With Canon’s announcement of the EOS R5 Mark II, they certainly took aim at Nikon’s Z8. Both cameras are high-speed, high-resolution options that are made to be versatile enough for any type of photography. How do they compare head to head? Here’s what you need to know.
Nikon Z8 vs Canon EOS R5 II Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | May 2023 | July 2024 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | DIGIC X + Accelerator |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 45.0 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 8192×5464 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 36.0 x 24.0 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 4.39µ |
| 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 51,200 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 50-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | Yes |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/32000 | 1/32,000 |
| 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) | None |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | 93 frames (30 FPS), 230 frames (12 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition | 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 | 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 | No limit |
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 | 2.1 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 | No |
| 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-E6P |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) | 746 g (1.64 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1 | 139 x 101 x 94 mm (5.5 x 4.0 x 3.7″) |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $4000 (Check Current Price) | $4300 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z8 Used Prices | Canon EOS R5 II 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. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
As you can see, even though there are a lot of individual differences, the two cameras are on a very similar level overall. To me, some of the biggest strengths of the Nikon Z8 are its critical image quality. With base ISO 64 and the ability to use a high-resolution sensor shift mode (plus the lack of an anti-aliasing filter), I would tend to prefer the Nikon Z8 for something like architectural or landscape photography. It can also focus in lower light than the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, and it can natively use shutter speeds up to 900 seconds long, which also make it a stronger choice for these types of photography, too.
However, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II has a very nice benefit over the Nikon Z8 for sports and wildlife photography, and that is the addition of a pre-capture burst mode that can record raw images. The Nikon Z8 also has a pre-capture mode, but it’s JPEG only. This makes the EOS R5 Mark II a great choice for subjects that are faster than the human reaction time – with this camera, you can save raw images at 30 FPS up to half a second before you fully press the shutter button.
The two cameras also have substantially different sizes and weights, with the Nikon Z8 being larger of the two.
What about the other differences between them? There’s one that could be very significant, but which camera you prefer will depend upon what your priority is. Namely, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II can shoot at 30 FPS rather than 20 FPS of the Nikon Z8, which is nice for the fastest and most erratic subjects. However, it has a much smaller buffer, only recording 93 frames at 30 FPS before the buffer fills, compared to over 1000 frames at 20 FPS for the Nikon Z8.
The rest of the differences are pretty small on balance, but they tend to favor the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Things like a flash sync speed of 1/250 rather than 1/200 second, along with the ability to shoot 1080p video at 240 FPS – not game-changers for most photographers, but potentially useful depending on your situation.
All in all, I see the two cameras as being similar in overall performance to one another. The Nikon Z8 seems a little more tailored to landscape photography and other tripod-based work (except for the camera’s larger size). Meanwhile, the EOS R5 Mark II has the very useful ability to do pre-capture buffering in raw, not just JPEG, which can be great for wildlife photography. It also shoots at a higher FPS, but its buffer capacity is smaller.
Given all that, which camera should you choose between the Nikon Z8 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II? Frankly, if you’re already a Nikon or Canon user, I don’t think it’s worth jumping ship from one company to the other. Stick with the brand you know. And if both companies are new to you, rather than agonizing over these two highly capable cameras, take a look at the Nikon and Canon lens lineups instead. Each one has some unique lenses that the other company lacks, and most of the time, those will make a bigger difference to your photography than the camera. Especially given that both the Nikon Z8 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II are extremely capable cameras.
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In the AF specs, there is a mention that the AF system had a deep learning algorithm. R5 mark II also has an Ai system for subject tracking and that should be mentioned in the specifications for R5 mark II. The preliminary indications by photographers does seem to indicate that the tracking system is amongst the best in the business and can be handy in wildlife and sports photography.
