Canon EOS RP vs Nikon Z5: Which Camera SHOULD You Buy? 2021 

Which are you going with?

I don't think you mentioned that the z5 has in-body stabilization. May not justify all the price difference, but definitely some.

I just switched from a Nikon z6 to a Sony a7riv. The auto focus on the Nikon really isn’t as bad as Jared makes it out to be. I think their tracking works better in some situations and I actually really like holding the front button to activate tracking. But For eye af Sony is way better

Hard to beat the intuitive nature of the Nikon. The buttons make sense. The menus make sense and are easy to navigate. I’ll stick to Nikon’s ecosystem for birding and landscapes and my Fujifilm X100V for travel shots.

Long-term Canon photographer. Almost two years ago, I moved from the 70D to the RP (over the 6DII) because I wanted to go full frame and I wanted access to the lovely RF glass. I assumed that I would move in a couple of years to a subsequent Canon mirrorless body - maybe that will be the R5. I have been very happy with the RP and the images I have made.

IBIS and wheater sealed body. Nikon offers a lot more for your money

For charging the RP, you don't need the canon usb charger. Just get one that uses Power Delivery/45W.

"Z5 got a check mark but bla bla bla.." don't care! Z5 eat the rp.

Z5 has much better sensor with higher DR and cleaner shadows at any ISO

I bought Z50 last year with the FTZ adapter with my other nikon lenses and for know am pretty happy with the results I am getting off all my equiment

I have a Z 50 and a few F- and a Z-mount Nikon lenses, so the decision is an easy one. A Z 5 as my main shooting body and the baby Z 50 as a backup. Thanks for the comparison video.

If you want the feeling of cheaply made plastic in your hands, get the RP. The Z5 on the other hand feels amazing in the hand. It’s just a way better built camera.

you didn't mention that the z5 has ibis. I think that is a massive feature you omitted from this comparison...

I have a Z5 and I really like it. Love having 2 cards, love the files that come from the Nikon stuff. I wish I had some of the Z glass, but that’s more on me really.

Bought the Z5 today!

The RP has Eye AF in continuous per their website: "Eye AF works with the Canon EOS RP in One Shot AF mode, Servo AF mode and Movie Servo AF ensuring both static and moving subjects are captured with their eyes clearly in focus." This has been my experience on my RP as well.

Correction on RP about charging via USB-C : You don't need the ridiculously expensive Canon USB-C chargers for the RP although Canon does not make it clear. You need to have a "Power Delivery" (PD) port with a USB-C to USB-C cable. You can then use any battery pack (such as Anker makes), wall plug adapter, or PC/MAC with a PD USB-C output with at least 18 watts to charge the RP battery in the camera. The RP does have to be off in order to charge which is a disadvantage.

I have a canon RP. It’s not as slow as Jared makes it seem. Yes it’s definitely not the fastest by any means but it still ok for beginners or amateurs. I use it professionally, it does great in low light. I don’t shoot video so I really didn’t care about the specs.

Z5 now as eye af on the recent update. This 2023 buy z5

I am not a nikon fanboy, and I own a r6, but I don't agree when you bring the "system" argument in this comparison saying that the r5-r6 is better then z6ii-z7ii. First when we talk about system I would thinks its more about the lenses then the bodies. And second, more advanced bodies are released almost early, and we dont't know to much about the pro mirrorless bodies. So their is not a clearer winner yet. It's not sure canon's ecosystem is better yet, but you also say it like its a determined fact, again, just because the r5 and r6 are the better bodies at this moment ... :) the video is great, but I was a bit bothered by that.

Got my Z5 with 40mm F2 lens. IBIS(not mentioned in video) , dual card slots(super important), better camera feel and super quick adjustments, better low light photos, better battery life and top of all that much better affordable lenses. Now that they have improved AF through firmware updates, I have absolutely no issues with AF even in fast action videos. Z5 is clearly best mirrorless full frame camera at sub 1k USD price tag. This camera also makes you feel like you use professional body. If you are not shooting wildlife then Z5 is a go to.

Just for the record, you can get 4FPS tracking with continuous AF with the RP, and it works just fine (I have one, to be clear). I don't know where Jared is getting "speed priority" and "tracking priority", neither of which is listed in Canon's RP user manual (termed generally as "High Speed" and "Low Speed"). As with any camera, they only list the top end of the range; fps is always and will continue to be affected by other factors such as battery life, flicker mode, lens aperture, etc. So you're not likely to top out at 4FPS for that long, but you CAN get it.

i Personally recomend DSLR for beginners who actually want to learn photography so they can understand exposure without relying on EVF impo

I really don't know how this man manages to be so entertaining throughout 30min of video, great job !

