive buffer of 180 images, while the Nikon Z7 II has a 77-image buffer by comparison – still good, but less than half of Canon’s. Given that both cameras have essentially the same resolution, it’s pretty remarkable how much more data Canon can push through the imaging pipeline to allow these FPS and buffer numbers.
None of that matters if you don’t need to shoot fast action in the first place, of course. Landscape and architectural photographers may be scratching their heads wondering why anyone would need 20 FPS and a 180 image buffer. But if you want to capture high-resolution wildlife or sports photography without missing a beat, the EOS R5 is very well suited to the task. The Nikon Z7 II, though certainly not bad at it, is certainly farther behind.
In terms of autofocus, both cameras do an excellent job focusing on static subjects, and their low light focusing performance is comparable. The same is true if a person’s face or animal’s eye is visible in the frame; the EOS R5 and Z7 II can track eyes with fantastic speed and accuracy. However, in terms of more generic subject tracking – things like birds in flight or airshows – the Canon EOS R5 is a clear step ahead of the Nikon Z7 II. While the Z7 II has a solid and capable autofocus system overall, it is not geared toward tracking erratic and quick subjects as well as the EOS R5 is.
Video shooters will also most likely prefer the features of the Canon EOS R5, which can shoot 8K video – far more than 4K. (Each frame in 8K DCI video is 35.4 megapixels, while each frame in standard 4K video is “only” 8.3 megapixels.) Even if you don’t need to shoot 8K, the Canon EOS R5 can also shoot 120 FPS slow motion 4K video, while the Nikon Z7 II maxes out at 60 FPS slow motion 4K. The Nikon Z7 II is no slouch in the video department, but it’s hard to compete with features like 8K or 4K 120p.
Although the Nikon Z7 II has a few nice features that the Canon lacks, there are only two big ones: base ISO 64 and price. At base ISO, the Nikon Z7 II has a better dynamic range than the Canon EOS R5 by about 2/3 of a stop, which could matter for some landscape photographers in high-contrast scenes. But the biggest benefit of the Z7 II is simply that it costs $900 less than the Canon EOS R5, at least at the time of launch. For that price, you could buy one of Nikon’s excellent Z-series primes or upgrade your tripod, either of which will improve your baseline image quality more than getting the Canon EOS R5.
If image quality is your baseline, the two cameras are practically identical. There’s the base ISO 64 benefit of the Nikon Z7 II, but once you get into the shared ISO range, the two cameras are neck and neck. So, for low light photography at high ISOs, you won’t get cleaner images either way; instead, it’s down to the maximum aperture of your lens.
Recommendations
The Canon EOS R5 can push at least twice as much data through the imaging pipeline per second as the Nikon Z7 II, both for stills and video. That’s the main reason the R5 costs $900 more, although the more advanced autofocus tracking system also plays a role.
Not all photographers need those features, and if you don’t, there isn’t much difference between the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z7 II. Sure, they trade blows with various specifications here and there, and they obviously have their company’s own handling styles, but they’re as comparable as a Nikon and Canon ever are.
My recommendation is to stick with whatever company you’re already familiar with, whether Canon or Nikon. Jumping ship to another brand is usually not a good idea unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money, considering the fact that camera companies leapfrog each other all the time. The EOS R5 is ahead of the Nikon Z7 II, but Nikon has undoubtedly taken note and will try to make its next iteration even more competitive. And so it goes.
If you’re not tied to either company, I recommend the Nikon Z7 II for landscape photography simply because of the lower price, and also because the EOS R5’s benefits don’t really matter for most types of landscape photos. On the other hand, the EOS R5 gets my recommendation if you want to photograph wildlife or sports at high resolutions instead, or alongside landscapes. (If you don’t need these extreme resolutions, but you want the high FPS and tracking capabilities, you may find the Canon EOS R6to be a better fit.) If price is no object, go for the EOS R5, since it can do some things the Nikon Z7 II cannot, while the opposite isn’t really true.
Personally, I’m still happy with my old Nikon Z7 and don’t mind stepping off the upgrade train for now. It’s always fun to use a new camera, but my recommendation at the end of the day is to stick with whatever you have until you find yourself really pushing its limits, so that you can learn and grow from one camera setup as long as possible. It’s better to know an old camera with your eyes closed than to buy the EOS R5 simply because it’s the latest and greatest sub-$6000 camera on the market.
