Canon EOS R5
full-frame · 2020
Canon EOS R8
full-frame · 2023
Canon EOS R5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EOS R5 lands at 92 and Canon EOS R8 at 86. That puts Canon EOS R5 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Canon EOS R5 if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Pick Canon EOS R8 if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Canon EOS R5Compared on the photo sub-score
Canon EOS R5 leads on photo (92 vs 86).
Autofocus
Canon EOS R5Compared on the autofocus sub-score
Canon EOS R5 leads on autofocus (90 vs 84).
Ergonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Canon EOS R8Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Canon EOS R8 more score per dollar ($1,499 vs $3,899).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R8 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2020 | 2023 |
Canon EOS R5
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
Canon EOS R8
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Canon EOS R5 vs Canon EOS R8
Which is better, Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R8? +
Canon EOS R5 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon EOS R5 worth the price? +
At $3,899, Canon EOS R5 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in photo.
Is Canon EOS R8 worth the price? +
At $1,499, Canon EOS R8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in photo.
Does Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R8 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R8? +
Canon EOS R5 — leads on photo (92 vs 86). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R8? +
Canon EOS R5 — leads on autofocus (90 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.