I have an rp and love it as an amateur that is getting back into photography after many years. I fathered with a T7i last xmas time, then upgraded to rp mid summer when a good deal came along. I have shot some of my favorite photos since buying it. I have no regrets.

I just picked up a D7500 not long ago so I won't be looking for a replacement soon. I was considering going to Sony, but I'm too invested in Nikon glass. Nice to see the Z5 got through this comparison without too many negative points because I'm probably staying with Nikon. I think even next year the Z5 will be a good buy. Maybe I'll be ready and the price will drop a little too. Thanks Jared!

I have the R6 and thinking of buying the RP as my backup

sorry Jared, but you can use any charger to charge Canon RP only it needs to be with PD power delivery. Which is quite common nowadays.

Hi Jared, I own Canon RP for one year and use it often and Imam pretty sure that it has eye-af in continuous shooting mode and not only in one-shot.

Hy Jared, I shoot Sony for 2 years, if you are talking only about autofocus, Sony is very good, but I just switch back to the Nikon Z system by purchasing the Z6ii. The Sony wasn't good enough for my necessity, I like more the color science and the flexibility of Nikon RAW files that's more important for my and for my way of shooting than all the technological stuff that Sony offers. You were a Nikon shooter and a great photographer I used to follow you but the new Jared I don't like it so much. You once said, the camera is just a tool to express the photographer's ability and skills (something like that). You inspired me to buy my first D3100. Now a days I don't see you anymore like a photographer but more likely a camera dealer. Sorry for now, maybe in the future things will change. All of luck.

Jared tell me something: how do you exactly invest in the Canon system by buying an outdated RP and a crappy throwaway lens ( you will clearly not buy premium glass for that camera)? So what will remain of your initial purchase if you want to move up? Absolutely nothing will be transferable! You are playing the old Canon game by trying to sell the low-end crap using the high end line specifications, making people believe that they’re in the superior system. The Z5 absolutely massacres the RP and you know that.

There's nothing wrong with investing in Z mount from a future perspective. I most recently bought a Z6II and it's honestly one of the most fun cameras I have ever shot with and this is coming from somebody invested in Nikon, Fuji and Sony. I like shooting with it more than I like shooting on my A7RIII. The subject tracking and eye AF is also very good on that camera, AF in general. It always kills me when I see that hemp field clip and instead of just changing the AF mode to something like either dynamic or pinpoint and continue shooting he just complains about the camera.

Thanks again! Fantastic comparison - just bought the Z5 today with the 24-50mm. Gonna use the FTZ adapter with it so I can still use my F-mount 50mm f/1.8.

You can charge the Canon RP with any power pack which have PD (Power Delivery)

Viltrox made the first AF lens for z system. Its an 85mm 1.8 🙏🙏. Im a nikon shooter but canon is doing big moves with their R5

The Canon RP does have eye af in servo mode.

After removing the jokes and in-video ads, (I get it, everyone needs to eat,) besides showing that you still don't have a grasp on the Z system AF modes, (talking about using the joystick alone to move AF points,) you have maybe 15 minutes of just basically comparing the spec sheets of each camera. Regarding the sensors, rather than spout ISO and megapixels, talk about actual image quality. Look at noise performance, dynamic range, tonality of not only the RAW file, but the JPGs. Many entry level photographers will use JPG, (I know, that one stings me too). If you look where the rubber meets the road, examine the flexibility of each cameras RAW files. The RP has a good tolerance for being overexposed, but less so for underexposure and shadow detail. The Z5 is pretty flexible for overexposure, but is in another league for being underexposed or working with shadow details because the sensor is nearly ISO invariant like the D750 you mentioned. This holds true for stills across the comparable systems, not just these cameras. (Even Pentax wipes the floor with the best Canon sensor for working with shadow detail. It's a huge weakness in their system, albeit one of very few.) A camera with a near ISO invariant sensor is an extremely useful thing to have. Think of it like Eye AF. Do you need it? No, of course not. But once you have it, it's a great tool. You also never mentioned the Z5 IBIS. How was this skipped Mr. Knows Photo? That's a HUGE, very useful feature and likely responsible for much of the price difference. You need to spend over $1,000 more than a Z5 to get a Canon body with IBIS. I think you would have been much better served focusing on the actual cameras you've decided to talk about rather then just using it as an excuse to tell everyone (again) that you switched to the R5 for video and to look at their overall system is the "bigliest". Not everyone is going to upgrade to a fully pro lens lineup and high-end camera body. Lastly, you speak about not jumping from one system to another when a new camera is released, but you're literally in a community of content creators that do exactly that in order to stay relevant. How many videos from you and your peers are titled something like "Time to Switch?" Stuff like this further programs consumers to do exactly that. So, what's the real message? Overall this seems like the most disjointed camera comparison video from you to date. I hope you take these comments constructively as I do legit enjoy your light heartedness, humor and well practiced delivery.

