Canon R5 vs Nikon Z7 II (Which Camera Does It Best?)

A full-frame mirrorless camera like the Canon R5 is indeed a masterpiece. There is so much to adore about the camera, from its resolution to its breathtaking speed and video capabilities.

Beyond these, many photographers find its DIGIC X image processor extremely instrumental to its brilliant focusing performance.

Representing a different brand but still of the same mirrorless group, it sports a high resolution of 45.7MP FX-format BSI sensor. With dual EXPEED 6 image processors, some photographers and fans of the Nikon Z7, which is cut from some mirrorless cloth as Canon R5, believe it can give the latter a run for its money. True or not, one thing is right – Canon R5 vs. Nikon Z7 II is a healthy debate.

So, let’s take a closer look at the features of these two cameras representing the genius of mirrorless camera technology. Shall we?

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What Camera Compares to the Canon EOS R5?

No doubt, Canon EOS R5 is one of the most talked-about mirrorless cameras right now. And worthy enough, it deserves the hype and attention it’s getting from photographers and content creators.

But can another camera rival it and match it in a toe-to-toe fashion? Its high-resolution features set it apart for real, but if that is the basis of the inquiry, we think there is a healthy rival – Nikon Z7 II.

The Nikon Z7 II, a progeny of the earlier released Z7, can only be expected to sport better features and more refined image resolution and processing ability.

This is the only way it can match the efficiency of EOS R5, and it doesn’t disappoint here.

Even though it is believed that the Canon EOS R5 outperforms Z7 ii as an action photography camera, comparing both cameras with their base specifications is a fairer way of reaching them.

Is the Nikon Z7 Still worth Buying?

You can’t deny one truth, the Nikon Z7 is, at this moment, no longer the sweet spot in the brand’s Z-mount camera collection. That honor goes to Z7 ii.

This isn’t to say the Z7 isn’t similar to the newest Z7 ii. They both feature a 45.7MP resolution, which makes them still worth buying. Talking about the sensor, the Z7 flags similarities with Nikon D850.

The difference is that D850 crafted a high-performance sensor phase-detection system that offers an amazing 439 phase-detection AF points.

To show you that you can still put some faith in Nikon Z7, we’ll briefly highlight some of the features that make it a worthy purchase. Here we go:

Super EVF
Vibration reduction is sensor-based
Weather-resistant

If you’re looking for a high-resolution camera, the 45.7MP is an excellent option. Its five-axis stabilization system makes for a similar five additional stops, which Nikon first tried with this model.

The build quality of the Z7 also impresses. As stated earlier, the Z7 is identical to the D850 DSLR in a more portable form and flags a different control layout.

Canon R5 vs Nikon Z7 II:What are the Differences?

01. Canon EOS R5

For a photographer looking for resolution and speed, the Canon R5 would easily satisfy this need.

Having set a standard for versatility, the EOS R5 features the new 45 MP CMOS sensor, which can dish out 8K video production, continuous shooting of 12 MPs, and a mechanical shutter.

It also began the new revolution of EOS cameras featuring 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization.

Its focus system also uses deep machine learning for enhanced subject tracking and precise face, eye, and head detection for subjects, including animals.

Specifications

Touchscreen LCD with 3.2″ vari angle
76m dot OLED EVF
Full-frame CMOS sensor
12 fps shutter

02. Nikon Z7 II

The Nikon Z7 II boasts improved focusing and superior versatility. It is a great upgrade of the original Z7 with even more enhanced capabilities.

It features a high-res 45.7-megapixel FX-format BSI sensor, and its dual EXPEED 6 image processor keeps it one mile ahead of many other cameras.

Specifications

The 493-point Phase-Detect AF system
10fps continuous shooting
7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor
UHD 4K60 video
Dual SD card slot

So which is better? To be honest, both cameras leapfrog each other in certain areas, with one coming out to compensate for that in other areas. Let’s begin by comparing their ergonomics.

Ergonomics Comparison Between Canon R5 and Nikon Z7 II

Let’s begin with the front view of both cameras. While they both slightly differ in the placements of their buttons and model marking of the camera, a wider preference leans more in favor of Canon EOS R5.

Its sleek design, when matched with Z7 II, gives it an upper hand in this regard.

Considering their appearance at the top, they both sport different brand differences, with Canon retaining its traditional multifunction button and a top dial.

On the other hand, Nikon features a three-button arrangement on the grip.

Both cameras seem to have comfortable deep grips coated with rubber. This means their handling experience should be similar.

Nikon has a better conventional PASM dial approach, while Cannon uses a more modern Mode dial/button.

Their design at the back is the last thing we’ll consider in the ergonomics section. Canon here uses a big rotary dial on its camera’s back and a heavy-button layout.

On the other hand, Nikon adopts a multi-selector button with an OK button right in the middle. More controls are located towards the bottom of the camera.

The major difference here appears to be the LCD screen. While Canon uses a flip-out LCD screen, Nikon’s LCD screen is restricted to only upward and downward tilt.

For vlogging, the flip-out LCD has more advantages since the user can see themself while recording. It is also a preferable option for vertical shooting.

