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Home → Cameras and Lenses

Canon EOS R vs Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z7

By Nasim Mansurov 59 Comments
Last Updated On February 18, 2020

With both Nikon and Canon having released their mirrorless systems, many photographers might be wondering about their similarities and differences. Although Nikon released two mirrorless cameras with 24.5 MP and 45.7 MP resolutions to appeal to different photography needs, Canon decided to go ahead with a single 30.4 MP camera at launch. In this article, I would like to take a closer look at all three cameras and compare their specifications side-by-side.

Canon EOS R vs Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z7

Below are the technical specifications of all three cameras, including their mount and pricing information:

Camera FeatureCanon EOS RNikon Z6Nikon Z7
Mount Inner Diameter54.0mm55.0mm55.0mm
Flange Distance20.0mm16.0mm16.0mm
Sensor Resolution30.4 MP24.5 MP45.7 MP
Sensor TypeCMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size36.0 x 24.0mm35.9 x 24.0mm35.9 x 23.9mm
Low-Pass FilterYesYesNo
In-Body Image StabilizationNoYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axis
Sensor Pixel Size5.36µ5.9µ4.35µ
Image Size6,720 x 4,4806000 x 40008256 x 5504
Image ProcessorDIGIC 8EXPEED 6EXPEED 6
Buffer Capacity (14-bit RAW)47 Images43 Images19 Images
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-40,000ISO 100-51,200ISO 64-25,600
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400ISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800ISO 32, ISO 51,200-102,400
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYesYes
ViewfinderElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVF
Viewfinder Type / ResolutionOLED / 3.69 million dotsQVGA / 3.6 million dotsQVGA / 3.6 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%100%
Viewfinder Magnification0.76x0.8x0.8x
Built-in FlashNoNoNo
Flash Sync Speed1/2001/2001/200
Storage Media1x SD (UHS-II)1x XQD1x XQD
Continuous Shooting Speed8 FPS (no AF), 5 FPS with AF12 FPS9 FPS
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 30 sec
AE Bracketing Range±3 EV±3 EV±3 EV
Shutter Durability150,000 cycles200,000 cycles200,000 cycles
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYesYes
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Number of AF Points5655273493
Focus PeakingYesYesYes
Focus StackingNoYesYes
Video Maximum Resolution4K @ 24/25/30 FPS4K @ 24/25/30 FPS4K @ 24/25/30 FPS
1080p Video Max Frame Rate60 FPS120 FPS120 FPS
Video Crop Factor1.74x1.0x1.0x
HDMI Out / LOG4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Audio RecordingYesYesYes
Headphone JackYesYesYes
LCD Size and Type3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Articulating LCDYes, Tilting and Front/BackYes, TiltingYes, Tilting
LCD Resolution2,100,000 dots2,100,000 dots2,100,000 dots
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-in
BluetoothYesYesYes
BatteryLP-E6NEN-EL15bEN-EL15b
Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots330 shots310 shots
Weather Sealed BodyYesYesYes
USB Version3.1Type-C 3.1Type-C 3.1
Weight (Camera Body Only)580g585g585g
Dimensions135.8 x 98.3 x 67.7mm134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm
MSRP Price$2,299.00 (check price)$1,999.95 (check price)$3,399.95 (check price)

First, let’s talk about the differences in the mounts between the two camera systems. While Nikon decided to go for a brand new mount with a much larger 55mm inner diameter and a very short flange distance of 16mm for its Z mirrorless system, Canon decided to keep its mount size the same as EF at 54mm. However, Canon also changed the flange distance to 20mm to be able to be closer to the image sensor and reduce the overall size of the camera. While one could argue that Nikon has an advantage with a larger mount and a shorter flange distance, the differences are too small to make any differences in both lens design and lens sizes. Thus, both systems are equally strong with their mounts today.

Resolution-wise, the Canon EOS R sits between the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z7, so it strikes a good balance here. Unfortunately, Canon decided to go with a very similar image sensor as on the Canon 5D Mark IV, which means that we are still dealing with older CMOS sensor technology, while Nikon is using newer BSI CMOS sensors. However, if we look at it from the practical side, the differences between CMOS and BSI CMOS in terms of overall performance in the real world are not that great to put Canon at a serious disadvantage. All three cameras should have excellent high ISO performance, but knowing that Canon has traditionally delivered inferior dynamic range than its Nikon counterparts, we can expect Nikon to edge out Canon here a bit, especially with the Nikon Z7 at ISO 64. Lack of a low-pass filter on the Nikon Z7 is also going to result in crisper details when compared to the Nikon Z6 or the Canon EOS R, which is a difference worth noting.