That said, it is the latest and greatest sub-$6000 camera on the market :)
I hope you found this article useful, and if you want to see more comparisons between these two cameras with others out there, you may find these links helpful:
- Canon EOS R5 vs Canon EOS R6
- Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z7 II vs Panasonic S1R vs Sony A7R IV
- Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Z6 II
- Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Z7
- Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon D850
You can also read our full review of each of the EOS R5 and Z7 II here:
- Canon EOS R5 Review
- Nikon Z7 II Review
FAQs
What camera compares to the Canon EOS R5? ›
Canon R5 vs Nikon D5600 Comparison. Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Canon R5, which was introduced in July 2020 is a Pro Mirrorless camera with a 45.0MP Full frame sensor whereas Nikon D5600, which was introduced in November 2016 is a Entry-Level DSLR camera with a 24.0MP APS-C sensor.
Is the Canon EOS R5 the best camera? ›Our Verdict
The Canon EOS R5 remains the best Canon camera for most uses, and one of the best stills cameras full stop. Two years after release, it's proved to be everything the professional workhorse we'd hoped for thanks to superb autofocus, super rapid burst shooting and the added bonus of up to 8K video.
The Z7 is no longer top-dog in Nikon's mirrorless Z-mount camera line-up - the Nikon Z7 II (opens in new tab) takes that honor. However, the original Z7 is a very similar camera to the Z7 II, with the same 45.7MP resolution, so it's definitely still worth buying, especially as tempting discounts can now be had.
Will there be a canon R7? ›While this is pretty cool news, don't expect the Canon EOS R7 C to be announced in 2022. The Canon EOS R7 C will record 7K60P in Cinema RAW Light and will reportedly have the same codec options as other Cinema EOS cameras, including the Canon EOS R5 C. We suspect that such a camera will be announced later in 2023.
How much is Nikon Z7? ›The Nikon Z7 released in September 2018 and the body sells for just under $3,400 USD. The Z7 is also available in a kit with the new 24-70mm f/4 S lens and/or Nikon FTZ adapter.
What is Canon's flagship camera? ›“Canon's SLR flagship model is known as the 'EOS-1' series, the first of which appeared in 1989,” the article states. “The latest model 'EOS-1D X Mark III' released in 2020 will be the last model in fact.” “The market needs are acceleratingly shifting to mirrorless cameras,” Mitarai states in the interview.
Why is R3 more expensive than R5? ›...
3. Shutter and continuous shooting speed.
| Speed | R3 | R5 |
|---|---|---|
| 12fps | 1000 or higher (RAW or JPG) | 350 JPG L 180 RAW |
Canon EOS R5 vs 5D Mark IV: Final words
The Canon EOS R5 offers superior autofocus, faster continuous shooting, better video, and higher resolution, but the 5D Mark IV features a better battery, an optical viewfinder, and a much lower price (around $2700 versus $3900).
Unlike the first generation Canon RF-mount camera, the EOS R, the R5 is a professional, flagship-grade camera.
Is the R5 worth the money? ›This mirrorless camera offers a staggering amount of technology for the price, it's just a camera that provides a lot of value, for any type of photographer. The Canon R5 has made a big name in the industry and brought back Canon as one of the top choices in 2020, 2021, and I would even argue 2022.
Why should I buy the Nikon Z7 II? ›
For all-round performance and excellent full-frame image quality the Nikon Z7 II is a brilliant choice. Better value for money than much of its competitors it covers a wide range of features, ability, and imaging resolution which make it well suited to any kind of photography.
What is Z7 II good for? ›Announced in October of 2020, the Nikon Z7 II is Nikon's high-megapixel successor to the first-generation Z7. It sports a 45-megapixel sensor and a base ISO of 64 for high levels of detail and dynamic range. At $3000 body only (check current prices), it's not a cheap camera.
What is the Nikon Z7 good for? ›Simply put, the two cameras are aimed at different photography needs – the high-resolution Nikon Z7 is for architecture, landscape and studio photographers who need as much detail and resolution as possible to create large prints, whereas the Nikon Z6 is best suited for portrait, event, food and other types of ...
Is the EOS R7 full-frame? ›Unlike Canon's full-frame cameras, the EOS R7 has an APS-C sensor. While these can't gather as much light as the full-frame sensors seen in cameras like the Canon EOS R6, but they do bring a few benefits – including a smaller, lighter overall camera system and a lower price tag.
Is Canon releasing a new mirrorless camera? ›The Canon EOS R1, Canon's upcoming flagship mirrorless model (though CR cautions readers not to expect anything “until the 4th quarter of 2022 at the earliest”)
Is R7 a full-frame camera? ›The EOS R7 is built around an APS-C sized sensor, so lenses offer 1.6x more telephoto reach than the equivalent focal length on a full-frame camera.
