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.

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

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.

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.

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 KZfaqr than photographers .

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.

I learned so much from your videos. I have an LS 3 camera for my channel. Thank both of you guys for taking the time to produce these types of videos. Thanks Myles 😊

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

Hi. Thanks for the video. Excellent. I liked the overall categories that you chose to review the cameras. And I really liked the bar graph that you put in at the end of the video showing all categories and how each camera faired, all in one spot. Assessment was good. Like the Canon and the price. And just throwing out the apps... a win. But all are nice and I like many things about all of them.

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

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.

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.

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

Tough video to make with such amazing camera bodies. It's hard to narrow things down when they all perform so well. Good work!

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.

Thanks for the input! Excellent comparison! Thanks for taking me along!

As a loyal Nikon user, answer is simple for me. Z8 is just what many of us have been waiting for, a camera that can really replace D850. The only bad thing about it is that I can't afford it 😆Of course, any of these 3 cameras will do the job well but because of the system build up, and lenses, you are kinda locked with the brand you choose initially. It's really hard to switch the brand if you aren't making ton of money. But, even if could afford to switch the brand I would still stick to Nikon cause I just prefer Nikon colors and ergonomics over Sony and Canon. Unfortunately switch from DLSR to Mirrorless is almost like switching the brand because of the different lenses. Yeah, adapter will do initially, but it is not only the body that you want, but those nice and sharp Z lenses too 😁

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

Very helpful compares. It comes down to the category that matters the most to each photographer. Thanks for putting this video together.

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

Folks, thanks so much for your reviews; I love the style and above all the direct honesty! That’s been consistent over the many years I’ve followed you.I use an R5 with the RF100-500 principally for wildlife in Southern Africa (when I get to travel!) - I’m very happy with it, especially since my previous camera was a 70D! I know that eventually things will pull well ahead of it, but honestly, in real-world terms, the thing is mind blowing and will serve me for many years to come. Finally, interesting that in the end there were 3 points in it! For me, I would simply exclude apps and wireless transfer because *all* cameras seem to be woeful in this regard. Honestly, it’s like the manufacturers sent a team of engineers on a one-week 1980’s intro to programming course and said: “have at it!” The manufacturer that figures this part out will capture an oversized portion of the youth market in the same way Apple has influenced car buying choices with Airplay.

Also, since the Z8 is so new. Firmware updates will play into this allot also.

Great vid! I like how you made the scoring such that everyone can pick the categories best for them. I never use apps on my cameras!

Hi Thomas thx for the video but your conclusion re the Z8 for wildlife video would be that its not a option as it couldn't focus while Chelsea was walking or did I not understand you correctly thx Doug

Thank you - really enjoyed this. Would love to see your thoughts on the more compact/travel FF cameras (and the system), with interesting releases like the Zf, R8 and 7cII/R

So many unique features on the Nikon Z8 you didn't take into consideration: Illuminated buttons, full weather sealing, backwards compability to 100+ lenses (which are very cheap 2nd hand), pre-shutter buffering and on it goes. And NO, people who buy a 45 mpix camera isn't necessarily pixels peeper (although Nikon do well and don't overprocess your images, but let you choose). A full res image should not be seen 100% closeup on a monitor, but 1 meter or more from the wall. All other use is often online in a very reduced resolution, which reduces noise etc. a big deal. That goes for all the great cameras in the lineup.

Z8 for sure!🎉

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

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.

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

Nikon Z8 is the best one. Weight is not an issue especially for most of the folks already watching who are coming from DSLR. For anyone who wants what the Z8 offers then I doubt the weight is an issue. Autofocus, everyone is raving about eye autofocus, if all everyone shot was eyeball, then I would say it's an issue... :). I really miss when Tony actually taught photography, Or maybe it's the gear that makes the photographer these days :)

Excellent point in that different photographers were weight different measures. Well done!

Video is important to me and I already own a D850, is the Z8 a no brainer or will I hate the video autofocus in 4 and 8K? Is the Panasonic GH6 a better video choice than the Z8, minus the full frame and 8K of course? Thanks for another excellent video 👍

This is a super helpful review! Thanks!

I am surprised that you didn’t include the older EF Mount Canon lenses in your assessment of the R5. The EF to R adapters work well with the R5 and there are tons of 3rd party EF lenses that work on the R5 including the Sigma Art lenses. Finally, the cost of the Telephoto zooms is very different than across the three bodies and then did you account for the difference in bit depth?

The Z8 is the obvious choice. Judging by Nikons relentless firmware work it'll get even better at AF in time and it's the only one with a stacked sensor. I don't think the R5-II will have a stacked sensor.

