Nikon Z8 vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Nikon Z8 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the EOS R5 Mark II is better for portraits, wildlife.
Choose the Z8 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 45MP)
- faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈6ms)
- a lower price (from £2,229)
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 36)
Choose the EOS R5 Mark II for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps)
- a lighter body (746g vs 910g)
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z8 | EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 45MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | ≈6 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 60p | 8K 60p RAW |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 910 g | 746 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Canon LP-E6P |
| Card slots | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £2,999 | £4,399 |
| Used at MPB | £2,229–2,489 | £3,199–3,499 |
| 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 | EOS R5 Mark II |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | EOS R5 Mark II |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| 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 R5 Mark II uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Canon LP-E6P (about £99).
Z8 compatible lenses → · EOS R5 Mark II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z8 better than the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The Z8 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 45MP), faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈6ms), a lower price (from £2,229); the EOS R5 Mark II offers faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps), a lighter body (746g vs 910g), a newer design (2024).
Which is better for video, the Z8 or the EOS R5 Mark II?
They are closely matched for video (8K 60p vs 8K 60p RAW); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z8 or the EOS R5 Mark II?
The Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used at MPB; the EOS R5 Mark II costs £4,399 new and from £3,199 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z8 lenses on the EOS R5 Mark II?
Not directly. The Z8 uses Nikon Z and the EOS R5 Mark II uses Canon RF / RF-S; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.