The Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R3 are similar cameras in many ways. Both have top-notch autofocus systems and both could be used for almost any sort of photography. Of course, they are also different in a few notable ways such as price. Which one of these cameras is right for you?
Nikon Z8 vs Canon EOS R3 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | May 2023 | September 2021 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | DIGIC X |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 6000×4000 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 36.0 x 24.0 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 6.00µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 102,400 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | No |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/32000 | 1/64000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | No mechanical shutter | 12 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 20 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) | 195 FPS is possible, but only for 0.25 seconds of shooting. Auto exposure is locked at high FPS. |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | 420 frames (30 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 493 | 1053 |
| Photographer’s-Eye-Sensing AF | N/A | Yes |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -7.5 EV | -6 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/250 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | Yes | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | N/A |
| 6K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 240 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 90 min | 360 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 4.2 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Dual Axis | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.76x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 5.76 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Two Type C 3.2 Gen 2 ports | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | LP-E19 |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 330 frames | 440 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 340 frames | 760 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 370 frames | 860 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) | 1015 g (2.24 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1 | 150 x 143 x 107 mm (5.9 x 5.6 x 4.2″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $4000 (Check Current Price) | $6000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z8 Used Prices | Canon EOS R3 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z8’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 5mm were added to the Z8’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Canon EOS R3’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 20mm were added to the EOS R3’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The autofocus performance of these two cameras is similarly amazing, and thus these two beasts are suited to fast action. The R3 has eye-controlled AF-point selection, a larger battery, and a more rugged build with a built-in grip, but the Z8 has a higher-resolution sensor and it’s also a couple thousand dollars cheaper.
For most people, the Z8 would be a superior option. It’s lighter, more versatile, and gives up relatively little compared to the R3. With 45MP, the Z8 also gives you more cropping room. For wildlife shooters, I would recommend the Z8 over the R3 on this feature alone. In fact, if you are trying to choose between Nikon and Canon, you may also be interested in our comparison between the Nikon Z8 and the Canon R5, which have roughly the same resolution.
The Canon EOS R3 is definitely more of a specialized tool, ideal for sports shooters and those who can usually get their desired framing in-camera. It’s also for someone who will use vertical orientation a lot, which could be very useful for professional fashion photographers.
If you are deciding between these two cameras, I would also consider the lens ecosystem. Nikon and Canon often have different lenses not made by the other and in my opinion, this is even more important than the decision between two cameras.
What does the Nikon Z8 offer over the Canon EOS R3?
- 8K Video, which cannot be taken with the lower-resolution sensor of the Canon R3
- 1.90 times more megapixels (45.7MP vs 24.0MP)
- Lighter weight (105g lighter)
- Much lower price, costing $2000 less—you could take a trip with these savings!
What does the Canon EOS R3 offer over the Nikon Z8?
- More rugged body with a built-in grip
- Higher resolution rear display, with about 2.0x more dots, making image review in the field easier
- Higher resolution electronic viewfinder, with about 1.6x more dots, making shooting more enjoyable
- Better battery life when using the viewfinder, with approximately 110 more shots according to CIPA measurements
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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