Thinking of getting a canon R6 mark II camera with the 24~105mm L lens mirrorless Fuller’s frame camera. Don’t really do video but mostly do landscape & wildlife photography. Your opinion?

Thank you for the detailed and fair comparison guys! I have the R7 and the A7iv and I'm very happy with them shooting mostly birds and wildlife. I'd be interested to see how the Canon R8 would compare to this other bunch. That seems to be almost a no-brainer for me to get to go with my EF wildlife primes that I'm adapting to the R7 and A7iv. The A7iv is nice when adapted to the EF lenses and with the 200-600mm but the frame rate is much lower than the R8 would deliver. I could also use the R8 with the rf800mm f11 that I'm getting soon.

I think that the Z8 looks great and that bigger body is a good thing rather than a disadvantage considering it's purpose (which is the one of a Z9, but in a smaller body and more affordable)

just got a a7r5 after many years with a7r3. one problem nobody mentions is the horrible electronic level. as an architectural photog, it has too much "play" in the green bars. meaning -- it thinks it is vertical\level but it is way off. my canon 5dsr was much better. i wish sony allowed a "level sensitivity" adjustment so the level was more accurate like canon. sure, i can fix in post, but should not have to.

Using moire in print as 1:1 indicator of image quality is not - great

The image quality test makes no sense. You're shooting a book cover, which just isn't a real world scenario at all. You said, that the z8 doesn't have the filter, so it can take sharper images at the cost of more moiré. Seems kind of odd to make that a one-sided negative point, if in the real world the moiré won't be anywhere near as much of an issue as in this very specific test.

Thanks for this entertaining and useful review! Canon R5 held up really well for 3 years old, especially if ignore the app rating which i would never use (except for perhaps shutter trigger). Used ones can be had for around $2500. I will say the lens selection is a HUGE factor. I feel extremely constrained by Canon's lack of third party lenses. I consider switching to Sony based on that alone with gems like the Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8. im about to get an R6 to compliment (or perhaps replace) my R6 and hope Canon steps up their affordable lenses

Thanks for your comparison. In my earlier days I shot on Sony. Switched to Canon when the Canon 5D Mark iii came out. Now I have a Canon R5C because I use it more for filming, but when I'm out it's actually cool that it can also take pictures. I have also used Blackmagic for films. For larger film productions, it has not been my equipment and I have been in the role of director or VFX supervisor. Here it has actually mostly been Sony, Blackmagic and Canon in that order, also very little shot on a RED.

You should compare Z8 vs A1, they are at same level.

How do you test the stabilization? All other photographers said that Nikon Z8 have a great impressive stabilization with longer focal length.

I have had a Canon R5 for two years and can't really fault it. Will be interesting to see what the next firmware update for the R5 delivers.

The A7RV ergo's gave me a blister within 4 hours of shooting. Went back the next day.

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 !

Great review of these wonderful cameras. Why do we need such huge lens on these camera bodies? How do these cameras work when adapting 3rd party lens ?

Nikon has a new features "Skin Softening", "Portrait Impression Balance" and WB optimized for human subjects, were these setting used in your test comparison? Also in the past you used to talk about the lack of use among most brands for HEIF format, did you compare that with JPEG and who else uses that? Lastly, the raw files used in your test, did you use any 14-bit? Thanks..

Now I almost decided to go with the Nikon, but now that I've seen that I can't photograph posters and books properly with it, I'd rather not do it.😂

What AF settings did you have for the Z8??

Hi Tony & Chelsea. All of your videos are very helpful including this one. I would like to ask you one question about this review. In the video auto focus test, while you're filming Chelsea moving, were you using Sony lenses version 2 or third party? On Sony website, they state that Sony lenses give better video results. I think in one of your videos, you also said Sony prevented third parties from making their lenses focus as fast as Sony's. I greatly appreciate if you can provide the information regarding the lens you used for this test. It will help all of your KZfaq users save a lot of money buy buying 3rd party lenses if they work well for videos.

Thanks for the very thoughtful review. I noticed you didn’t include landscape as a category. I’m curious how you would have rated these cameras. Any insights for landscape photography.

Have you specially taken a portrait on Nikon in the opposite direction from the light ? To make it look bad?

What I don’t understand is all the autofocus issues you guys have with the Nikon Z9 and Z8? I have both of these cameras and they are flawless for me, I never have any issues with autofocus.

