• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Canon 5DS advantages over Nikon D6

  • Lighter weight
    946g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon D6 advantages over Canon 5DS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.14 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 41
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 348k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More AF points
    153 vs 61
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D810

Canon 5DS
Nikon D810
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2278
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 5DS vs Nikon D810

Nikon D6
Nikon D810
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2278
  • 35mm
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D810

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS R
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Canon 5DS vs Canon 5DS R

Nikon D6
Canon 5DS R
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Nikon D5

Canon 5DS
Nikon D5
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Canon 5DS vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Pentax K-1

Canon 5DS
Pentax K-1
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 5DS vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D6
Pentax K-1
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Canon 5DS
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Canon 5DS vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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