Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS R

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Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS R

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35mm 858.0mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 100 - 102,400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5.
Compare Nikon D5 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5 conclusion.

35mm 864.0mm²
30.3 megapixels
ISO 100 - 40,000

Go in depth with our full Canon EOS R Review.
How does it shoot? Canon EOS R in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the EOS R.
Compare Canon EOS R image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon EOS R conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D6
Compare D5 vs D6
Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon EOS R

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Canon EOS R

Bigger pixels
~ 6.45 vs 5.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~0.40 vs 2.1 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

3780 vs 370 shots
Capture more photos
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Faster JPEG shooting
12.1 fps vs 8.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
200 vs 126 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
12.1 fps vs 8.0 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
183 vs 65 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 EOS R advantages over Nikon D5

Less expensive
$2499 vs $3290*
Save money for lenses or accessories
Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
EOS R test data on DxO Mark D5 test data on DxO Mark

2,742 vs 2,343 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Newer
6 years vs 9 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
More pixels
30.3 vs 20.8 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
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
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
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

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
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

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read EOS R User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5

Body Only (CF Version)

Body Only (CF Version)
Body Only (XQD Version)
Body Only 100th Anniversary Edition (XQD)

All D5 Deals

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Buy the Canon EOS R

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 24-105mm lens

All EOS R Deals

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.
Read our Nikon D5 Review

Very good overall image quality; Good dynamic range & very good high ISO performance; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF performance; Sharp native lenses; Great performance with adapted optics; Compact design; Fully articulating LCD.
Sensor performance lags behind competition; No In-Body Image Stabilization; Sluggish burst speed with C-AF; Mediocre battery life; No 4Kp60; 1.7x 4K crop; Ergonomics could be better.
Read our Canon EOS R Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5

Canon EOS-1D C

$4893
35mm

Touchscreen
More cross-type AF points

$6989
35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Canon EOS R

Canon EOS-1D C

$1499
35mm

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

$6989
35mm

Bigger pixels
Dual card slots

Compare Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5

Nikon D4S

$4893
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$5399
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4S

Canon EOS R

Nikon D4S

$1499
35mm

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$5399
35mm

Bigger pixels
Fast startup

Compare Canon EOS R vs Nikon D4S

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

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Canon EOS R

Canon 1DX Mark II

$1499
35mm

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2999
35mm

Bigger pixels
Fast startup

Compare Canon EOS R vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Nikon Z7

Nikon D5

Nikon Z7

$4893
35mm

Bigger pixels
Fast startup

$2147
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z7

Canon EOS R

Nikon Z7

$1499
35mm

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2147
35mm

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

Compare Canon EOS R vs Nikon Z7

Compared to Nikon Z6

Nikon D5

Nikon Z6

$4893
35mm

Fast startup
Longer video battery life

$1396
35mm

Focus peaking
Less expensive

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z6

Canon EOS R

Nikon Z6

$1499
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
More telephoto lens reach

$1396
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon EOS R vs Nikon Z6

Compare Other Cameras?