Nikon Z8
Stacked 45 MP · 8K 60p · Pro hybrid
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
45 MP stacked · 8K60 RAW · AI detection
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z8 lands at 95 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II at 95. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Nikon Z8 if…
- ✓Z9 sensor in compact body
- ✓8K 60p RAW internal
- ✓Class-leading EVF
Pick Canon EOS R5 Mark II if…
- ✓8K 60p RAW internal recording
- ✓Next-gen AI subject detection (5,850 AF points, 100% coverage)
- ✓Up to 30 fps electronic burst
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testVideo
TieCompared on the video sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Ergonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon Z8 | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 45.4 MP stacked CMOS (8256×5504) | 45 MP BSI stacked CMOS |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF |
| Burst | 20 fps RAW / 30 fps JPEG / 120 fps reduced-res | 12 fps mechanical / 30 fps electronic |
| Video | 8.3K 60p 12-bit N-RAW · 4K 120p | 8K 60p RAW · 4K 120p |
| AF | 3D-Tracking + 9 subject types | 5,850 user-selectable points, 100% coverage |
| Storage | CFexpress B + SD UHS-II | — |
| Weight | 910 g | — |
| ISO | — | 100–51200 (exp. 50–102400) |
| Stabilization | — | 5-axis IBIS |
Nikon Z8
- +Z9 sensor in compact body
- +8K 60p RAW internal
- +Class-leading EVF
- −No vertical grip integrated
- −Only 1 CFexpress + 1 SD slot
- −Heavy at 910g
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- +8K 60p RAW internal recording
- +Next-gen AI subject detection (5,850 AF points, 100% coverage)
- +Up to 30 fps electronic burst
- −Price jumped from R5
- −Body heats in extended 8K recording
- −Battery life modest
FAQ: Nikon Z8 vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Which is better, Nikon Z8 or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Both score 95 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon Z8 worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sensor.
Is Canon EOS R5 Mark II worth the price? +
At $4,299, Canon EOS R5 Mark II delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in autofocus.
Does Nikon Z8 or Canon EOS R5 Mark II 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.