This article has been revised to reflect the new behavior and capabilities of firmware v1.6 which was released in the latter part of 2019.
It’s the Canon EOS R is the first full-frame mirrorless camera that utilize the new mount for RF. It’s built on the same 30 millimeter Dual Pixel CMOS sensor that was used in 2016’s EOS 5D Mark IV but is specifically designed to work with a new line of lenses that are RF. Canon claims that the smaller RF lens mount will enable Canon to create more compact or better lenses than those they have for the current EF mount.
When you purchase the EOS R, you’re basically getting the same quality of video and image as the 5D Mark IV about the same price as that of the 6-D Mark II. It comes with an energizing dose of control principles from both of these cameras, along with EOS M series. EOS M series. However, despite the fact that it’s capable to produce stunning images quality, ergonomics and handling aren’t the best and the video capabilities of the EOS R are not as good as the competition.
Key Specifications:
- 30MP full-frame sensor that has Dual Pixel autofocus
- 3.69M dots OLED Viewfinder
- Full articulated LCD rear
- Autofocus is rated as low as the level of -6EV (with F1.2 lens)
- Up to 8 frames per second shooting (5 FPS with continuous Af, 3 fps in “Tracking Priority mode”)
- UHD Video in 4K at 30p derived from an 1.8x size of the camera
- Canon Log (10-bit 4:2:2 over HDMI or 8-bit 4 2:0 internal)
- USB charging (with certain chargers)
| Converted from raw with ACR 11. The Camera Standard profile. ISO 100 | 1/100 sec | F1.2 | Canon RF 50mm F1.2L Photo by Wenmei Hill |
Its EOS R was announced less than two weeks following Nikon’s Z7 which was Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless model and was also developed around the new mount. While Nikon announces a lot of hype about how easy it will be to existing Nikon shooters, the Z7 will be for existing Nikon users, Canon is incorporating some newer ergonomic improvements in its EOS R – it handles like no other Canon camera. Let’s take a look at what exactly these improvements include and exactly how they operate.
Canon EOS R is available for purchase. Canon EOS R is available for approximately 299 dollars (PS2399 for the UK inclusive of adapter for the EF mount adapter) or $3,399 for the F4L RF 24-105mm lens (PS3299 for the UK).
It was an exciting year for mirrorless cameras, with Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic all announcing their very first full-frame systems. Nikon made its mark first with the release of its Nikon Z-series cameras during the summer months, however Canon was not too far behind when it launched its EOS R a couple of months after. Through the years, Canon has gotten the reputation as a company that prefers to bury its eggs for too long, however, a case could be made to suggest that the debut entry into the market of full-frame mirrorless cameras has been somewhat late. In reality, it requires several generations of cameras before they finally make things work, as well. With other makers such as Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and Leica already possessing years of experience with the field of mirrorless, Canon doesn’t have the benefit of having an early advantage.
It was therefore crucial that they not just build a reliable and ready-to-go camera right from the beginning but also give current EF mount lenses to work without serious drawbacks or limitations. In the case of EOS R, Canon avoided the trend of having distinct entry-level and professional models (Like those of Sony A7 / A7R or Nikon Z6 / Z7) and instead chose to stick with the one full-frame entry-level model.
Its EOS R is based around the well-known 30.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that is shared it with Canon’s EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR. It is equipped with Canon’s amazing Dual Pixel CMOS-AF technology, that has an impressive 5655 AF points that can be selected to cover 88% of the frame horizontally as well as 100 percent vertically. In addition, the focus is reported to drop to 6 EV when using an f/1.2 lens, and 3 EV when using the f/2.8 lens. The camera is also equipped with 5 frames per second burst mode with continuous focus and the camera has a 3.69 million dots electronic viewfinder that has 0.76x magnification, an fully articulated 3.15 touchscreen, an memory card slot and 4K video output that is 10-bit externally via HDMI.
