Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z9 Comparison
Canon EOS R5
Nikon Z9
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Brand | Canon | Nikon | |
Model | EOS R5 | Z9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 30, 2020 | October 28, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z9 edges out the Canon EOS R5 by just one point, scoring 87/100 compared to the R5’s 86/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released within a year of each other, with the R5 in 2020 and the Z9 in 2021. They share similarities in size, with the R5 measuring 138 x 98 x 88mm and the Z9 at 149 x 150 x 91mm. However, the Nikon Z9 is significantly heavier at 1340g, while the Canon R5 weighs just 680g.
The Canon EOS R5 has the advantage of a lower launch price, costing $4499 compared to the Nikon Z9’s $5500. This makes the R5 a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a high-quality camera. On the other hand, the Nikon Z9’s higher score suggests superior overall performance, despite its higher price and weight.
Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s priorities. The Canon EOS R5 offers a more affordable and lightweight option, while the Nikon Z9 delivers marginally better performance at a higher cost and weight.
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z9 Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z9 both have an optics score of 88/100, indicating a tie in this category. These cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and built-in image stabilization. Both cameras also have their respective lens mounts, with the Canon EOS R5 featuring the Canon RF mount and the Nikon Z9 featuring the Nikon Z mount.
The Canon EOS R5 has 45 megapixels, a shooting speed of 20 frames per second, and a DXOMARK sensor score of 95. Its processor is the Digic X. In comparison, the Nikon Z9 has slightly better specs, with 46 megapixels, a faster shooting speed of 30 frames per second, and a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98. The Nikon Z9 uses the Expeed 7 processor.
Despite the Nikon Z9 having marginally better specifications, the Canon EOS R5 still holds its ground, particularly with its lens mount, which allows access to a wide range of Canon RF lenses. This offers photographers versatility and flexibility in choosing lenses to suit various shooting situations.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z9’s faster shooting speed and higher DXOMARK sensor score make it a strong contender, especially for action and sports photography. Its Nikon Z lens mount also provides compatibility with a growing selection of high-quality Nikon lenses.
Both cameras excel in their respective areas, with the Canon EOS R5 offering versatility through its lens mount and the Nikon Z9 providing superior performance in terms of speed and sensor quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Optics
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 45 MP | 46 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 | 8256 x 5504 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 | 23.9 x 35.9 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 | 30 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 | Expeed 7 | |
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 | 64 | |
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 | 25,600 | |
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 | 32 | |
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 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 900 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/ 32000 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 | 493 | |
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 | 3,686,400 dots |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z9 Video Performance
The Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z9 both excel in their video capabilities, with each camera achieving a perfect video score of 100/100. This indicates that both cameras are top performers in this category. However, there are some differences and similarities between these two models that are worth examining.
Both cameras boast impressive 8K video resolution, allowing for extremely high-quality footage. Additionally, they both offer a maximum video frame rate of 120fps and have built-in time-lapse functionality. These shared features demonstrate that both cameras are well-suited for various video projects and situations.
The Canon EOS R5 has a slight edge over the Nikon Z9 in terms of maximum video dimensions, offering 8192 x 4320 pixels compared to the Nikon Z9’s 7680 x 4320 pixels. This difference results in a marginally higher level of detail and clarity in the captured footage. This advantage may be significant for users who prioritize video quality and require the highest possible resolution for their projects.
Conversely, the Nikon Z9 does not outperform the Canon EOS R5 in any specific video-related aspect. Both cameras are evenly matched in their video capabilities, with the exception of the Canon EOS R5’s slightly superior video dimensions.
Taking these factors into account, it is evident that the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z9 are both exceptional cameras for video recording. The Canon EOS R5 holds a minor advantage in video dimensions, but this may not be significant enough to sway users who are already partial to the Nikon brand. Ultimately, both cameras provide outstanding video performance and would be suitable choices for any videographer.
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Video
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z9
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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 | 8K | |
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 | 7680 x 4320 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 |
Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon Z9 Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z9 both have a feature score of 87/100, making them equally competitive in terms of their capabilities. They share several common features, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Canon EOS R5 has a slightly higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots compared to the Nikon Z9’s 2,088,960 dots. This difference in resolution provides the R5 users with a marginally better display quality for image preview and menu navigation.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z9 has a GPS feature, which the Canon EOS R5 lacks. This GPS functionality allows Z9 users to geotag their photos, making it easier to organize and locate images based on the shooting location. This advantage can be particularly useful for travel and landscape photographers who need to keep track of various shooting spots.
Despite the minor differences in screen resolution and GPS functionality, both cameras offer a similar feature set that caters to the needs of professional photographers. The Canon EOS R5’s higher screen resolution may appeal to those who prioritize display quality, while the Nikon Z9’s GPS feature may be more attractive to photographers who require geotagging capabilities.
In the end, the choice between these two cameras comes down to personal preferences and specific requirements. Both the Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z9 are high-quality cameras with a wide range of features, making them suitable for various photography styles and professional needs.
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Features
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Nikon Z9
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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 | 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 | 2,088,960 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 Z9 Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z9 outperforms the Canon EOS R5 in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the R5’s 68/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and CFexpress cards. They also feature USB charging.
The Z9’s advantage lies in its extended battery life, providing 740 shots compared to the R5’s 320 shots. This is due to the Nikon’s EN-EL18d battery type, which is more powerful than the Canon’s LP-E6NH. Additionally, the Z9 is compatible with XQD memory cards, giving users more storage options.
While the Canon EOS R5 falls short in battery life, it still offers reliable storage and charging capabilities. Both cameras are suitable for various photography needs, but the Nikon Z9’s longer battery life and extra memory card compatibility make it a better choice for extended shooting sessions and versatile storage requirements.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z9
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress | CFexpress, XQD | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6NH | EN-EL18d | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 320 shots | 740 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z9
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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 | 26.3 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 | 2451 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z9
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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 Z9 Alternatives
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User Scores
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Canon EOS R5
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Nikon Z9
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