Z5 is the better camera, end of story Better sensor Better build quality/weather sealing Better Evf Ibis Dual card slots

I have the Nikon Z5 and SHE IS A MONSTER! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Z 5 and the images are great. Very pleased. Nice Video.

I already own the Canon, I have never even considered the Nikon, but it seems nice

I would just point out though that you can get a used z6 in good condition for ~1200 which is better than either of them for my money

I was about buying the Z5, i have compared with Canon RP, yes Z5 was better than RP to my calculation, but....once the price was about higher than what i dreamed...since i was expecting 1000-1200 USD...then i decided of buying Z50 instead, with FTZ, Nikkor 35mm DX 1.8 and Viltrox EFZ Adapter and Canon 24mm f2.8 ...and i am happy...more access to F lenses and EFS lenses...

LOVE THE "We'll do it live" reference!!! Thanks yet again for another great informative video!!!

Jared... New photographers are lucky... more systems and options... Sony A7IV - Canon RP (or Canon R) - Panasonic S5 - Nikon Z5 - Leica SL-2

I believe Viltrox already made an 85mm for the Z mount

The Z5 is the clear winner. It's better than the RP in every way except for the lack of screen articulation...and you can always work around that with a monitor.

Jared what about nikon z50 vs canon m6ii vs sony a6400 vs fujifilm xt30

I had the original 6D and it was horrible when boosting the shadows (very common in landscapes and architecture), and someone should have been fired for releasing the 6D2 sensor. The fact that it still exists all these years later in a new body is an insult. Much better sensor in the Nikon.

Both are great choose after the one that feels the best in the hand and have the lens Lineup (and roadmap) that fits your need and Wallet the best

if you didnt get Nikon that check for fps, I was ready to unsubscribe. RP is better than Z5 because R5 is better than Z6 yea, I know its winter, we all need heating and its 2x more expensive? AF cant find face because you are in "wide auto af" mode, not in face or eye detection. With Nikon you can use ENEL15/a/b/c, and with Canon? Cmon fro....I respect you but wtf? Only thing I love on Canon is screen all around and non of the features are better on RP over Z5, and RP dinamic range is rubish. Nikon WAS behind... but 2021, not any more.

Canon rp all the way ! Had it since launch, favourite camera I’ve ever had

Canon RP body is $899 now; and newly released Canon RF 50mm 1.8 lens is $199. Might be a good bike trip/hiking set-up. I was a hobby shooter with a darkroom decades ago and I'm ok with a 50mm lens. Retired and looking into something better than my iPhone.

Thank you for making this... I really wanted to start getting into photography, and was looking for a camera to purchase. This helped.

Bought the RP two weeks ago. Then the Z5 went on sale for a grand... total honesty, I'm glad I got the RP. The Z5 is a great camera but just as you suggested I wanted to stick with the Canon ecosystem of gear so based on that I made the right choice, but this video definitely made me think more about which way to go from here on out.

I have the RP and use continuous EYE AF all the time.

I'm very short on budget, and looking at the prices of cannon lenses, I think I'd rather go with Nikon. also, I have a nikon D5100 already with a 50mm prime lens. I'm trying to save every buck I can, so I'd rather stick with Nikon. I do not shoot portraits usually, and I'm more into automotive photography. So I think the eye af performance difference won't hurt me as much. and since Nikon Z6 II is here, I think Z6 will have price cut soon. So that makes it a better option for me rather than canon or Sony. What do you guys think?

