Canon EOS R5 vs Sony a7R V vs Nikon Z7 II: Which Camera SHOULD You Buy? (2023) 

Canon, Sony or Nikon in this battle???

I'll agree that the Z7ii may not be the best choice of the 3, but no check mark for being $1000 cheaper (you're commentary says there's no point in saving "a couple hundred bucks" but it's a lot more than that)? BTW, I've had no problem using the Z7ii for shooting horse shows.

I think it's more about the system you're already in - I use the A1 for work and have invested a lot in Sony glass, so there's not enough between the Canon and the Sony to clear out a whole system and move over to Canon. Like you, I started on Nikon and moved over to Sony when the A1 dropped.

Good review overall with the major exception being the fact that the Nikon is actually $1k cheaper (not "a few hundred dollars") and it should definitely get a "check mark" for that reason alone.

I remember when Jared was Mainly using Sony, he would subconsciously favour them in every test just slightly, now he is mainly using Canon and.... At least his consistent lol. But seriously to give a checkmark to Canon regarding their Lens collection when they have like 4 or 5 primes only and have completely closed their mount to 3rd party manufacturers is just beyond ridiculous. But his video i guess

The Z7 II is in a way more of a direct competitor for the A7IV, with a similar price and only 6MP difference between them at a range where it matters less. Unfortunately for Nikon the A7IV like the A7rV also does 10-bit 4:2:2 in video and has much better AF in both stills and video even though it has a slightly lower price.

Very detailed and to the point. This video validates everything I have been saying. Thank you bud for the great work.

Great overview! On the Canon 3rd party - agree that I'd like to see them open up the market, but they are coming out with reasonably priced lenses (100-400, 600mm, 800mm). I'm still using my Tamron 150-600 with the adaptor on my R6.

There is over a thousand dollar difference ($1100) between the Z7ii and the other 2 cameras. Just FYI not everyone knows this.

I find my AF-S f mount glass on the Z9 using the FTZ II adapter has the same IQ and AF is actually faster and more accurate on the Z9 compared to my D850. Sigma has announced it will support the Z mount with several lenses in 2023.

There are other aspects to the canon af that are fantastic. If you have a group of people you can choose any eye quickly. That was a major problem with my Sony a7r3. Also the dragging the finger across the touchscreen is easy accurate and faster than any joystick. The tap to focus is amazing. It focuses exactly where you tap. And you can hand the camera to anyone and they can take the pic just like a smartphone

I agree about Nikon 100% havent grown up with my father always shooting Nikon and then myself starting out with Nikon for 3 years before switching to my current camera when switching from dslr to mirrorless the Sony A7R III.

- Definitely depends on the type of shooting you do. - I'd take the Nikon for my type of shooting, landscapes/architecture/travel: ISO 64, waaaay cheaper than those other two cameras, not paying for features I don't need, lighter weight, shutter speeds over 30 seconds (Sony just added it though), and they have the 14-30 and 24-200 lenses which are well reviewed/light weight/and you can get away with carrying only two lenses. The only thing that stops me from jumping over to Nikon is that I'm waiting for a fully articulating screen. - I like that Nikon is remembering which segment each offering is targeting, as opposed to the others trying to do everything for everyone with every model.

Thank you for this superb video. It has helped me realize which will be my next purchase. I already have numerous ""L" lenses so the decision is now concrete. Will have to purchase an adapter for my EF lenses. Again thank you.

Haven't watched through the video yet, but I've been biased in favor of Canon since I was a little kid, and have worked my way up to the R5 and a modest collection of L glass over the last few years. Always learning and it's clear I'm holding the camera back moreso than the other way round 🤙 Love your stuff, Jared; keep being you ✌️

In Dublin (Ireland) the R5 body is priced at €4849 and the Nikon Z7ii is on sale at €3029, making the Nikon less than 2/3 the price. The US prices you quoted also had the Nikon considerably cheaper than the Canon. Surely this has to be factored in to any comparison.

The vast majority of people will stick with one particular make, as they have all of the gear and lenses to go with it. They also know how the menus work, without having to read the manual. Even before I watch this, I know the Nikon will come third. I use my Z7II for sports and wildlife photography, and I am more than happy with it. I don't do video.