Why are mirrorless cameras better? ›Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video; but that comes at the cost of access to fewer lenses and accessories. For DSLRs, advantages include a wider selection of lenses, generally better optical viewfinders and much better battery life.
Do mirrorless cameras take better pictures? ›The DSLR offers a wider selection of interchangeable lenses, longer battery life, and better low-light shooting thanks to the optical viewfinder. On the other hand, mirrorless cameras are lighter, more portable, offer better video quality even in lower-end models, and can shoot more images at faster shutter speeds.
How old is Nikon Z7 II? ›| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Type | Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera |
| Released | October 14, 2020 |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z-mount |
- Canon EOS R5. Best overall Canon camera. ...
- Canon EOS RP. The best budget Canon camera. ...
- Canon EOS R3. The best premium Canon camera. ...
- Canon EOS R6. ...
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II. ...
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D. ...
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- Canon EOS M6 Mark II.
Which is best camera for photography? ›
| Product | Release Year | Travel Photography |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon D780 | 2020 | 7.8 |
| Panasonic LUMIX GH5s | 2018 | 7.8 |
| Canon EOS R | 2018 | 7.8 |
| Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III | 2020 | 7.7 |
Curiosity: Canon EOS-R5 uses a Sony made EVF - sonyalpharumors. Sigma will soon announce the new 20mm f/1.4 and 24mm f/1.4 FE lenses!
Does the Canon R5 have a stacked sensor? ›The R5 has a standard CMOS sensor, whereas the R3 is the very first EOS camera to use a Stacked, Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor (just like the Sony Alpha 1), which potentially translates into better low-light performance at like-for-like ISO speeds.
When was the Canon R3 released? ›Since its release in September 2021, the Canon EOS R3 (opens in new tab) has been one of the hottest mirrorless cameras (opens in new tab) around.
What camera is better than 5D Mark IV? ›The video resolution is a tad bit better on the 5D Mark IV with 4,096 x 2,160 (DCI 4K) compared to 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) on the EOS R, but the EOS R still takes the cake in that department with a 10-bit output, EVF and 180-degree tilt-screen. Although minor, the EOS R has a slight edge over the 5D Mark IV.
What replaced the 5D Mark IV? ›Despite the fact that the Canon R5 is advertised as the mirrorless successor to the Canon 5D Mark IV, there is a significant price difference between these two cameras.
Is the Canon 5D Mark IV a professional camera? ›The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a professional-grade 30.1-megapixel full-frame digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera made by Canon. Succeeding the EOS 5D Mark III, it was announced on 25 August 2016.
Which one is better Canon or Nikon? ›But since then, Nikon upgraded the series, coming up with D780 in 2020. This Nikon camera body outperforms the Canon in every area, from ISO range to video capabilities, image quality, speed, and autofocus accuracy. There is a catch as there is a considerable price gap between the two.
Do professional photographers use Nikon or Canon? ›Many professional photographers use high-end Canon or Nikon DSLRs, such as a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera or a Nikon D850 DSLR camera. There are many excellent options depending on the professional results desired. These are the crème de la crème of cameras, designed to produce amazing results.
Which is the best camera in the world 2022? ›- GoPro Hero10 Black. ...
- Canon EOS 90D. ...
- Fujifilm X-S10. ...
- Sony ZV-1. ...
- DJI Pocket 2. ...
- DJI Mini SE. ...
- Sony A7R Mark IV. And for sheer resolution, nothing in the full frame market can beat this 61MP Sony. ...
- Canon EOS R5. If you're ready to turn pro and want to shoot stills and video, the EOS R5 is a stellar choice.
Is the R5 worth the money? ›
This mirrorless camera offers a staggering amount of technology for the price, it's just a camera that provides a lot of value, for any type of photographer. The Canon R5 has made a big name in the industry and brought back Canon as one of the top choices in 2020, 2021, and I would even argue 2022.
What does the R in Canon R5 stand for? ›"We have developed the concept of 'Reimagine optical excellence', continues the interview, "and decided to use 'R' for both product name and system name. I felt that I could put down the feelings of the development team well." So, there you have it.
Which one is better R5 or R6? ›The biggest difference is the image quality. The Canon R6 has a 20 megapixel sensor, while the Canon R5 has a 47 megapixel sensor. This translates into the R5 having more pixels per image, and thus a higher quality of image.
What does EOS R stand for? ›The "R" in EOS R comes from the first letter of "Reimagine optical excellence", Canon's development concept for both the EOS R system as a whole, and also for this EOS R camera which launched the new system.