The big difference comes into play in terms of in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Here, Canon is at a rather serious disadvantage – it decided to go only with lens-based stabilization, whereas Nikon introduced its first IBIS implementation on the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras. Canon definitely loses out here, mainly because Canon shooters will not be able to take advantage of image stabilization on all lenses, new or old, whereas Nikon shooters can use any existing Nikon F mount lens, even really old glass from 50 years ago and still enjoy the benefits of image stabilization. In addition to this, Nikon found ways to make both IBIS and lens stabilization work together to deliver more stabilization opportunities, which gives a bit more flexibility in comparison.

Where Canon outclasses Nikon is in its excellent implementation of Dual Pixel AF technology and a flip-out LCD screen. As we have already seen on a number of Canon DSLRs, Dual Pixel AF is a fantastic autofocus technology that does an excellent job with tracking and focusing subjects. Because of this technology, many vloggers pick Canon DSLR cameras to create their video content and now they have a much smaller, lighter and more capable camera. Couple this with a fully flipping articulating screen and Canon has definitely hit the spot for video content creators. Unfortunately, Nikon is not even an option for this purpose, as its LCD screen only tilts, making it impossible to see what is being recorded when facing the camera.

Thanks to Dual Pixel AF, Canon was also able to make a whopping 5,655 autofocus points available and selectable to use. This is something that has never been done before and no other camera on the market has this many focus points to choose from. Compare that to 273 AF points on the Nikon Z6 and 493 AF points on the Nikon Z7 and you will see why it is a significant difference. At the same time, the sheer number of autofocus points is not going to make much difference if it takes too long to move those focus points, or if the AF system itself is slow. While it appears that Canon has done a good job with making sure that the autofocus points move fast enough, it is hard to say how fast the autofocus system works when compared to Nikon’s Z-series cameras. We will need to evaluate both in detail to be able to tell for sure. Based on the performance of Dual Pixel AF we have seen before on other cameras, the Canon EOS R should not disappoint. There is one area that Nikon is already losing out on at the moment and that’s Eye Autofocus.

Canon EOS R Eye AF in One Shot Mode

Canon has already implemented this on the Canon EOS R, while Nikon only has face detection and we don’t know if it does any sort of eye prioritization at the moment. While the Eye Autofocus feature is only limited to Single Shot AF (there is no eye tracking available for AI Servo on the Canon EOS R), it is still a great feature to have.

When it comes to continuous shooting speed, the Canon EOS R certainly looks weaker than its Nikon counterparts with its 8 FPS shooting and locked autofocus. In comparison, the Nikon Z6 can shoot 12 FPS while tracking the subject continuously, while the Nikon Z can shoot 9 FPS. If you want to be able to track subjects continuously with the Canon EOS R, you will need to drop shooting speed to 5 FPS, which is unfortunate.

Both manufacturers decided to go with a single memory card slot, but Nikon’s decision to go with the XQD memory card is going to prove advantageous in the long run, since XQD cards are much faster, arguably more reliable, and the memory card slot is going to be upgradeable to PCI Express once it becomes available, giving even more options to Nikon shooters in the future.

Lastly, Nikon is also ahead in video features. The main reason for this is Canon’s 1.74x video crop mode, which is much worse compared to Nikon’s 1.0x full sensor read-out. Basically, anyone who wants to shoot video with the Canon EOS R will need to properly plan their lenses and focal lengths for the desired angle of view coverage, while all lenses mounted on the Nikon Z-series cameras will behave normally. All three cameras are capable of outputting 4:2:2 10-bit video via their HDMI ports, but both Nikon Z6 and Z7 can shoot up to 120 FPS in 1080p mode, while the Canon EOS R is limited to 60 FPS.

We are looking forward to testing all three cameras later this year. Once we get our hands on the Canon EOS R and Nikon Z6 / Z7 cameras, we will update this article with more information, as well as high ISO comparisons, so please stay tuned!