Now Sony has better ergonomics!! Did the sun just rise on the west today? 😂

Sports and Wildlife mostly, and this makes me very happy the Z8 shone - I've delayed the upgrade of my fleet of Nikon dSLR... until now 😃

A very useful video. For travel or social coverage, the Sony A7RV coupled with the new Sony G 20-70 F4 is simply fantastic. It's a lightweight, compact FF camera, with a very useful focal length range, an articulated screen for framing that other cameras don't allow, and impressive stabilization while limiting access to higher iso. Otherwise, I feel that the only limit to all these pro cameras will be the creativity and technical skills of the photographers themselves. 👍👍👍

Looking for overall weight and lightweight lenses. Primarily for travel and landscape as well as some portrait and macro work. Shoot with Nikon D850 professionally, but getting ready to retire and travel and will most likely switch to Sony. I did have a Sony 6300 which I never warmed to, due to the size and menus. I'm also spoiled by the Dynamic Range in the full frame. I have a Nikon D600 that I bought years ago that works just fine, but the Sony looks like something worth splurging on. Thanks for all thorough research and useful information.

What are your thoughts about an a1/a7rv tandem for wildlife and landscape use? I would consider the a7rv for all but wildlife/birds in flight.

Should have added battery life I think but that’s Ok. From a systems point of view also would be nice to grade Canon’s R5/R3 pair, Sony A7RV/A1 pair, and Nikon Z8/Z9 pair which is how I chose. Own Sony and Canon now but also shot Nikon Z9 for a year. Held off on the Z8 so far to see the EOS R5 II which I hope will be announced and available befor the end of the year. Thanks for the video. PS: use the A1 for wildlife and sports and A7RV for almost everything else. A7C for ultra light FF.

Great vid. A shootout for ultimate image quality/usability, regardless of price-point or sensor size would be a fun watch.

Thanks for doing this but as this video proves it's not really possible to compare cameras "generically" any more -- each camera/system has its own strengths and weaknesses. Best to pick the one that performs best for your specific needs, or just pick the one that you feel most comfortable with. As a wildlife video enthusiast, I'm currently shooting Nikon, but my interest and needs are very specific. There's never been a better time to get into photography!

How does z8 perform with the ftz bcoz i have several legacy f mount lenses

Before watching this post, I was about to order a Z8, despite their autofocus is slightly behind the competition. And then, I saw here the focus on eyelash rather than iris, and the lack of focus follow when model walked toward the camera. Now “slightly” behind the competition sounds very bad. Is it possible that settings can improve the AF behaviour? Now, I feel like cold feet about switching to Nikon Z8. Thank you for the video.

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.

Nikon Z8 all the way with it's very modern stacked sensor for less money than Sony A1!

For portrait / studio, I would have mentioned that it's not possible to shoot tethered to Lightroom with Sony, that's quite important for studio photographers.

Nikon Z8 would be my future camera..❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

Wow what a great video! hey Tony why don't you give us a .csv file or similar with the scores?

Awesome comparisons.

Why was the Nikon score lowered for lack of 3rd party lens availability and no points given for the large selection of available F mount, native and 3rd party, lenses that are available.? Like the one used during this test.

Thanks for this comparison video. I would love to see a comparison video using the same three cameras but of the Holy Trinity lenses for each please!

sold my Q2 to get A7rv to go with my A7riv, love it everything just feels right for what I take, Great lens selection and the GMs are great, yes all 3 are great cameras but committed to the Sony system with no regrets. The cameras good now it's up to me for results and happy so far.

Good video! What is "dragging the shutter"?

I personally would love to know what you think about the SL system and the their top tier lenses in comparison with sony nikon canon. They charge so much more, and I am not able to find out why...

i still would choose Nikon. But never the Z8 - only the Z9 will show the others the dust. Nikon has the most lenses for everything - 'cause I use Megadap and my Sony GM lenses am Nikon 24-120, 400 mm, 800 mm! Canon is an old design, even the R7 is a better design-choise. And the Sony is only fast enough in APS-C mode with animals. But today I wouldn't use any Sony camera, I keep my Canon R7 for 100-400 mm, 100-500 mm and 100 mm macro until R5II sjows a lot of better solutions. Nikon is far from perfect in AF-following and stabilisation. But now it is the way to go.

Sony was great at egonomics until they went to the e-mount - the a99ii is almost identical in size to the Z8, with great ergonomics. Great video guys, we appreciate the effort that goes into these!

Great comparison!! I am shooting with R5 (2 bodies) and I have currently five RF lenses. My standard travel equipment beside the 2 R5 bodies is: Rf 15-35/2.8, RF 50/1.2 and RF 70-200/2.8. To be honest I am considering to sell my whole gear and switching to the a7RV with the new 24-70/2.8 GM2. Much lighter and 80% of my images are done within the range of 24-70. 61MP allows to crop to above 100mm and most wide angle images can be done by stitching. I think that in particular the new 24-70GM2 is a game changer because of the size, the weight, the handling (aperture ring) and the outstanding optical performance (superior to the Canon 24-70 lens). My only concern is the bokeh versus my RF 50 mm lens. But hey - carrying only one body with one lens means to bring the camera much more often with me.

