Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9
- Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Overview
- Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Imaging Performance
- Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Video Performance
- Recommended Canon R3 & Nikon Z9 Lenses
- Final Thoughts on the Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Two of the most advanced cameras currently on the market are the Canon EOS R3 and the Nikon Z9. They are absolute beasts perfect for professionals and camera enthusiasts alike, and if you are debating between the two, you’ve come to the right place!
In this Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9 camera guide, we’ll compare and contrast these high-end cameras. First, we’ll share basic overviews of the cameras before looking closer at their powerful photo and video capabilities. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
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We’ve used MPB’s one-of-a-kind online marketplace more times than we can remember to upgrade our camera kit by buying, selling, and trading in photography gear, and have saved thousands of dollars in the process. You can start doing the same by visiting their website today. Now, let’s dive in and discover which of these flagship cameras is right for you and your needs!
Check out the video above by Jared Polin to compare the Canon R3 and Nikon Z9 against the Sony a1.
Table of Contents
Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Overview
Canon EOS R3
The Canon EOS R3 came out in November 2021, replacing the R5 as the company’s signature mirrorless camera. It houses an all-new 24.1-megapixel stacked BSI CMOS sensor and a Digic X image processing engine. The pair (along with a recent firmware update) provide unreal speed and enhanced autofocus (AF) control.
The R3 has a large, sturdy body and a comfortable hand grip. Furthermore, there’s an articulating touchscreen, a top LCD, and a best-in-class electronic viewfinder (EVF). The high-resolution EVF boasts an astounding 5.76 million dots, 0.76x magnification, and 120 frames per second (fps) refresh rate.
Nikon Z9
A month later, in December 2021, Nikon countered with the release of the Nikon Z9. It’s an ultra-high-resolution camera with a 45.7-megapixel FX-Format stacked CMOS sensor and an Expeed 7 image processor. Its target market is professional content creators who shoot both photos and videos.
The Z9 has a similar look and feel to R3 but weighs around 300 grams more. The extra weight makes it sturdier when paired with a heavy-duty tripod but less convenient for handheld shooting. Another cool design feature of the Z9 is its ingenious sensor shield that protects the sensor whenever the camera is powered off.
Now, here’s a head-to-head look at the key features and specs of the Canon R3 and Nikon Z9 to see how they stack up:
Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Imaging Performance
Canon EOS R3
Out of the gate, some of you may be confused or straight-up disappointed as to why a flagship camera like the Canon EOS R3 only has 24.1MP. For comparison, that’s only roughly half the resolution found on the Nikon Z9–which has 45.7MP. However, it’s important to understand that pixel count isn’t everything!
What it lacks in resolution, it more than makes up for with its other excellent imaging capabilities. For example, the next-generation sensor produces lightning-fast readout speeds, a wider ISO range, and responsive AF. The wide ISO and BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor, in particular, make a huge difference in image quality when working in low light conditions.
Nikon Z9
Switching to the Nikon Z9, its signature photography feature is the aforementioned 45.7MP sensor. Its 8256 x 5504 max resolution is ideal for professional photographers who need to enlarge their images for printing. Typically, hi-resolution files take up lots of storage, but thanks to Nikon’s new high-efficiency format, RAW files shot on the Z9 are 30% smaller than most.
An area where both cameras excel is continuous shooting. The max speed of the Z9 is 20 fps for RAW files, 30 fps for JPEGs, and 120 fps for 11MP images. Remarkably, the Canon R3 is even better. The 30 fps mark used to be its top speed, but a recent software update introduced a “custom high-speed” mode that goes up to 195 fps.
Which is the best camera for photos? The Canon R3 has a slight upper hand courtesy of its insane burst shooting and superior low-light performance.
Learn More:
Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9: Video Performance
Canon EOS R3
Canon and Nikon went all out when it came to the video side of these two cameras, and because of that, they are two of the best mirrorless cameras for video we’ve ever tested. Whereas most cameras today are lucky to have 4K video capabilities, the Canon R3 has 6K video, and the Nikon Z9 has 8K video!
The R3 records 6K/60p, 4K/120p & 1080p/240p video while the Z9 films 8K/60p, 4K/120p & 1080p/120p video. 6K and 8K video makes both cameras popular choices for professional videographers and filmmakers. At the same time, their slow-motion video capabilities are ideal for YouTubers, vloggers, and social media influencers.
Nikon Z9 with 24-70mm lens
The video AF of the Canon R3 is slightly more accurate than the AF of the Nikon Z9. This is due to its 1053-point Dual Pixel AF system. It does a particularly good job of locating and tracking moving subjects. On the other hand, the Z9s AF is better at detecting different types of subjects. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify nine unique subjects.
Two more video-friendly features these cameras have in common are their in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and fully articulated rear displays. The IBIS significantly reduces camera shake, improving the video quality during handheld shooting. And the articulated displays make it easier to frame and crop scenes when recording at weird angles or selfie footage.
Which is the best camera for video? Once again, it’s a close call, but we’ll give it to the Nikon Z9 because of its 8K video capabilities.
Recommended Canon R3 & Nikon Z9 Lenses
Canon EOS R3 with 24-70mm lens
Here are two quick lists of the best Canon RF and Nikon Z lenses to pair with the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9.
Canon R3 Lenses
Nikon Z9 Lenses
Final Thoughts on the Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9
Nikon Z9 in the field
While you can't go wrong with either of these cameras, here are our final recommendations. Hybrid creators primarily shooting photos should opt for the Canon EOS R3, especially if they practice action, sports, adventure, or wildlife photography. On the flip side, hybrid shooters who identify more with videography and filmmaking should choose the Nikon Z9.
Finally, thank you so much for taking the time to read our Canon R3 vs Nikon Z9 review. We hope it has helped you in your search for your next camera. Do you want to compare these two amazing mirrorless cameras with other similar options? Check out the list below of other company’s flagship cameras in stock now at MPB:
Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!
