• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 21.00mm - 1365.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Canon SX70

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 3780 vs 325 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.1 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX70 advantages over Nikon D5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $599 vs $3390
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    608g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter

User reviews

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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

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Canon SX70
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX70 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4S

Canon SX70
Nikon D4S
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX70 vs Nikon D4S

Compared to Nikon P610

Nikon D5
Nikon P610
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon P610

Canon SX70
Nikon P610
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • RAW file ability
  • $599
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Canon SX70 vs Nikon P610

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Canon SX70
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX70 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Nikon B700

Nikon D5
Nikon B700
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon B700

Canon SX70
Nikon B700
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • External Mic Jack
  • Newer
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon SX70 vs Nikon B700

Compare Other Cameras?