Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip
full-frame · 2020
Nikon Z8 · Body only
full-frame · 2023
Nikon Z8 · Body only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip lands at 92 and Nikon Z8 · Body only at 94. That puts Nikon Z8 · Body only ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Pick Nikon Z8 · Body only 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
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the photo sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on photo (94 vs 92).
Autofocus
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on autofocus (92 vs 90).
Video
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the video sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on video (90 vs 88).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip | Nikon Z8 · Body only |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2020 | 2023 |
Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
Nikon Z8 · Body only
- +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 · with battery grip vs Nikon Z8 · Body only
Which is better, Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip worth the price? +
At $4,199, Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in photo.
Is Nikon Z8 · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in photo.
Does Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip or Nikon Z8 · Body only 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 · with battery grip or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on photo (94 vs 92). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Canon EOS R5 · with battery grip or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on autofocus (92 vs 90). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.