Canon EOS R3 vs Nikon Z9
Canon EOS R3 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The EOS R3 is the better pick for astrophotography; the Z9 is better for landscapes.
Choose the EOS R3 for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (1015g vs 1340g)
- a lower price (from £2,099)
Choose the Z9 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP)
- faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈5ms)
- stronger video (8K 60p)
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 36)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS R3 | Z9 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.1MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Canon RF (full frame) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | ≈5 ms | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 102,400 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 6K 60p RAW | 8K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 1015 g | 1340 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E19 | Nikon EN-EL18d |
| Card slots | 2× CFexpress B | 2× CFexpress B |
| New price | No longer sold new | £4,499 |
| Used at MPB | £2,099–3,109 | £2,449–2,629 |
| Native lenses in our database | 36 (14 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Z9 |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | EOS R3 |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Z9 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). Batteries: Canon LP-E19 (about £169) vs Nikon EN-EL18d (about £159).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS R3 better than the Nikon Z9?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS R3 offers faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (1015g vs 1340g); the Z9 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP), faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈5ms), stronger video (8K 60p).
Which is better for video, the EOS R3 or the Z9?
The Z9 is stronger for video: EOS R3 records 6K 60p RAW, Z9 records 8K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the EOS R3 or the Z9?
The EOS R3 costs No longer sold new new and from £2,099 used at MPB; the Z9 costs £4,499 new and from £2,449 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS R3 lenses on the Z9?
Not directly. The EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S and the Z9 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.