Mirrorless technology being an option for the near future, it became essential for Canon to invest the right amount of effort and time into creating an extremely sought-after future-proof camera that could one day replace their DSLRs. Canon has always believed that top-quality lenses are required to be part of the best camera equipment and put in a great deal of resources into developing its new lens mount for RF. With a 54mm internal diameter and a small distance between the flanges of only 20mm The new RF mount enables Canon engineers to design lenses that have larger rear elements, and more performance over their EF counterparts, including the 50mm RF f/1.2L USM. Canon is clearly putting a great deal of focus on building a sturdy lens portfolio that includes four RF lenses released and six more to come in the year 2019.Canon EOS R + RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM @ 35mm, ISO 200, 1/8, f/5.6
Copyright (c) Nasim Mansurov
With only a few RF lenses to choose from at the time of launch, it was essential for Canon to figure out a way to incorporate existing EF lens kits with their first mirrorless camera that was full-frame. Mount adapters were the best option, since it enabled Canon to create a completely modern and better mount for RF lenses while fully compatible with the existing EF lenses.
Not surprisingly, at the time that Canon EOS R was first released, the very first accessory offered included the Mount adapter for Canon for EF-EOS R. The Canon Mount Adapter for EF-EOS is a straightforward adapter that lets you utilize the entire range of Canon EF, EF-S and the TS-E lens on RF mount cameras. It comes with complete autofocus and autoexposure capabilities as well as a weather-proof design. The other adapter is the control ring mount adapter EF-EOS, which provides the same functionality like the EF-EOS R but it also includes an additional Lens Control Ring. Then, there’s the EF-EOS R Drop-In-Filter Adapters which eliminate the need to install filters for ND and Polarizing onto one side of the lens when it is mounted on the adapter. This makes it particularly suitable when using wide-angle EF lenses, which typically aren’t compatible with filters because of their bulky front elements.Canon EOS R @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/320, f/6.3
Canon EOS R Specifications
- Sensor: 30.3 MP CMOS Sensor, 5.36u pixel size
- Sensor Size: 36 x 24mm
- Resolution: 6720 x 4480
- Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-40,000
- Boost ISO Sensitivity: 50, 51,200 (H1)-102,400 (H2)
- In-Body Image Stabilization: None (Some RF lenses feature Optical Stabilization)
- RAW Formats: RAW (14 bit), C-RAW
- Processor: DIGIC 8
- Dust Reduction: Yes
- Weather Sealing/Protection: Yes
- Body Build: Full Magnesium Alloy
- Shutter Time: 1/8000 – 30 secs
- Shutter Durability: Unknown
- One SD SDHC/SDXC slot
- Viewfinder: 3.69 Million Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.76x
- Speed: 8 FPS (only in One-Shot Mode), 5 FPS (Continuous AF, No Live View in EVF), 3 FPS (Live View in EVF)
- Built-in Flash: No
- Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 5655 Focus points
- AF Sensitivity Range: -6 to +19 EV
- LCD Screen Touch-enabled 3.2 Fully Articulating LCD Screen with 2.1 Million Dots
- Slow Motion HD Video: Yes
- Movie Modes: 4K UHD @ 30 fps max
- Movie Video Compression: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
- HDMI Output: 10-bit 4:2:2
- Silent Photography Mode: Yes
- Intervalometer: No
- Focus Stacking: No
- In-Camera HDR Capability: Yes
- GPS: No
- WiFi: Built-in
- Bluetooth: Built-in
- Battery Type The battery pack is LP-E6N.
- Battery Life 350 times (CIPA)
- USB Standard: Type-C 3.1
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Weight: 660g (Body Only)
- Size: 136 x 98 x 84 mm (5.35 x 3.86 x 3.31”)
- Price: $2299 (body only), $3399 (w/24-105 F4L lens)
For the full details of specifications for the Canon EOS R, please go to the following page at Canon.com.Canon EOS R + TAMRON 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD A035 @ 227mm, ISO 2000, 1/250, f/9.0
Canon EOS R vs Canon 5D Mark IV
On paper on paper, it appears that the EOS R seems like a mirrorless model of Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and both cameras share many similarities, however there are some significant distinctions among the two. The biggest difference is in their distinctive underlying technologies The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera which feeds the image directly from the sensor to the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and Canon 5D Mark IV Canon 5D Mark IV is an DSLR camera which reflects the image using pentaprisms to the optical viewfinder (OVF). This does not just affect the overall weight and size as that of the 5D Mark IV being larger and heavier and heavier, but also alters the way they work on the ground.
