Canon
EOS R3
Pro 24MP full-frame stacked-sensor body built for sports, news, wildlife, and high-speed hybrid capture.
$5,999
Released Sep 2021
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Released May 2023
Z8 is 1.7 years newer.
Wins
EOS R3
Wins
Z8
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AEOS R3 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 150 frames)
- AEOS R3 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- AEOS R3 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 493)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
EOS R3
150 × 143 × 87 mm
1015 g (2.24 lb / 35.80 oz)
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
EOS R3 is 6mm wider, 24mm taller, and 4mm thicker than Z8.
EOS R3 is 195 g heavier than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm EOS R3 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
EOS R3
150 × 143 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
EOS R3
150 × 87 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
EOS R3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
EOS R3
✓ more lensesCanon RF
105+
native lenses available
Z8
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $2000 price gap primarily distinguishes the Canon EOS R3’s 102400 native ISO and 30 fps burst rate from the Nikon Z8’s 45.7-megapixel resolution.
Choose the Canon EOS R3 if you require maximum endurance for professional sports, as it delivers 620 CIPA-rated shots per charge. Its 8-stop stabilization and 102400 native ISO provide a distinct advantage in low-light environments.
Choose the Nikon Z8 if your workflow demands high-resolution imaging and 8K video, leveraging its 45.7-megapixel sensor. The inclusion of a full-size HDMI port and pre-capture functionality makes it a versatile hybrid tool at a lower price.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
EOS R3
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds RAW, H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 150, 142.6, 87.2
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 25,600 — higher is better
AF points / zones
1053 vs 493 — higher is better
AA filter
Only EOS R3 supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Battery life (CIPA)
620 shots vs 340 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -7.5 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
RAW buffer depth
1000 frames vs 150 frames — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles…
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z8 supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
EOS R3
Pros
- ✓30fps electronic burst from a stacked full-frame sensor
- ✓Exceptional low-light AF down to -7.5 EV
- ✓Integrated pro body with large LP-E19 battery
- ✓6K RAW video and 4K 120p
- ✓Rugged weather-sealed construction
Cons
- –24MP resolution trails higher-detail rivals
- –Large integrated-grip body
- –Expensive compared with enthusiast full-frame bodies
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, EOS R3 or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.5/10 versus 7.0/10 for EOS R3 — 45.7MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the EOS R3 and Z8?
EOS R3 is 24.1 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the EOS R3 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
EOS R3 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS R3 or the Z8?
EOS R3 reaches 30 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS R3 and Z8?
EOS R3 weighs 1015 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the Z8 is 195 g lighter.
Do the EOS R3 and Z8 record 4K video?
EOS R3: 6K RAW (max), 4K up to 120p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the EOS R3 and Z8 weather sealed?
EOS R3: Yes. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 620 shots (CIPA) for the EOS R3 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the EOS R3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
EOS R3 launched at $5,999 and Z8 at $3,999. The Z8 is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Canon and Nikon press materials.