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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

canon eos 5d mark iv
75%

Nikon D850

nikon d850
Winner!
82%
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
vs
Nikon D850
Price
Brand
Canon
Nikon
Model
EOS 5D Mark IV
D850
Released
2016
2017
Announcement Date
August 25, 2016
August 23, 2017
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Nikon D850 earns the top spot with a score of 82/100, outperforming the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which scores 75/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2016 and 2017, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the Canon being slightly larger and lighter at 151 x 116 x 76mm and 890g, compared to the Nikon’s 146 x 124 x 79mm and 1005g.

The Nikon D850’s superiority comes from its lower launch price of $3300, compared to the Canon’s $3500. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has the advantage of being lighter, making it easier to carry and handle.

In the end, the Nikon D850 proves to be the better camera due to its higher score and lower price. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, while lighter, falls short in terms of overall performance and value.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D850 triumphs over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics with a score of 79/100 compared to 76/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a shooting speed of 7, a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. They also have specific lens mounts for their respective brands: Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV and Nikon F FX for the D850.

The Nikon D850’s superior optics result from its higher megapixel count of 45.7 and its DXOMARK sensor score of 100. The increased megapixels allow the D850 to capture more detailed images, while the perfect DXOMARK score indicates excellent image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the D850 utilizes the Expeed 5 processor, which contributes to better image processing and faster performance.

However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has its strengths. Although it has a lower megapixel count of 30.4 and a DXOMARK sensor score of 91, these specifications still provide high-quality images. The 5D Mark IV also utilizes the Digic 6+ processor, which, while not as advanced as the Expeed 5, still offers reliable processing and performance.

Considering the optics, the Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV due to its superior megapixel count and DXOMARK sensor score. The D850’s Expeed 5 processor further enhances its optical performance. On the other hand, the 5D Mark IV still provides quality images with its 30.4 megapixels and Digic 6+ processor, but it falls short when compared to the D850.

Optics
Optics
76%
79%
Megapixels
30.4 MP
45.7 MP
Image Resolution
6720 x 4480 px
8256 x 5504 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
7 fps
7 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Nikon F FX
Image Processor
Digic 6+
Expeed 5
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
64
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
32
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
102400
102400
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
61
153
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Optical (pentaprism)

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Video Performance

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D850 in video capabilities with a score of 91/100, a 21-point lead over the Nikon’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels with its higher maximum video dimensions of 4096 x 2160, compared to the Nikon D850’s 3840 x 2160. This difference in video dimensions allows the Canon camera to capture more detail and provide a higher quality video output. Furthermore, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, significantly higher than the Nikon D850’s 30fps. This higher frame rate enables the Canon camera to capture fast-moving subjects with greater clarity and smoothness.

On the other hand, the Nikon D850 does not offer any significant advantages over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, but the Nikon D850 falls short in video dimensions and frame rate.

Considering the differences in video capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV proves to be a superior choice for videographers, thanks to its higher video dimensions and faster frame rate. The Nikon D850, while still a capable camera, does not match the video performance offered by the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Video
Video
91%
70%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
4096 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV, MP4
MOV, MP4

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Features and Benefits

The Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a feature score of 87/100 compared to the 5D Mark IV’s 74/100. Both cameras have some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch touchscreen, the absence of a flip screen, and WIFI connectivity. However, there are differences that make the Nikon D850 a better choice in terms of features.

The Nikon D850 has a higher screen resolution of 2,359,000 dots, providing a sharper and clearer display compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s 1,620,000 dots. Additionally, the D850 includes Bluetooth connectivity, which the 5D Mark IV lacks. Bluetooth allows for easier and faster file transfers and remote control options, giving the D850 an advantage in this area.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has GPS functionality, which the Nikon D850 does not have. This feature enables users to geotag their images and track their shooting locations, which can be beneficial for landscape and travel photographers.

In terms of features, the Nikon D850 stands out as a better choice due to its higher screen resolution and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s GPS functionality should not be overlooked, as it can be useful for specific photography needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and the importance of these features to the user.

Features
Features
74%
87%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3.2"
3.2"
Screen Resolution
1,620,000 dots
2,359,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in storage and battery, scoring 84/100 compared to the Canon’s 71/100. Both cameras share common features, such as having two memory card slots and no USB charging. However, the Nikon D850 surpasses the Canon model in several aspects.

The D850 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II compatible) memory cards, as well as XQD cards, enabling faster data transfer. In contrast, the 5D Mark IV is only UHS-I compatible. Moreover, the Nikon D850 boasts a significantly longer battery life, capable of taking 1840 shots with the EN-EL15a battery, while the Canon 5D Mark IV manages only 900 shots using its LP-E6N battery.

Despite these advantages, the Canon 5D Mark IV still has its merits, such as accepting Compact Flash cards, which might be preferable for some users. Nevertheless, the Nikon D850 clearly offers superior storage and battery performance, making it the better choice in this category.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
71%
84%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E6N
EN-EL15a
Battery Life
900 shots
1,840 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
91%
100%
Portrait (Color Depth)
24.8 bits
26.4 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
13.6 EVs
14.8 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
2995
2660
Scores

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Alternatives

User Scores
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