Overall, both the Canon and Nikon are amazing ergonomically, and the advantages here are not so serious. Let’s take a look at their specifications.

Specifications Comparison Between Canon R5 and Nikon Z7 II

While they have very similar ergonomics, their capabilities in terms of functionality seem to be farther apart. Canon seems to have more powerful features.

Being able to shoot 12 fps continuously is amazing. Its mechanical shutter matched with the 20fps makes it even better. The Nikon Z7 II, on the other hand, caps its shooting mode to 10 high speeds fps.

EOS R5 also has a great buffer of 180 images if one shoots in RAW. This feature allows the camera to shoot up to 15 seconds without filling the buffer.

Compared to Nikon Z7 II, it would slow down and drag for 2 seconds. For shooting action, this disparity matters a lot.

Both cameras perform well when they’re required to focus on static subjects. They also have a similar low-light focusing feature.

This can also be said if the subject’s face is visible in the camera frame. Both cameras can track eyes with exceptional speed and accuracy.

However, regarding more generic tracking of subjects, like airshows or birds flying, Canon EOS R5 is a step ahead of Z7 II.

While the Nikon Z7 II features a solid autofocus system, it is not built to track erratic and fast subjects like the EOS R5 can.

Video shooters will most likely find the Canon EOS R5 more helpful to their craft, as it can shoot 8K videos, making it 4K clear of what Nikon has to offer.

Even if you’re not going to be shooting an 8K video, the Canon EOS R5 can also shoot a 120fps slow-motion video of 4K. The Nikon Z7 II, on the other hand, maxes out for slow-motion 4K at 60 fps.

The Nikon is not exactly a slouch in the video area, but competing with features like 8K or even 4K 120fps is difficult. However, a few nice features in Nikon Z7 II seem to be lacking in EOS R5, which are two majorly: price and Base ISO 64.

At this base, Nikon Z7 II offers a superior dynamic range than the EOS R5, by say, two-thirds of a stop which is significant for many landscape photographers shooting at high-contrast scenes.

With this key distinction being pointed out, it is safe to say the image quality of both cameras is identical, practically, which is to say, picking one over the other, you won’t miss much.

Is Nikon Good for Wildlife Photography?

For every camera review for wildlife photography, expect to see a couple of Nikon models on the list.

With models like Nikon D850, often referred to as an all-rounder in nature photography, it is hard to knock this mirrorless camera brand off any wildlife photography camera list.

They bring a magical feel to this photography niche with their excellent shooting speeds and ability to shoot breathtaking landscapes.

They also have some of the best autofocus systems with prime speed and precision.

So, whether you intend to capture the details of a bird flocking amid other birds or a lion in the pack of zebras, Nikon is an incredibly suited camera for this.

Is the Nikon Z7 Good in Low Light?

The Nikon Z7 does a good job in low-light focusing, provided your subject isn’t in motion.

Some other models of Nikon can do a fairly better job, but you wouldn’t have any problems focusing on issues that are, for instance, like landscapes if there is a significant amount of light in the sky.

The Nikon Z7 also slouch for blue hour photography, and the story seems different if you have a moving subject.

While the camera works excellently at tracking the eyes and faces of humans and pets, its technology still needs improvement in areas like intuitive SF systems.

It gets even worse in low-light areas and can be a minor bug to a user.

Is it Worth Upgrading From Z7 to Z7 II?

With every upgrade comes better features that may or may not be significant to the gadget’s purpose. It now depends on what is of prime importance to the user.

For the Nikon Z7 II, there are notable improvements to the camera features, while it still retains that traditional Nikon mirrorless feel. There are a few improvements worth considering.

01. Eye AF has better than single-point AF for portrait

The eye AF featured in Nikon Z7 II is excellent for portraits due to its quickness and reliability. This is, of course, in contrast with the single-point AF typical of the Nikon Z7.

This distinction matters because a sharper focus is nailed in the subject’s eye when shooting with Nikon Z7 II.

02. More compactness and good form factor counts

The Nikon Z7 II is not only smaller than the progeny model, but the nicely designed hand grip and layout of the logical button are particularly impressive.

Z7 is much smaller and weighs about 30% less than Nikon Z7. This compactness and light weight are crucial for mobility and extended shooting.

03. You don’t need to calibrate the lens.

It also is noteworthy that by upgrading to the Z7 II, you wouldn’t need to calibrate your camera lens.

What is the Sony Equivalent of the Canon R5?

Without a second guess, Sony a7R IV matches the Canon R5 features in many ways and has even recently seen more comparisons with both cameras.

Their focusing and image quality are similar; they are mirrorless cameras.

For action photographers, though, the Canon EOS R5 has the edge over the Sony a7R IV due to its exceptional continuous shooting prowess.

Rounding Up

On a head-to-head comparison, Canon and Nikon leave a lot to imagine and relish how far camera digital technology has come. Both the EOS R5 and Z7 II have some amazing features and a couple of interesting overlaps.

The differences aren’t so strong and significant. If you’re looking for the best mirrorless camera to buy, we recommend any of both brands as a direction to go.