• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 45
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    153 vs 45
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon T8i advantages over Nikon D5

  • Less expensive
    $899 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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 1DX

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX

Canon T8i
Canon 1DX
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 1DX

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 T8i
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i 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 T8i
Nikon D4S
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i 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 T8i
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Canon T8i
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Compare Other Cameras?