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Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Mirrorless, Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R, Canon Mirrorless

About Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

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Jaime Avayú
Jaime Avayú
July 9, 2020 1:54 pm

It is true that Canon´s use to have image color which is more intense than the Nikon´s? And, that Nikon dinamic range is better?

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The Third Pedal
The Third Pedal
January 4, 2020 12:28 am

I’d like to offer a correction: the EOS R’s shutter is rated for 200,000 actuations, not 150,000.

Also, I believe, but I am not certain, that video in 1080p mode is full frame with the EOS R.

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Michi
Michi
March 15, 2019 3:56 am

As a for ever Canon shooter I have come incredibly close to buying the Sony A 3 – too close for comfort. I appreciate that Canon produced the R and thereby communicated an interest in keeping their long-time customers, but they really did not satisfy the expectations with neither the R nor the RP. Compared to Sony and Nikon, Canon is behind – far behind with some important technical aspects (continuous shooting speed, crop factor and IBIS). Canon has some advantages too, but with a camera it is a bit like with a chain: the weekest link breaks the deal.

I am totally fired up to mirrorless, so I want to buy, but I also want to stay with Canon. A dilemma! So, Canon if you happen to read this: I give you til Photokina 2019 to come up with a camera that at least equals the specs of Sony and Nikon while maintaining a competitive price tag.

Now, what I’m afraid of is that Canon will come up with a real pro camera (there are already rumours around about a 100MP camera) that will replace the 5D or even the 1D thereby demonstrating that they advanced technologically to the top again, but at a real pro price tag. The gap will then be so great between the R Pro and the R that I won’t afford the R Pro but will still be left with inadequate R specs. Will we then have to wait for a R Mark II to finally get competition level specs? That would be my ticket to transfer to Sony!

To be clear: what we need by autumn 2019 is a D6 level priced, 30-40MP full frame version of the R that has its specs beefed up to Sony’s A7 III specs. Add back the joystick and the thumb wheel and you have a real winner!

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Ivan
Ivan
December 17, 2018 5:13 pm

Very informative and looking forward to see your final thoughts on comparing those 3 cameras after your NZ trip .

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Tom Rose
Tom Rose
November 30, 2018 5:13 am

What a load of carping whingers. Canon? Nikon? Sony? They are all great cameras. For anyone that buys a camera to make images (rather than for the bragging rights, or as “proof” of intelligence and good taste) it is almost impossible to go wrong nowadays.

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simaw voli
simaw voli
September 18, 2018 7:52 am

Like Nikon’s cameras, the Canon EOS R has a roughly 3.2-inch, 2100k-dot touchscreen LCD. However, while Nikon’s screen can only tilt, the EOS R’s display flips outward, and can be rotates vertically, making it more versatile. Also similar is the digital viewfinder, as well as the small display on the top right of the cameras, which shows such information as shutter speed, ISO, and f/stop without needing to look at the rear panel.

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Josip Marsic
Josip Marsic
September 16, 2018 3:12 am

Low pass filter?
Even Z6 full-frame sensor has no low-pass filter, you write “Yes” ….?

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Michele Bullock
Michele Bullock
September 11, 2018 8:04 am

Thaks for your thorough review. I especially like the green stoplight chart which lays thigs out at a glance. Still have not gone to mirrorless.

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Castorp
Castorp
September 9, 2018 11:42 am

Nikon Z looks way way better to me. Out of all the FF mirrorless systems it’s the most well rounded.

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nestor
nestor
September 7, 2018 5:31 pm

rich
communication theory states that for sampling a sinewave you need 2 times the frequency, you can found this as nyquist-shanon theorem.
in order to avoid signal frequencies higher than half sampling frequencies it is necessary to add a low pass filter in order to avoid alias.
you can skip low pass filter if your source never goes over half sampling freq.

I am not an optic, but mathematics are the same.
on older cameras (6-12MP) lens resolution (lpm) could be more than twice as large as sensor resolution, in order to avoid alias (moiree) a low pass is required.

If sensor resolution (sample frequency) is large enough the lens acts a a low pass filter, then no need to add an additional one, and with few lenses you could get moiree

conclusion, if nikon and canon added an olpf to these cameras is because they think they can provide better lenses.

but only time will tell

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nestor
nestor
Reply to  nestor
September 7, 2018 5:34 pm

just a typo

in older cameras lens resolution could be larger than half the sensor resolution

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