Another notable distinction is that both cameras use completely different mounts. It is worth noting that the EOS R has the new Canon RF mount, whereas the 5D Mark IV has the older Canon EF mount. This can have a significant impact on the types of lenses you are able to utilize with both cameras. It is important to note that the EOS 5D Mark IV rely on a large choice of Canon EF lenses, while it is the EOS R can only natively mount brand new Canon RF lenses that are limited to a maximum of four currently (Canon 24 -105mm RF F/4L USM IS Canon 28-70mm F/2L USM, Canon 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro and Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L) and six more lenses scheduled for release in the year 2019. To mount EF-mount lens with the EOS R, you need to utilize Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R that allows you to make use of any of the Canon EF, EF-S and the TS-E lenses that are mounted on RF-mount cameras.
| Camera Feature | Canon EOS R | Canon 5D Mark IV |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Inner Diameter | 54.0 mm | 54.0 mm |
| Mount Flange Distance | 20.0 mm | 44.0 mm |
| Sensor Resolution | 30.4 MP | 30.4 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | 36.0 x 24.0 mm |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.36u | 5.36u |
| Image Size | 6,720 x 4,480 | 6,720 x 4,480 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | DIGIC 6+ |
| Max Buffer Capacity (Rated, RAW) | 47 images on UHS-II card | 21 photos with CF card |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-40,000 | ISO 100-32,000 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | OLED (Electronic / EVF) | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage and Magnification | 100 percent, 0.71x (0.76x with 50mm lens at infinity) | 100 percent, 0.71x (0.76x with 50mm lens at infinity) |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Storage Media | 1x SD (UHS-II) | 1x CF, 1x SD (UHS-I) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 8 FPS max , autofocus locked 5 FPS when using full AF | 7 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| AE Bracketing Range | +-3 EV | +-3 EV |
| Number of AF Points | 5655 AF points selectable | 41 cross-type |
| AF Detection Range | From -6 to +18 EV (assuming that you have an f/1.2 lens and less range for small aperture lens) | 3 to 18 EV and 4 to +18 EV in live view, with dual pixels enabled |
| Smallest AF Detection Aperture | f/11 | f/8 |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ up to 30 FPS | 4,096 x 2,160 (DCI 4K) @ up to 30 FPS |
| 1080p Video Max Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| HDMI Output | 4:2:2, 10-bit | 4:2:2, 8-bit |
| Video Crop Factor | 1.74x | 1.74x |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone Stereo microphone external (optional) | Built-in stereo microphone Stereo microphone external (optional) |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.15” Tilting Touchscreen LCD | 3.2” Touchscreen LCD |
| Dual Pixel AF | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Pixel RAW | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (maximum) | Worst-case scenario: 350 (Power saving off EVF only) Best-case 560 (Power saving on, Eco mode turned on Only the rear display) | 9000 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 3.1 | 3.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 580 g | 800 g |
| Dimensions | 135.8 x 98.3 x 67.7 mm | 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,299 at the time of introduction | $3,499 when it was introduced as of today, $3,099 at the time of writing |
Thirdly, the mirrorless design and the electronic viewfinders have the distinct advantage of providing you with a live feed of your camera’s exposure and settings throughout the day. Its “what you see is what you get” method gives you more control over the quality of your exposure and the final image. This is why the EOS R comes with significant advantages over 5D Mark IV for landscape as well as interior, travel and street photography.
However there are some significant disadvantages with this design that most significantly impact the EOS R’s performance for action and sports photography. The EVF is afflicted by a small delay within the feed after the photo is taken and this can seriously hinder the ability of keeping the eye on a subject that is moving when it is moving across the frame. Regarding their autofocus capabilities the Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus system that includes 5655 AF point that covers 88% of the frame horizontally and 100% vertically, allows for more coverage across the entire frame, compared to those of 5D Mark IV, whose AAF points are usually located in the center within the frame.
This wide coverage makes techniques for focusing such as Back-Button Focus nearly ineffective with EOS R. EOS R and allows for more compositional freedom. However, in the case of the camera that is most able to follow a moving subject across the frame with consistency and accurately, we recommend the 5D Mark IV whose excellent autofocus system is more able to handle erratic subjects.
