• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 30.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Canon 5D Mark IV

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 5.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 3780 vs 900 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 41
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    153 vs 61
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.1 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.1 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    183 vs 19 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 5D Mark IV advantages over Nikon D5

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,995 vs 2,343 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.6 vs 12.3 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Lighter weight
    890g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    30.4 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 5D Mark IV

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.

  • Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.

  • Superb image quality from RAW files; Improved dynamic range; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 7fps burst rate with unlimited JPEG buffer; High-quality cinema 4K video; Built-in Wi-Fi; Dual Pixel CMOS AF is very good.

  • JPEG files look soft at default settings; 1/200s flash sync; 4K video codec is cumbersome; 29:59 continuous video recording limit.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D5
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D5
Nikon D810
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 5D Mark IV
Nikon D810
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $2246
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 5D Mark IV
Nikon D4S
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
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