Almost 2 years ago I switched from a Nikon D800 that I had for almost a decade to the Canon R5, and videos like this really helped to separate the options for me. Thanks for doing this. Also cool to see how well the R5 still stacks up against the latest from Sony. I almost bought an A1 instead of the R5, but couldn't justify the price when the savings could buy me another lens. Plus I just liked the R5 better than the A1 overall, in terms of feel, menus, etc.

I'd say the R5 for sure. It's incredibly how well this camera has held up over 2 1/2 years and beats the A7RV in most ways except for resolution - not that there is any real world diff - (including dynamic range, ISO noise and sensor readout speed despite not being a BSI sensor). The A7RV is basically just a rehashed A7RIV with firmware updates and a new LCD. The Z9 is pretty incredible, but also quirky and also very expensive.

It really depends on what you shoot. For Landscapes, Portraits and Street and low light Nikon Z7ii is perfect and more than enough , plus it's 1k USD cheaper , so + 2 great lenses to fill the gap. For action, video, Wildlife , Sports both Sony and Canon are superior than Z7ii, first of all cause of autofocus. There are many people who will not need extra features of Sony and canon and will save money for extra glass. But man that screen on A7RV is dope.

So much good info in such a short time!

Extremely helpful thank you 🙏

Great review Jared. One comment. I have the Canon R5 and it does go down to 50 iso. I shoot at 50 a lot--it's labeled as 'low' in the menu.

on ISO the Nikon Z 7ii goes down to ISO 32 -great for landscapes

Thanks Bro for the review👍👍

Very good and detailed video, so I went out and sold all my Canon gear and purchased a Fuji camera! Thanks for your help!

Hey Jared, been watching your content for awhile now and love everything you do. I am curious however what you think of micro 4/3 systems such as the OM Systems OM-1. Anyway keep up the awesome work and happy holidays!

Still hanging onto my D810, going to wait and see what the z7iii / z8 bring. Then decide whether to switch to Sony

I would go with the a7RV because I am a Sony user but more importantly, because i can depend on the camera not overheating. At this point, all 3 cameras are great now. Autofocus is subjective and as long as it has 400+ focus points with fast focus, then its great enough already. Even then i still find myself using touch tracking, spot focus and center focus because I cannot rely on wide AF-C alone. Buy the camera that you like the most or are in their systems, simple as that.

I love fropack 1,2,3 Thank you Fro!

One important point you left out is a comparison of the three companies support, and repair facility's. If they have a Pro membership, how do the benifi6ts compare?

So what do you suggest should we wait for the R5 Mark ii comes in the market which rumored to be 61MP or R3 which has a better battery and good for videos

Dude… when it comes to lens selection, Nikon Z-mount can adapt both EF and E-mount lenses. It has the broadest selection of lenses it can use compared to the others. Maybe not officially, but the 3rd party adapters work well.

I just want to be in the room when you’re coming up with names for your presets

R5 for me, mostly adapted EF and third-party [fast Sigma Art Primes] RF 135mm f1.8 in the gun sights, and no regrets!

I appreciate Jarod’s thoughtful opinion. He seems to be a straight shooter when it comes to critiquing brands. He’s big on Canon because it outperforms the others. However, some people get too cranked up when “their” brand isn’t number one in his book. Remember, the greatest photos of all time were taken with cameras with a fraction of a percent of the tech in these machines. The best camera is the one in your hand. Make it work. Cheers!

There’s not a cat in hells chance Jared will pick the Nikon.

7:48 the colors and contrast of this first image are just fantastic.

Jared , we love you and your awesome content.

Thanks for the enormous amount of work you give us! What you and yours viewers would recommend for wild photography: Canon EOS R6 Mark II or Sony A7R V?

Would it be possible to add weather sealing of cameras and lenses? Or are they all weather sealed?

Thank you Jared!!!

Its so different to the 5d mark IV days and 6d mark II days where Cannon lagged behind. Its probably Nikons turn next to move up from the back. If they can trickle down the Z9 tech to the next Z7 and Z6 level camera I think Nikon shooters will be very happy.