I recently purchased the Nikon Z6ii. I used to use a Sony A6600. Honestly speaking, I returned the Z6ii in about a week. I tried to use it, but the Nikon Autofocus is nowhere near as good. I was missing focus on 3-4 shots out of every 11-14 photo burst (eye af). I never used to miss even one with the Sony. I have now purchased the A7C with a Tamron 28-75 2.8 and couldn't be happier.

Ok,so Nikon took back the Z6’s you were using(anyone’s guess to why) and Canon gave you a long term loan. Time to please the patreon.

If you bothered to test the dynamic range of the sensor output via the processing of raw files, or even looked up tests of the raw files of the Canon 6D mkiiI and Nikon d750, you would see that the Nikon is the superior sensor for dynamic range and the Canon is best for low noise with high ISOs. Therefore, the sensors have special talents for different things for raw shooters....

Great video. Thanks. I have the RP and it's OK. Its not great, but stretches me at my level.

If the evaluation is related to Canon system I do understand, but if specific to the camera I do not agree also summing your checkmarks given to Z5! I think that you are too much biased by the autofocus performance of Nikon System that is clear is behind the competition BUT AUTOFOCUS IS NOT ALL THE STORY! It depends on the kind of photography you do (for landscape is much more important quality of lens and quality of files) and even for portraits I see a lot of professional where they focus on manual (Karl Taylor for example that by the way uses Canon!). Seems to me more a problem you had with Nikon Corp... You prefer Canon is ok but if you want to make reviews that seems neutral but are not neutral... That's our problem!

The RP and R cameras in general are great and worth the money

If you're a Nikon shooter - get a Nikon. If you're on Canon team - get a Canon. Simple as that.

If you're purely a photog and don't have any want for video RP. If you want to hybrid and use all the capabilities of a camera Z5. For a starting point just to get a feel for something...well it's a starting point so it doesn't matter overall so go with either and learn the system of that brand and grow from there to a R6 or Z7-II

I had to make this choice a couple of months ago and ended up going for the Z5. To me the Z5 felt better in the hand (probably because I've shot Nikon in the past so it was familiar) and I felt it was a better overall camera than the RP. Also I did consider the system I was buying in to. I ended up looking at Nikon, Sony, Canon and Fuji and in the end it came down to Canon or Nikon. Canon's higher end bodies are better than Nikon's bodies at the moment. But, I wasn't in a position to buy a higher end R5 or R6 so I had to buy the better body for my current use case and budget that exists today, this was the Z5. Having seen the improvements made with the Z6ii and Z7ii I am confident that Nikon will catch up to the competition in the areas they may lag slightly behind currently (the AF isn't really that bad). We also haven't seen what Nikon's pro bodies will be like yet, although it's rumoured we could see them around the Tokyo Olympics (if we get an Olympics)... I'm really looking forward to seeing the potential Z8 and/or Z9. For me the Z5 offered a better and more enjoyable experience that I could use now, as opposed to potentially not enjoying the RP and regretting the purchase. I don't think you can really go wrong buying in to either ecosystem to be honest. Both companies will make improvements and changes in the future and both have solid lens offerings. So make you decision based on the camera that best suits your budget and use case today, instead of worrying about what camera you may buy tomorrow based on today's specs... Both ecosystems are great.

The EOS RP is so gimped. The Nikon Z5 is way ahead of it in nearly all areas.

R shooter and now a R5 shooter. I recommend the RP to all newbies

Still rocking the RP. Saving up some money for some Sigma RF glass one day.

Hey Jared. Can you please do a zoom in while tracking a subject. I know the Sony system could not even get 1 focused photo when a test was done awhile back.. But I have not seen someone do a comparison on the Nikon, Sony and Canon. While zooming in or out while tracking a subject. That will be great to see.

I have an 80d that was a gift 4.5 years ago. Last year I bought a d610 to get into full frame. I think I am gonna go back to canon. Thanks for the in depth video Fro!

La Z5 ya es un clásico. Y ahora con actualización de firmware suma en video un veloz enfoque al ojo. Con los lentes nativos se marca la diferencia, por ejemplo con el 50mm f/1.8 S

I agree with your slight sliver on the lens selection to cannon. I will add however that the zmount beats the rf technically. the wider ring means that future lenses can be be made faster and lighter since they can skip a lot of the extra glass needed to bend light from a large lens to the sensor area. it also means wide angle lenses can have a higher max sharpness. Of course, that also depends on the lenses taking advantage of the strengths of the z mount. Time will tell how the ecosystem evolves. Being technically superior doesn't always guarantee success.. Look at Betamax

The Z5 couldn’t track their eyes at the hemp farm because they were just too red 😂🚬

I love my RP but I do notice the dynamic range issues. I kind of want to get an R but I feel like they will either release an R II or RP II this year so I am going to wait. An R II with IBIS would be amazing.