The 5D Mark IV’s advantage for sports photography extends to the burst speed of 7 frames per second, which although not groundbreaking but is better than that of the R’s EOS 5 frames per second (without live view) and 3 fps (with live view). The EOS R’s favor is a higher buffer depth of up to 60 RAW photos using a UHS II SD card, compared to only 21 images with the 5D Mark IV using an CF card. In the end, you’ll find that it easier to use the 5D Mark IV’s optical viewfinder and AF system to be more efficient than the EVF and Dual Pixel CMOS-AF system in the EOS R for action and sports photography.Canon EOS R + RF50mm F1.2 L USM @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/13, f/8.0
Copyright (c) Spencer Cox
Fourth, both cameras have distinct ergonomics and controls. In addition, the 5D Mark IV makes full use of its larger dimensions and conventional controls to provide the most seamless experience for handling. The EOS R features an experimental control layout that does not have a Mode dial, but instead an option for Mode on the right side. It also eliminates an exclusive AF joystick, as well as the rear thumbwheel on Canon’s.
It is the EOS R does, however come with it’s Multi-Function Touch Bar. It’s an innovative button that provides a great level of personalization, but unpractical and feels awkward to use. In general the EOS R feels a lot less user-friendly in comparison that of that of the 5D Mark IV. In addition, the 5D Mark IV also benefits due to having dual slot cards and a longer battery lifespan (even even though they use the identical battery) and stronger weather-proofing.
Fifth edition, the EOS R has improved video specifications in comparison with the 5D Mark IV featuring a more efficient codec C-log recording capabilities and the ability to output 10-bit log footage into an external video recorder using HDMI. Additionally, the EOS R also has a fully articulated flip screen, whereas that of the 5D IV’s display is held.Canon EOS R + RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM @ 56mm, ISO 100, 1/100, f/14.0
Canon EOS R vs Sony A7 III Comparison
In comparing with the Sony A7 III, now in its third generation, with EOS R EOS R is a relatively unbalanced affair since Sony has had plenty of time to perfect its A7 III and we recently evaluated it as the most advanced camera with a mirror available.
In terms of ergonomics, both cameras are both ergonomically superior however the lion’s share is towards A7 III. A7 III. The A7 series was plagued by poor ergonomics and handling throughout its initial two versions, but the A7 III has fixed the majority of the issues. The inclusion of an exclusive AF joystick as well as improved button placement go far in giving the A7 III an incredibly simple camera to operate. It also has a better button placement. Sony camera also has more options for button customization in comparison with Canon’s EOS R whose customization potential was severely limited by Canon. In some ways, Canon could learn a lot from Sony here , and should consider adding an AF joystick with a dedicated controller and Dual SD slot, improved button placement, and less restricted button customization in the future.
There are some issues in the ergonomics of the A7 III and its fuzzy button feedback, a inadequate touchscreen functionality and a poor menu system all being mentioned. These issues are better with the EOS R, which has great touchscreen functionality, excellent feedback on buttons, as well as Canon’s user-friendly menu. Additionally, the EOS R also benefits from having a bigger and more precise EVF (3.68 million dots as opposed to A7 III’s 2.36 million dots). One feature that is missing in EOS R EOS R compared to the A7 III is in-body image stabilization. This is a crucial attribute that helps make A7 III A7 III much better suited for photography in low-light conditions.