“Hybrid camera” hype these days is enormous. The comparison these days are based mostly on the video capabilities and how fast is the autofocus(which is enough fast on any camera if you do portraits/landscapes/street and etc.) That’s why there is so much hate on Nikon. A lot customers pay extra price for a body which can shoot 8k but never use it, instead they do stills only. So there is no point to pay extra price for features when you’ll never use them.

You can adapt excellent A Mount glass to the A7RV. Old Sony and Minolta glass work well.

Spot on honest reviews. Hilarious, too. 😂 I laughed with you from start to finish. 😂

Finally, Nikon has a good sensor. I have never liked the colors of the D1, D2, D3, etc... not accurate at all--way off. And now I am SOOOOOO happy they are using a Sony sensor, it's wonderful, what a perfect combination, I love it. the Z9 is awesome because of the Sony sensor. the best of both worlds.

You do know Nikon is better all the way, shalom bro

Not even 3 minutes in and Jared shits on Nikon. We get it man, we get it…

Since you're asking, I'd stay with Nikon out of these 3. Total respect for Canon, and many of Sony's decisions leave me scratching my head. Z9's AF system is waaaaay better than "good-ish". I feel like the "Z8" would be a more fair comparison here, but, it doesn't exist yet 🙂

The Z7II isn’t just good at landscapes though. It’s good at portraits, fashion, engagements, weddings and so on. It’s not just about sports and wildlife. I think that should be mentioned.

Isn't the iso mode L equal to iso 50 in the R5?

Had both the Canon R5 and now have the Sony a7RV and I have to say the Sony wins in the AF. Agree with everything else in the video but the Canon definitely isnt as good for AF. The Sony also recognises faces and can pick out my partners face in a crowd from over 20 meters using a 35mm lens. You know how crazy that is? I think you need to do more testing.

Sony has BY FAR the best full frame lens selection. Starting with half a dozen wide angle zooms (most of them F2.8), a 12mm and 14mm prime, THREE 20mm primes, and two 24mm primes. Primes include the ones mentioned above plus multiple others in 35, 40, 50, 85, 90, 100, 105, 135, 400, and 600mm. Then half a dozen zooms in the ~24-70mm range (most of them F2.8). Almost a DOZEN telephoto zooms ranging from 70 to 600mm. Then you got some incredible superzoom/travel lenses, like the unicorn that is the Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8 (a zoom/aperture combo that is still unmatched), and the bargain but high quality Tamron 28-200 F2.8-5.6. Sony's own 24-240mm isn't great but still far better than Canon's RF version. And sure, only 1/3 of these are actually made by Sony, with Tamron and Sigma making the rest, but that's the beauty of having a mount fully open to 3rd parties. You can't possibly tell me Canon RF or Nikon Z can surpass all this.

Canon getting the “adaptability” lens win over Sony is like a Toyota getting the gasoline engine award against an EV. Ridiculous. 😂

Maybe I'm way off base here, but comparing ISO ranges seems kind of pointless? Like, it's my understanding that it's more or less arbitrary, and if you really want to know about the type of performance you're going to get from a body in terms of ISO-related stuff, you need to do actual dynamic range and low-light/under-and-over exposure tests with different ISOs.

I would think most people deciding on any of these cameras are already fully invested in one of the systems... and in that case it would be obvious which camera that person would choose. Unless someone is looking to make a drastic change from one system to another. I bought the A7RV because I had the A7III and already have 3 sony lenses and 2 tamron lenses so even if the R5 had certain advantages over the Sony, I wouldn't get it because it is a pain in the ass to change over to all canon lenses.

Hey there! I keep getting error 70 on my R5! Is there any suggestions or ways to fix this?

I sold my d810 and all but one f-mounts and after much consideration went with new Z7II, but I'm exactly the landscape, none-professional guy. Price was a huge factor (body and glasss) and brand familiarity. I hope they will get better with their upcoming bodies. So far (with the D-series) I was buying used and I skipp a generation. Will see if that tactic works for the Zs

The Canon R5 can go down to ISO "L" which is, according to some software, equivalent to to ISO 50.

Can you please do a video on the Cannon R6 Mark ll vs the Sony A7IV?

