Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II Comparison
Canon EOS R5
Nikon Z6 II
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Nikon | |
Model | EOS R5 | Z6 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2020 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 30, 2020 | October 14, 2020 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS R5 outperforms the Nikon Z6 II with a score of 86/100 compared to 83/100. Both cameras share similarities as mirrorless models released in 2020, with the R5 announced on July 30th and the Z6 II on October 14th. They have comparable sizes, with the R5 measuring 138 x 98 x 88mm and weighing 680g, while the Z6 II measures 134 x 101 x 70mm and weighs 705g.
The R5 has a higher score due to its superior performance and features, but it comes at a higher launch price of $4499 compared to the Z6 II’s $1995. Despite the price difference, the R5 offers exceptional value with its advanced capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z6 II holds its own with a solid score and a more affordable price point. This makes it a competitive option for those seeking a reliable mirrorless camera without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the Canon EOS R5’s higher score reflects its superior performance, while the Nikon Z6 II offers a budget-friendly alternative with commendable features.
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS R5 outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in optics, scoring 88/100 compared to the Nikon’s 83/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have their respective lens mounts, with the Canon having the Canon RF mount and the Nikon using the Nikon Z mount.
The Canon EOS R5 boasts superior specs in several categories. With 45 megapixels, it provides a higher resolution than the Nikon Z6 II’s 24.5 megapixels. This results in more detailed images and greater flexibility for cropping and printing. Additionally, the R5 has a faster shooting speed of 20 frames per second, compared to the Z6 II’s 14 frames per second, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. The R5’s Digic X processor and a slightly higher DXOMARK sensor score of 95 further contribute to its superior performance.
The Nikon Z6 II, on the other hand, has its advantages as well. Its dual Expeed 6 processors provide efficient processing and potentially better noise reduction. Furthermore, the lower megapixel count can result in larger pixels, which can improve low-light performance and dynamic range. However, the difference in sensor scores between the two cameras is minimal, with the Z6 II scoring 94 on the DXOMARK test.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Canon EOS R5 emerges as the better choice in terms of optics. Its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and slightly better sensor performance make it a more versatile and capable camera. While the Nikon Z6 II has its merits, it falls short in comparison to the Canon R5’s superior optical capabilities.
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Optics
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 45 MP | 24.5 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8192 x 5464 px | 6048 x 4024 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | 35.9 x 23.9 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 20 fps | 14 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF | Nikon Z | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic X | Dual Expeed 6 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 1,053 | 273 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 5,760,000 dots | 3,690,000 dots |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II Video Performance
The Canon EOS R5 outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in video capabilities with a score of 100/100 compared to the Nikon’s 91/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 120fps and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Canon EOS R5 offers superior video quality and resolution.
The most significant advantage of the Canon EOS R5 is its 8K maximum video resolution, with dimensions of 8192 x 4320 pixels. This high resolution allows for more detailed and sharper video footage, providing a better overall video experience. In contrast, the Nikon Z6 II has a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Although 4K is still considered high-quality, it does not match the impressive 8K resolution offered by the Canon EOS R5.
Despite its lower video score, the Nikon Z6 II does have some advantages. Its 4K resolution is still considered high-quality and sufficient for most users, and it may provide faster processing and smaller file sizes compared to the 8K resolution of the Canon EOS R5. Additionally, both cameras offer the same maximum video frame rate and time-lapse functionality, ensuring that users can capture smooth, high-quality footage with either camera.
Comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z6 II, it is clear that the Canon EOS R5 offers superior video quality and resolution with its 8K capability. However, the Nikon Z6 II remains a solid choice for those who find 4K resolution sufficient and prioritize processing speed and smaller file sizes.
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Video
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  8K |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 8192 x 4320 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MP4 | MOV, MP4 |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z6 II are tied in terms of their feature scores, both earning an impressive 87 out of 100. When looking at their shared specifications, both cameras possess a 3.2-inch screen with a resolution of 2,100,000 dots, touchscreen capabilities, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Despite lacking GPS, the two cameras offer a range of features that appeal to photographers and videographers alike.
The Canon EOS R5 stands out for its flip screen, which the Nikon Z6 II lacks. This feature allows for more versatility when composing shots, especially in situations where the photographer needs to hold the camera at an awkward angle or capture self-portraits. By offering a flip screen, the EOS R5 provides an advantage in terms of usability and creative freedom.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z6 II does not have any distinct advantages over the Canon EOS R5 in terms of features. However, this does not necessarily mean that the Z6 II is an inferior camera overall. Other factors, such as sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, and lens selection, could still make it a compelling choice for certain users.
While both cameras boast impressive feature sets, the Canon EOS R5 offers slightly more flexibility due to its flip screen. The Nikon Z6 II matches the R5 in most other aspects, but it does not surpass it in any specific area. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will come down to personal preferences and priorities, as well as other factors beyond their feature scores.
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Features
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | TFT LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2,100,000 dots | 2,100,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z6 II surpasses the Canon EOS R5 in storage and battery with a score of 71/100, while the Canon EOS R5 scores 68/100. Both cameras possess two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The Canon EOS R5 also supports CFexpress cards, while the Nikon Z6 II is compatible with CFexpress Type B and XQD cards. Both cameras offer USB charging.
The Nikon Z6 II outshines the Canon EOS R5 with a battery life of 410 shots, compared to the R5’s 320 shots. The Nikon Z6 II uses an EN-EL15c battery, while the Canon EOS R5 utilizes an LP-E6NH battery. This difference gives the Nikon Z6 II a longer-lasting battery life.
Although the Canon EOS R5 has a slightly lower score, it still offers reliable storage options and USB charging capabilities. In this comparison, the Nikon Z6 II holds an advantage with its longer battery life, while the Canon EOS R5 remains a strong contender with its ample storage options.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress | SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6NH | EN-EL15c | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 320 shots | 410 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.3 bits | 25 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.6 EVs | 14.4 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3042 | 3303 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z6 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R5 or the Nikon Z6 II:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z6 II
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B&H photo video |
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