| Camera Feature | Canon EOS R | Sony A7 III |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Inner Diameter | 54.0mm | 46.1mm |
| Flange Distance | 20.0mm | 18.0mm |
| Sensor Resolution | 30.4 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0mm | 35.6 x 23.8mm |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | No | Yes, 5-axis |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.36u | 5.9u |
| Image Size | 6,720 x 4,480 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | BIONZ X |
| Max Buffer Capacity (14-bit RAW) | 47 Images | 40 Images (Uncompressed) |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-40,000 | ISO 100-51,200 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800 |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic / EVF | Electronic / EVF |
| Viewfinder Type / Resolution | OLED / 3.69 million dots | OLED / 2.36 Million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76x | 0.78x |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/250 |
| Storage Media | 1x SD (UHS-II) | 2x SD (1x UHS-I, 1x UHS-II) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 8 FPS (no AF) 5 FPS without AF | 10 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| AE Bracketing Range | +-3 EV | +-3 EV |
| Shutter Durability | 150,000 cycles | 200 000 cycles |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Eye AF | Yes But not with a the same intensity. | Yes |
| Number of AF Points | 5655 | 693 points (phase-detection AF) 425 point (contrast-detection AF) |
| Focus Peaking | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Stacking | No | No |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 4K @ 24/25/30 FPS | 4K @ 24/25/30 FPS |
| 1080p Video Max Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 4K Video Crop Factor | 1.74x | 1x |
| HDMI Out / LOG | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes | 4:2:2 8-bit HDMI Output / Yes |
| Audio Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen LCD | 3.0” Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Articulating LCD | Yes, Tilting and Front/Back | Yes, Tilting |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 dots | 921,600 dots |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Built-in | Built-in |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | LP-E6N | NP-FZ100 |
| Battery Life | 350 shots (CIPA) | (CIPA) 610 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes, Partial | Yes, Partial |
| USB Version | 3.1 | 3.0 |
| Weight (including batteries and cards) | 660 g | 650 g |
| Dimensions | 135.8 x 98.3 x 67.7mm | 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,299 | $1,998 |
Concerning their autofocus capability they are both excellent. The A7 III provides some definite advantages. The autofocus system that is phase-detection and 693-points that is used in the A7 III offers an excellent performance in tracking subjects which is more robust than Canon’s EOS R. The Canon EOS R performs quite well in many ways, however its performance is unstable at times. Its frame rates are higher than this Sony camera, however, is higher than that of the Canon A7 III, with it being able to shoot at a frame rate of A7 III capable of shooting at 10 frames per second (8 frames per second with live view) as opposed with the R’s 5 frames per second (3 frames per second with live view).
A key aspect of both the autofocus feature of the camera is Face Detection and AF. This is where Sony’s push-button system is superb and its capability to detect and track your subject’s eye when you are using Continuous AF is truly impressive. Contrast that with Canon’s Pupil Detection only works in Single Shot AF however it isn’t able to work with the same level of consistency as Sony. When it works it can be able to capture the attention of your subject with their eyes, even if you’re using an f/1.2 maximum aperture lens, which is a great thing.Canon EOS R + RF50mm F1.2 L USM @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/5000, f/1.2
In terms of resolution in terms of resolution, in terms of resolution, the Canon EOS R features a 30.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor , compared with the Sony A7 III’s 24.2-megapixel full-frame BSI sensors. It is worth noting that the Canon EOS R relies on older CMOS sensors, which means Sony A7 III is more advanced in its technology. Sony A7 III is technically superior. Both cameras can produce high-quality images. In comparing their video specs and features, the Sony is clearly the superior model in that it can shoot 4K video without cropping and the Canon gets its footage from the 1.83x cropped area of its sensor. Both cameras are able to record 8-bit Log footage internally. The Canon EOS R will also deliver 10-bit Log footage via the external recording device. In 1080p resolution, A7 III A7 III can record up to 120 fps , with audio however, on the EOS R you need to reduce the resolution to 720p for the same slow-motion recordings. For video recording, overall A7 III is the best choice. A7 III wins hands down.
Overall overall, in the end, the Sony A7 III is the absolute winner as it is superior to its predecessor, the EOS R in almost every class. If you have a number of EF lenses and wish to stay in the Canon ecosystem, there’s an argument in favor of the EOS R but, in the other case you’ll find that an A7 III is the way to take.Canon EOS R + RF50mm F1.2 L USM @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/160, f/7.1
Canon EOS R vs Nikon Z6 Comparison
A further relevant contrast is between the Canon EOS R and the Nikon Z6 (see our in-depth Nikon Z6 review). Both cameras come with brand-new lens mounts , however Nikon has chosen to go with an even larger 55mm inner diameter and a short flange distance of just 16mm for its Z mirrorless camera, whereas Canon has decided to keep its size similar to that of the EF mount, which is 54mm. But, Canon has also altered the distance of the flange to 20mm, so that it is closer to the sensor, and to reduce the overall dimension of its camera. It is possible to argue that the Nikon is superior due to its the larger mount, and a shorter flange however I am not sure that this will have any impact for lenses that could be designed with either of the mounts.