I have Canon R, R5, and R7 cameras and absolutely LOVE the former 2. I consider the R7 junk. I also have Nikon cameras D500, D850, and now a new Z8. Given my photographic interests, I make good use of Nikon’s spot metering/focus point functionality and just prefer Nikon vs. Canon images. I recently went with the Z8 instead of an R5ii because of Canon’s foot-dragging on 3rd party mirrorless lenses. Canon makes superb gear but I prefer Nikon for my type of photography. Nothing at all wrong with the Canon ecosytem!
I have an R5 and I like the fact that my lenses all share the same 77mm filter diameter (14-35mm, 70-200mm and 100-500mm). The Z8 is overall a better landscape camera but I prefer the versatility and compact size of the R5 mkII.
Replacing lenses is a big barrier to changing systems esp good telephotos. I just did it at considerable cost with a swap from Sony A1 to Nikon Z8 to benefit from the PF lenses. 4.5 kg to 3kg – an investment in geriatric handheld shooting.
Very useful information in comparing these two great cameras, great advice also. When I do buy, I will try to make sure you get credit for my selection. Thank you!
Something that I didn’t see mentioned in the article was the R5ii ability to register and track faces while keeping them perfectly in focus even if other people move in front of the main subject. You can register up to 10 different faces in order of preference I think. I was at the launch of the R1 and R5ii a few nights ago and it was really impressive. Perfect for sports, weddings etc.
The thing I find most interesting about the canon r5 mark ii that has not been mentioned is the camera can take photos at same time you take videos. This is so useful. I have this for my nikon p1000. I don’t have to make a choice when shooting do I shoot video or photo. I always shoot video and take photos of animals and action at same time . Never miss anything. And I do raw photos at other times.
I think the r5 mark ii is the only that can do this.
I also travel a lot , so I like to have the smallest gear possible r5 is smaller than z8.
2 points that I like about the new camera. I am still on fence go nikon canon or sony for FF.
You can shoot video with a Z8 on ProRes and do the same. At least 4K.
The bit depth ( dynamic range) of video will be less than shooting RAW photo.
Is this such a rare feature or am I missing something here? Nikon can do it even with the Z50.
Most Nikon cameras can do this and have been able to for awhile. My D6 does it, my Z9 obviously does it and so did my D850 and D500. It’s possible some of them only record JPEG’s in movie mode, I can’t remember honestly. Most cameras can do this though, it’s certainly nothing new!
The only complaint I still have in 2024 with the Nikon z system is the poor Af tracking / eye recognition function in comparison with the Canon R system (and the Leica is even worse in this domain).
Everyone will be worse in AF compared to Canon R3ii and R5ii.
For me, Nikon has the best lens line up and a seamless FTZ to use a couple of F mount lenses. I use the 800 pf a lot for birds, Canon has nothing like that lens. I kept my 400 f2.8 f mount, its is very sharp and good for wildlife in low light. Then I also use my Sigma 180mm macro with the FTZ and it works with focus stacking. No one has a native long macro in mirrorless.
I am participating in Nature Reserve Photography Trips more than my usual, which is creating more conversations than usually had with other Photographers.
One thing that is obvious from the discussions had is that Nikon is quite set apart from other Brands with the Lenses on offer, and when using other Brands, the cost to achieve similar seems to be a gulf apart, if one listens to comments made by other Brands equipment .
One other observation has been recently watching the Soccer – European Cup and Tennis at Wimbledon. The amount of Professional Photographers present with Grey lenses has definitely reduced, I don’t know if all Black Models were Nikon, but plenty of Gold Rings seen at the objective lens end.
I hake this as a Strong Indicator changes are occurring with Professional Photographers working on European Sports Events.
The same assessment can be done for the Paris Olympics.
Technology that is supplied via Bodies is one area of attraction, a large range of lenses with F Stops that are not a impediment to be used in many Countries is also wanted as well.
Nothing about the R5 II screams, BUY ME, from someone who owns a Z8. If I were a Canon shooter I’d stick with the R5 or wait until it’s discounted even further.