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Nikon D850 — full-frame DSLR · 2017
Nikon

Nikon D850

full-frame DSLR · 2017

88
/ 100
From $3,299
VS
Canon EOS R5 wins by 4
Canon EOS R5 — full-frame · 2020
Canon

Canon EOS R5

full-frame · 2020

92
/ 100
From $3,899
Specdex verdict

Canon EOS R5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 lands at 88 and Canon EOS R5 at 92. That puts Canon EOS R5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon D850 if…

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

Pick Canon EOS R5 if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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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).

Nikon D850 88
vs
92 Canon EOS R5

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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

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

FAQ: Nikon D850 vs Canon EOS R5

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

Canon EOS R5 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon D850 worth the price? +

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

Is Canon EOS R5 worth the price? +

At $3,899, Canon EOS R5 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R5 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, Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R5? +

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

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

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