Nikon Z8 vs Canon R5 vs Sony a7R V: 45 megapixel full-frame mirrorless cameras!

Tony & Chelsea Northrup review the new Nikon Z8 against its biggest competition in the arena of high-megapixel full-frame mirrorless cameras: the Canon R5 and Sony a7R V. The Z8 and Canon R5 have 45 megapixels, while the Sony a7R V has 60 megapixels. However, the Sony's extra megapixels slows it down a bit, because it has a much slower sensor readout speed, which reduces autofocus performance and lowers the maximum frames per second (FPS).

Tony & Chelsea test the cameras for handling, travel, portraits, video, wildlife, sports, low-light performance (considering both sensor stabilization and image quality), and lens selection.

0:00 Introduction
1:10 Handling
3:16 Travel Photography
4:13 Portrait Photography
5:47 Video
7:21 Wildlife Photography
12:10 Sports Photography
13:19 Image Quality
16:00 Sensor Stabilization
18:02 Lens Selection
18:52 Summary

[jimgsewell]

I bought my R5 2 years ago and I'm still very happy with it. I am also glad that Sony and Nikon shooters have great cameras to choose from. More competition from more manufacturers mean better cameras for everyone.

[MichaelAres]

Nikon Z8 is straight killing it! Love using it for weddings and events.

[jean-philippeperetti]

I bought an A7RV 6 months ago based on the AF, multi-angle screen, size and weight. I am aging, have shaky hands and failing eyesight. The A7RV has been a joy to use so far. I am not much into video, wildlife or fast action so, for me, it is the perfect camera.
Every year, technology advancements make cameras better and better but I hope to enjoy this one for years to come. No need to change or switch every so many months.

[horstschoninger]

My personally winner is the Z8. I do most landscape, wildlife, car racing, some macro and video. I can use my tilt& shift lens, my macro 200mm f4 and all my teles with this camera. I like the full-size grip and the weight. The weight gives me a better balance to the lens. Very important to me is the constant firmware update from Nikon. I switched from Canon to Nikon because Canon didn't pay for the offered discount what they advertised. Never had any problem with all Nikon gear over many years. I started with Nikon D3, D3x, D810, D500 & D850, never had a problem with lenses, too. I used Canon from 1978 when I lived in Germany up to the switch to Nikon more than a decade ago. Camera rating is for what you need your camera how you say it. These 3 cameras all top.

[BenSussmanpro]

Very interesting, thanks. I use my A7R5 for about 75% events & portraits, 25% sports. In sports I shoot mostly 5/10k team running and my hit rate is about 95% in-focus. I agree, it’s not the best sports camera but I rarely ever hit the buffer, and I shoot raw, and I’m often out for 90 min. shooting up to 1400 frames (depending on the no. of runners). Also, I have to switch focus real fast, & I’m amazed at the performance. For my purposes this camera is fine. Just thought this w/b helpful to anyone in a similar situation.

[OkwyUgonweze]

I have two cameras in this list, the Sony and Nikon . The sony wins for image stabilization, autofocus and details . The Nikon wins for dynamic range, handling, ergonomics, speed, color science and way better screen and viewfinder . The Sony has the numbers but when I look through the viewfinders and back screen of both cameras I have the impression that Sony is making bogus claim here .
I have carefully compared both cameras and the Nikon is the better choice .
You guys took two weeks to make this video and did not find out that Nikon lens ring can be configured to perform different functions including aperture ? You did not find out that Nikon 600mm
Lens has tc built in ?
did not notice that Sony viewfinder pixel drops significantly while tracking ?
did not notice that blackout completely ruled out the A7RV for any kind of action ?
Actually the Z8 is competing with R5, Z9 and the A1.
I can’t find one scenario I can pick the A7RV ahead of the Z8.
Flashpoint is not a pro flash as it can’t keep up with 7 frames per second and it’s ttl is not very reliable for such speed and performance get native flashes .
At this point I can conclude that you guys are now more YouTuber than photographers .

[lsaideOK]

Nikon gets 100 points for my being able to put my entire hand on the grip.

[tc]

7:00 Video Focus: Look at setting G6 in the Custom Controls menu. It changes the rate of speed that the focus adjusts during video to allow you to smooth out focus aquisition when changing subjects and also minimize lense focusing sound as much as possible. I believe the default is mid range. Changing it to fast makes a big difference.

[charlesworton]

Just bought a Nikon Z8, because the stacked sensor makes rolling shutter problems much less of an issue (a factor you didn't test for). In addition, the Z8 is a much better video platform (which you also didn't really test for). And the 2.01 firmware release - which came out after this review was published - greatly improves on the autofocus performance. For me, the Z8 was the best compromise.

[xcop]

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I had a bout with Bell’s palsy in 2014. I still have some minor muscle problems on my face. I had to learn to shoot with my left eye for months and refused to give up on my wildlife photography. I have issues with balance I have been working getting down lower but it’s difficult getting back up. I’m a follower of Christ and my faith is my life and I use photography to share the message of Christ. I’ll be 64 in August and plan on doing it for years to come. I’ve been watching your videos for about a year or so and enjoy your thought process. I can tell photography is more than a hobby for you and you have a gift as a teacher so keep your hands on the plow and don’t let your health hold you back. In the crazy world we live in it needs people who are well grounded as you seem to be. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[neelsfer]

Canon R5 even after a few years, still gives the best value for money.

[YoutubeChan]

Any review has its own pros and cons as long as it is seriously done and stated clearly.
It is a timely reference to me and thank you!
I love to keep using Nikon since starting my photography
It has very solid and good product like D850.
I will go for Z8 once its price drops to a better range.

[billneal]

Thanks for a great video. I have the z8 and am still learning the function. I like wildlife, portrait and landscapes.

[steveparent]

I am Canon shooter. I am so glad to see Nikon back in the race now. Nikon users have been waiting for so long and now their patience seems to be rewarded now. My love goes to the R5. This camera is 3 years old and it still competes with these newer cameras. I don't care with the App so this is a winner for me. Also Canon gave us so exciting new features through firmwares updates like Nikon did with the Z9. All of you enjoy your new exciting camera !

[tc]

11:15 Yes, if you write to the SD card, it will slow the buffer rate down, but if you use a good CF Express card and no SD card or set the SD card to overflow, your buffer will be as good as the Z9.
Don't take what these guys tell you as the final word. There are more in depth tests available on youtube.

[tracybarr]

I purchased the R5. This camera continues to blow my mind. Never regretted my purchase for a second.

[sebastianmichalski]

As an owner - this is a bias - I LOVE Z8 !!!

[kennethfeld]

For being 3 years old, going against cameras < 6months old the R5 held its own quite nicely. Hopefully the R5II is a beast.

[PhotoTrekr]

These days, I shoot Sony A7RV cameras and GM lenses. But, like I told a friend many years ago, I don't have to have the best, it just has to be good enough for me. Shoot whatever you want or can afford. But, get out there and shoot.

[billytetlow]

Three amazing cameras which can do things that we could not have even dream was possible five years ago. An interesting and enlightening review .