Never regret went to Z5. Its very beautiful little beast, combine with one of sharpest 50mm lens on the world.

Been a Nikon for years, But now i am looking at Cannon now. Reason being Nikon never puts anything on sale were as Cannon does. And I do spend quite a bit on accessories, Lens, bags, straps etc... and Cannon always has some kind of deal going on.

The RP's shadows recovery is a joke compared to Z5

Too biased from start. Autofocus is not a dealbreaker as you put in all your videos. Nikon is not that far from the others. When you talk about ecosystem.... the ecosystem is not just current status, Z mount is more powerfull than R and EF, ten years from now, EF mount cant handle the other two, and R will be behind Z. You talk about future R entry level but not about Z pro (Z7 is not in the R5 usecase, is a low level camera)

i dont want to be a fanboy but the nikon is way better in dynamic range, just for that, for me i would go nikon

I can't decide! From the one hand nikon is better overall but canon has has the screen that you can see yourself! And I want it just for vocations and selfies just personal use ! I don't know what to do...

You forgot IBIS in the Z5. Very big deal!

Really like the fact your videos are thorough, provide critical context, and earnestly state how the gear world looks from where you stand. I also appreciate the fact you make it clear the perspective you speak from. I have a Z6, am pleased with it so far, and believe I have a lot to learn before I get the best it has to offer. I am thankful for the remarkable advances Sony and Canon have brought to market and believe it will ultimately benefit most customers. My camera has always been good, but (with firmware updates) is a much better camera now than when I purchased it 15 months ago. I am hopeful the Z6II, Z7II, and newer bodies Nikon introduces get updates that put them on par with Sony and Canon in the eye focus and movement tracking area. It feels like they are getting close.

Viltrox already made 85mm 1.8 Z mount.

i own z5 great camera

The RP supports UHS-II cards - in which case you really will never outrun the buffer!

I am not a professional, just a hobbiest and I am looking to retire my **old** nikon d3000. I am tempted to get the z5 but honestly, I can't afford the lenses for a mirrorless full frame camera right now. So I was thinking that I can get some crop-sensor lenses and just use the adapter on the z5....but from what I understand, putting cropped lenses on a full frame camera, not only causes cropping, but lowers the resolution. Is this true? So I was thinking, hell....maybe just get the nikon d7500 and call it a day. It's affordable and will work well with a couple of extra lenses as well.

Sony a7m3 used, perfect eye AF with lastest frimware, and ton of cheap good lenses available! =)

I don't know Jared. I feel like Nikon and Canon are creating choice overload to the point where a decision is becoming impossible. I thought I was happy with my purchase of the Canon T7i for an introduction camera but now I just don't know....there are better options now at almost the same price. Just wait another 10min and a even better option. The cycle is endless.

Did you change your video camera? Colors and contrast seem a lot duller.

The most intriguing thing is the less expensive rf lenses. The 35, 50 and soon to be 16mm for FF canon. I'm not a canon fan however it's hard not to choose the RF mount for the lenses.

I used to binge your show years ago.. I had to be in high school. So 10 years ago. Maybe longer. Jared Polin, FRO KNOWS PHOTO. Taught me to shoot RAW. I quit photography but I’m back, with film. But had to see what you were up to over here.

Hemp Farm 3:10 - Kit Lens AF Z5 can't find face because the AF Mode is on Autofocus Continuous Wide (without the face icon).

Video length is perfect great information.

Vari-angle screens are the only ones I would use. For macro/tripod/telescope use they really are indispensable as an option.

Love how you bring this down to an elementary level to address a newbie audience. Okay, sometimes all the way to preschool 😂

Jared do a video about nikon z50 vs nikon z5 vs z6 vs z7

Excellent round up... As usual! 👍

How can we get Canon to make the Silent shutter in Manual for EOS RP? The SCN Scene mode is cool; however, it causes variables in the photos because of the auto mode is activated.

You can now pick up a Z5 for less than $1,000 at pretty much every major retailer that sells it (B&H, Adorama, Best Buy, etc.) For that price, it's an absolute no brainer.