Canon
EOS R5
45MP full-frame hybrid with 8K RAW, 4K 120p, strong AF, and 8-stop in-body stabilization.
$3,899
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Z8 is 2.8 years newer.
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Wins
EOS R5
Wins
Z8
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AEOS R5 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
- BZ8 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 180 frames)
- AEOS R5 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 493)
- AEOS R5 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
EOS R5
139 × 98 × 88 mm
738 g (1.63 lb / 26.03 oz)
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
EOS R5 is 6mm narrower and 21mm shorter than Z8 but it is also 5mm thicker.
EOS R5 is 82 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm EOS R5 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
EOS R5
139 × 98 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
EOS R5
139 × 88 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
EOS R5
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 R5
✓ 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
Separated by a $100 price difference, the choice between these high-resolution cameras centers on the Nikon Z8's faster stacked sensor versus the Canon EOS R5's superior image stabilization and lighter body.
Choose the Canon EOS R5 if you prioritize handheld shooting and portability, as it offers 8 stops of in-body image stabilization and weighs 172g less than its competitor. Its 5.76-million dot EVF also provides a higher resolution viewing experience for critical focus.
Choose the Nikon Z8 if you require high-speed performance for action, benefiting from a 1/32000 second electronic shutter and a stacked sensor that eliminates mechanical shutter wear. Its advanced subject recognition also includes vehicles and airplanes for specialized tracking.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
EOS R5
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds RAW, H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 97.5, 88
AF points / zones
1053 vs 493 — higher is better
AA filter
Only EOS R5 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -6 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
1000 frames vs 180 frames — 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 R5
Pros
- ✓45MP sensor balances resolution and speed
- ✓8K RAW and 4K 120p internal video
- ✓Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with advanced subject tracking
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓CFexpress Type B plus SD UHS-II storage
Cons
- –Heat limits can matter for extended high-end video
- –Battery life is modest
- –Still expensive versus newer enthusiast 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)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the EOS R5 and Z8 at major authorized retailers.
Canon EOS R5
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, EOS R5 or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for EOS R5 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the EOS R5 and Z8?
EOS R5 is 45 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the EOS R5 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
EOS R5 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS R5 or the Z8?
EOS R5 reaches 20 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS R5 and Z8?
EOS R5 weighs 738 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the EOS R5 is 82 g lighter.
Do the EOS R5 and Z8 record 4K video?
EOS R5: 8K RAW (max), 4K up to 120p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the EOS R5 and Z8 weather sealed?
EOS R5: Yes. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 490 shots (CIPA) for the EOS R5 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the EOS R5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
EOS R5 launched at $3,899 and Z8 at $3,999. The EOS R5 is $100 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Canon and Nikon press materials.