Great video thanks. I'd say the Sony is the weakest camera in the comparison for me personally mainly because of the really slow sensor. Also from what I've seen Nikon's AF is close enough to CaSony that I don't hold it against it. The Z8 is a ridiculously good camera for the price and the Canon R5 is really impressive given it's age. The only thing really holding Canon RF back IMO is the reasonably priced native lens selection (and before you suggest the adapter, I beg, just don't).

The combination of 1.2/85, 4/600 and 5.6-6.3/800 and the best ergonomics lead me to the Nikon - although I prefer the Z 9 because I totally disagree with your point of view regarding weight. More weight better balances longer lenses and if you are too weak to hold it, use a monopod

R5 is 3 years old, so it is still a fantastic camera

i think you can chane the settings for video autofocu to be fast or slow

Canon R5 here. I've had it now for 11 months. I do more landscape that anything else, but anything goes if I think it's a photo worth taking. I don't really stress out any of the features - I don't do video at all, and only rarely do I even shoot moving subjects. As long as it gets the job done, I suppose most anything would work for me, but I've been with Canon since 2010, and I've found no reason to second guess that choice.

The Sony will be the heaviest of the 3 because of the dust now accumulating on the sensor. Some say, that the great barrier reef is now de-silted thanks to the Sony FF.

do you think Nikon can update the auto-focus issues?

Great video 👏👏👏

I am having the hardest time finding the right camera for me....I am looking for a great camera for sports and wildlife! I shoot mostly sports (wrestling) and safari. I looked at the z8 but could not find a lens that would work for me (I can only afford to purchase 1 multi use lens-currently using a 50-300 tamron and would love something a little longer). I am usually on safari and in situations that I do not have the time to change back and fourth between different lenses and can only take 1 set up . Nikon does not have a lens that will work or at least I cannot find one. Sony is compatible with the tamron 50-400 (which I've heard is fairly good). Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions?

You used an image from a book cover to rate image quality? Lol

I don't agree with a lot of your conclusions/scoring, but I do appreciate the huge amount of work that clearly went into making this.

Great comparison, if you take away Lens Selection and Apps scores the remaining categories and I think the most important ones = Nikon-67 Sony-65 Canon-70, I have friends who have these particular cameras myself included (R5) and we all love them.

Take away the Lens Selection and Apps comparison. The Canon R5 scored the highest. And it is a 3 years old camera. It is such an easy hybrid camera to use in the field. Switching between photo and video is just a push of a button. My friend asked, do you shoot video? No, I said. But I gave it a try with the R5 and I am hooked. The 4K 120 slow motion is just insane. With the latest firmware update. It never over heated. That's is videoing in short burst of no more than 15 minutes at a time. Canon R5, an all-rounder.

Fantastic job guys, I would take the Nikon being a Nikon dslr and Mirrorless shooter for over 30 years, they just work for me, and produce the results I need, really think the z8 is gonna be a huge step up from the Z6

Apps while becoming more important, don’t matter as much. I would have rather you done a durability / weather sealing test. How it holds up in rain, wind, and snow would have meant way more than apps. Solid video. I have the Sony 7r4. Got it used. It’s a nice camera but I have to baby it. All of my other cameras are Canon, no babying. I have the Canon R5 on my wishlist it’s just too expensive right now.

I just got a canon this year and realised how limiting the lens choices are and jumping ship to Sony r5. I also got the canon rf 50 1.2 but still not committed to canon anymore .. Contemplating Sony a1 let’s see which I get

I love the R5 but I have also been a Canon shooter for a really long time so that probably has an impact. Portraits and sports are my main things and not as much video. All 3 are great cameras and 5 years ago we would have all loved any of the 3. Hopefully Adorama will help drive down the cost of some of the faster memory cards these cameras use, as I still see that as a tough sell when in reality if you dont do video you seldom need that type of transfer speed.

Good test but I wouldn't take off any points for Z8 weight/size as the test was for handling and Nikon's ergonomics are best in the industry.Also the IBIS on my Z6II is pretty amazing, I can shoot 400mm at 1/30 and have at least 75% sharp pictures and for a non VR lens 24-120 I can shoot at 1/15 at 120mm no problems either.

A very well-informed video touching on all the important aspects and providing the categories to allow a novice like me to make a better decision, thank you for your efforts.