Like you mentioned, the z7ii will become my second camera for landscape :)

Hi Jared Don't forget that you Can adapt many alpha point on sony

Absolutely love these comparison vids Jared, and that LCD screen comment is spot on! The only time I use the lcd is if I rarely shoot macro for those unnatural angles, great video!

Awesome video

Great review. I'm definitely leaning towards the R5.

It's worth mentioning that Nikon has official support from Viltrox and Voigtländer, so not just Tamron who recently announced their first official lens. While Viltrox might not be as sexy as Sigma, but still it's officially supported. Plus, since the Z mount can adapt E-mount lenses, I would put it at the top for adaptability, it's a shocker that this was not taken into consideration. As for glass, I also personally agree that I like the RF glass better, not because Nikon glass is worse, far from it. Z glass is known for its very good quality; however, with a few exceptions, Nikon has a very weird obsession and fixation on super telephoto (400mm up) and standard zoom (20 something mm to something) with a lot of overlaps. Moreover, the lenses are replicating what was in the F mount with very limited experimentation, while Canon is going ballsy with the 28-70mm f2.0, the 5mm Fisheye f2.8, and a much more useful zoom range of 15mm-35mm f2.8 than Nikon's extremely limited 14mm-24mm f2.8 wide zoom. And while I don't use AF or AF tracking being mostly a landscape/cityscape shooter, a few days ago I was on a small vacation in the mountains and I saw some goats that I was trying to shoot while they were running about and... The AF mostly failed to track and focus, and in some instances even gave me a false green focus confirmation box when the results were, in fact, back-focused... It was bad, and now I know why using the current Z lineup (excluding the Z9) can be a hair-pulling and frustrating experience. I haven't tried the other two cameras in this head-to-head comparison, but I know for a fact that the results I got from the Z7II couldn't be worse in the situation I was in. While this last trip helped me bond much more with my Z7II, the disappointment with the AF (my hit rate was about 40%-50%) made me realize how non-competitive the system is and how desperately it needs an update. I couldn't feel but that my products was lacking something and performed below my expectations even when I already set the bar very low... I mean, goats for heaven's sake!!!! Finally, and while you can see the Nikon falling behind in the features area compared to the other two, but being $1000 less is definitely worth considering! You're basically saving the price of an additional camera and you can use this money to get an awesome lens like the 50mm f1.8, a CF Express Type-B, and still get some spare for a compact lens like the 28mm f2.8 or a 105mm Micro f2.8 lens (which is also great for portraits). So, unless you're a sports/wildlife shooter, the Z7II is still worth considering as the best bang for your buck.

Another important note, for most photographers their skills are not high enough to run into a hardware/software battle yet. Just being said, Nigel Danson can beat your ass without a doubt using Nikon z7 versus you using Sony A1. Just sayin~

On 31-10-2022 shotkit did a poll of 1000 pro shooters and the most popular cameras was.................................... Sony a7III. Just goes to show that the Pros don't seem fooled by the hype and high prices.

From nikon shooter yes 💯 that really I'm not professional but the numbering very clear in Jared vedio hope time back again but I'm try enjoying with my nikon

It's amazing that the R5 comes out on top even though it's 3 years old. What is the R1 going to look like? A master of all or none? Happy Holidays Mr. Fro...

These videos should be named "if you're looking for the best specs on paper..etc"

For the money, I’d take the Nikon any day of the week. I don’t need video and don’t need to track any sports.

The best deal right now for photographers is the original 45 mp Nikon Z7 for $1796 new at BH. Update to the latest firmware and you have a machine just as capable as the Nikon Z7II for a thousand dollars less. Get an FTZ adapter and you have a huge selection of Nikon and third party glass available.

Jared - mid September '23 - R6mkii at $2500 or R5 on sale for $3100? Worth the upgrade to the R5 or nah?

Bro skittles made my Christmas mini edits so much faster! Thank you sir 🤝

I use both, screen and viewfinder. Really depends.

