• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Canon 5DS advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Less expensive
    $1299* vs $1597
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 24.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon Z5 advantages over Canon 5DS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    675g vs 946g
    Lighter weight
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.71x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D810

Canon 5DS
Nikon D810
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon Z5
Nikon D810
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Internal flash
  • Top deck display

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS R
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Nikon Z5
Canon 5DS R
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels

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
Nikon Z5
Pentax K-1
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Canon 5DS
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Canon 5DS
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
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