Nikon Z8 vs Canon EOS R3
Nikon Z8 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z8 is the better pick for landscapes; the EOS R3 is better for astrophotography.
Choose the Z8 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP)
- faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈5ms)
- a lighter body (910g vs 1015g)
- stronger video (8K 60p)
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 36)
- a newer design (2023)
Choose the EOS R3 for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lower price (from £2,099)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z8 | EOS R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 24.1MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | ≈5 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 60p | 6K 60p RAW |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 910 g | 1015 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Canon LP-E19 |
| Card slots | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) | 2× CFexpress B |
| New price | £2,999 | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £2,229–2,489 | £2,099–3,109 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 36 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Z8 |
| 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 Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Canon LP-E19 (about £169).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z8 better than the Canon EOS R3?
It depends on your priorities. The Z8 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.1MP), faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈5ms), a lighter body (910g vs 1015g); the EOS R3 offers faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps), better low-light performance, a lower price (from £2,099).
Which is better for video, the Z8 or the EOS R3?
The Z8 is stronger for video: Z8 records 8K 60p, EOS R3 records 6K 60p RAW.
Which is cheaper, the Z8 or the EOS R3?
The Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used at MPB; the EOS R3 costs No longer sold new new and from £2,099 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z8 lenses on the EOS R3?
Not directly. The Z8 uses Nikon Z and the EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.