Moved to Sony . At least E-mount got 3rd party affordable yet very good quality lenses & tons available in used market. The best things actually for a mirrorless body, are the e-mount lenses choices much compact & lighter. Much better choice for gimbal user, 24-70 RF 900g vs 28-75mm 540g or 24-70mm gm ii 700g or Sigma 28-70mm 470g. For battery also Sony, easy get original battery in used market. Rather than buying new batteries lpe6nh. Adapters are not relevance, your hands easily tired using heavier lenses that ergonomically gonna be front heavy. Native lenses tends to works better, fit better, more ergonomic, lighter setup & easier to balance on gimbal. Adapter itself weight 100g. Good job on Canon for dramatically design better sensor with higher dynamic range comparable to others. Also love R6 mk i & ii for mid level resolution easier / faster post processing rather than 33mp a7iv.

With Sony you can shoot at both ISO 64 and 50. Since it is not "native" it will perhaps not be recommended. I use ISO 50 sometimes to double the shuttertime.

Great comparison! My understanding is that Canon cameras, including R5, can't be charged while being used (as mentioned 26:12). Is this the case or has it changed in a firmware update?

and ALL three cameras would be just fine for real estate photography and videography. Overkill actually! Would be interesting to know the breakdown in employment/industry sector for photographers. I can't imagine anywhere the majority of photographers sitting in sports stadiums taking photos. Just a tip Jared. I appreciate your effort in putting the video together mate. Cheers

I just bought the Nikon Z7 II new for $2300 and am willing to take some of the drawbacks as I am not a professional photographer. I can also adapt my Tamron 10-20 and 18-400mm lenses from my D7500. I am already familiar with the menus so there will be a short learning curve. KUTGW hairy man!

I feel like the Sony system is a good middle ground between performance and budget. You have great older bodies as a second camera (a7riii) plus the third party lenses from sigma and Tamron. Then there's room to grow: ie a9 ii or a1 or A7Rv. And this is coming from an owner of two canons.

Thank you very much for the wonderful reviews, I choose R5 thanks to your reviews

Can we expect a similar comparison of the canon r6 mark 2, sony a7iv, nikon z6/z7 2?

An inconvenant fact Jared left out, as has been noted. Current prices: Sony a7RV - $3,899.00, Canon R5 - $3,399.00, Nikon Z7 II - $2,596.00. Yes, Nikon lags in several areas, don't know if its software, hardware or both, but it is also a lot cheaper. Price point comparison may be a better measure

How about using FTZII. Is the adaptability of the old nikon lenses still sub par?

do you happen to know the grip model for a7Rv?

Great video and great reccomendations , thank you ! Butt i have one question.. When you are talking about third party lenses on sony, why arent you talking about Samyang? I think they are making great glass.. The 135 1.8 , the 85 1.4 etc.

@Jared Polin I want to buy a camera, would it be better to buy a camera, I want your help please

The Nikon Z7ii also can drop its ISO to 32. The files for landscapes at an ISO of 32 is jaw dropping.

I’m Sony all the way except in the case of high resolution cameras (outside of the a1 due to price) If I needed more than 12-30 MP but couldn’t spend the $6000 on an A1, I’d go with canon. It’s super compelling. But for under $3000 for video I’d go with the siii, for a standard full frame I’d go with the a7IV, point and shoot I’d go Fuji or Rx100VII. But at the like 3500 to 4000 dollar price range the r5 just is a much better value.

What camera do you recommend for pet photography? sony aRV?

Thanks for all the info, I will go for the Sony A7RV

I have to say, despite shooting Nikon myself, I would not recommend anyone buying a Z7 II (or Z6 II) at this point, unless you are just looking for amazing IQ at a kinda lower price point for doing studio or landscape stuff (cause those $1000 will buy you a very nice tripod or lights). Those cameras are pretty much outdated at this point compared to what Canon and Sony have to offer right now. I really hope Nikon stops dragging their feet and finally come out with an update for those models

I bought the Sony A7RV for the pixel shift multi shooting, the focus bracketing, the dynamic range, the 61 megapixels, the AI auto focusing, the rear screen multi-axis capability, and the wireless tethering. The focus tracking is great too.

Felt like a 2021 video flashback

Thanks!

@Jared Polin, what is your current setup today for most shoots?

Does the fact that this camera does one more fps than that camera make it more desirable ? What about IQ and DR? Are they close?