| Camera Feature | Canon EOS R | Nikon Z6 |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Inner Diameter | 54.0mm | 55.0mm |
| Flange Distance | 20.0mm | 16.0mm |
| Sensor Resolution | 30.4 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0mm | 35.9 x 24.0mm |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | No | Yes, 5-axis |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.36u | 5.9u |
| Image Size | 6,720 x 4,480 | 6,000 x 4,000 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | EXPEED 6 |
| Max Buffer Capacity (14-bit RAW) | 47 Images | 18 Images |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-40,000 | ISO 100-51,200 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800 |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic / EVF | Electronic / EVF |
| Viewfinder Type / Resolution | OLED / 3.69 million dots | QVGA / 3.6 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76x | 0.8x |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Storage Media | 1x SD (UHS-II) | 1x XQD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 8 FPS (no AF) 5 FPS without AF | 12-FPS (limited to 12-bit raw and no AE) 9 FPS (14-bit RAW, there is no or AE), 5.5 FPS with an AE |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| AE Bracketing Range | +-3 EV | +-3 EV |
| Shutter Durability | 150,000 cycles | 200 000 cycles |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Number of AF Points | 5655 | 273 |
| Focus Peaking | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Stacking | No | Yes |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 4K @ 24/25/30 FPS | 4K @ 24/25/30 FPS |
| 1080p Video Max Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Video Crop Factor | 1.74x | 1.0x |
| HDMI Out / LOG | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes |
| Audio Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen LCD | 3.2” Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Articulating LCD | Yes, Tilting and Front/Back | Yes, Tilting |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 dots | 2,100,000 dots |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Built-in | Built-in |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | LP-E6N | EN-EL15b |
| Battery Life | 350 shots (CIPA) | 335 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 3.1 | Type-C 3.1 |
| Weight (Camera Body Only) | 580g | 585g |
| Dimensions | 135.8 x 98.3 x 67.7mm | 134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,299.00 (check price) | $1,999.95 (check price) |
In terms of ergonomics, both cameras have a few similarities, even though they differ in the manner they work. Both cameras have a single slot for storage cards, however they differ in their storage capacity. The EOS R takes SD cards and it is the Nikon Z6 uses the potentially more efficient XQD cards. The main difference in the cameras’ features is the Nikon Z6 offers in-body image stabilization whereas Canon has decided to leave this feature out for its EOS R. This gives the Nikon the advantage of shooting in low-light conditions and also on a windy day with tripod. Certain Canon RF lenses have in-lens image stabilization however among the four available RF lenses, only two of them have this feature. It also plays a significant part in the video-making process and the lack stabilized images on EOS R places it at the disadvantage of the Z6.
The area where you can see that the EOS R outclasses the Z6 is in its innovative use in Dual Pixel AF technology. With an impressive 5,655 autofocus point and Face Detection and AF (albeit only using Single-Shot AF) it’s clear that the EOS R has good autofocus capabilities. It’s not without its struggles with continuous autofocus, and its face Detection autofocus is an ongoing work-in-progress, however there’s definitely quite a lot to be done there.
Our evaluation of the Z6 shows that Nikon has a problem with continuous AF tracking. Its Face Detection also requires to be modified to make it more compatible with current standards that we’ve become used to from cameras made by Sony or Fuji. A quick observation, Nikon just announced it was currently developing an updated firmware for the Z6 or Z7 cameras which will allow eye tracking.Canon EOS R + RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM @ 70mm, ISO 100, 1/5000, f/5.6
Copyright (c) Nasim Mansurov
In terms of resolution, the Canon EOS R’s has an 30.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS camera, compared to Nikon Z6’s 24.5-megapixels full-frame BSI camera with CMOS sensor. The Canon is based on the older technology of the CMOS sensor which means the Nikon camera can produce more dynamic range and superior quality high ISO images. However, the distinctions in performance between CMOS as well as BSI CMOS in the overall performance of the real world aren’t any more than average, and both cameras can be capable of producing high-quality images.
In comparing their video specs when comparing their video specifications, the Nikon is clearly the superior model since it can shoot 4K videos with no crop and the Canon takes its footage from an 1.83x cropped area of its sensor. In addition Vloggers will definitely enjoy the fully-articulating, flip-screen on Canon’s EOS R over the Nikon’s tilting screen. Both cameras transmit 10-bit Log footage an external recorder through HDMI.