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Canon EOS R5 — full-frame · 2020
Canon

Canon EOS R5

full-frame · 2020

92
/ 100
From $3,899
VS
Canon EOS R5 wins by 4
Nikon D850 — full-frame DSLR · 2017
Nikon

Nikon D850

full-frame DSLR · 2017

88
/ 100
From $3,299
Specdex verdict

Canon EOS R5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EOS R5 lands at 92 and Nikon D850 at 88. That puts Canon EOS R5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow 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 Nikon D850 if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Canon EOS R5

Compared on the photo sub-score

Canon EOS R5 leads on photo (92 vs 88).

Autofocus

Canon EOS R5

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon EOS R5 leads on autofocus (90 vs 84).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Nikon D850

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon D850 more score per dollar ($3,299 vs $3,899).

Canon EOS R5 92
vs
88 Nikon D850

Score breakdown

Canon EOS R5
92
photo 92
video 88
autofocus 90
ergonomics 86
Nikon D850
88
photo 88
video 80
autofocus 84
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon EOS R5 versus Nikon D850 — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EOS R5 Nikon D850
Format
full-frame
full-frame DSLR
Release year
2020
2017

Canon EOS R5

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

Nikon D850

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

FAQ: Canon EOS R5 vs Nikon D850

Which is better, Canon EOS R5 or Nikon D850? +

Canon EOS R5 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 Nikon D850 worth the price? +

At $3,299, Nikon D850 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.

Does Canon EOS R5 or Nikon D850 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 Nikon D850? +

Canon EOS R5 — leads on photo (92 vs 88). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon EOS R5 or Nikon D850? +

Canon EOS R5 — leads on autofocus (90 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.