I’ve heard multiple Nikon Z6 vs. Canon EOS R fights happening in my camera enthusiast circles as of late.
The Nikon Z6 vs. Canon EOS R price debate is almost moot, since there is only a $100 difference at this point. So, the argument starts to rotate around which of these cameras features the better specs, which one shoots the best video, and which one will be remembered more fondly a decade down the line.
We’re going to break down each of these aspects for you, and more.
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R Specs
When you start to examine the Nikon Z6 vs. Canon EOS R specs, it becomes clear why these cameras are so controversial. They’re almost identical. For one thing, they were released less than 2 weeks apart in late 2018.
For another, they have similar ISO ranges, 3690k dot electronic viewfinders, and 3.2” screens (although the Nikon Z6 features a tilting screen while the Canon EOS R features a fully articulated screen).
But, they do differ on some key points. Let’s go over each one of these cameras in depth.
Nikon Z6 Specs
The Nikon Z6 is known for its impressive ISO range (100-51,200 or 50-204,800 expanded), it’s image stabilization and its 12 fps continuous shooting. In addition to those nice features, the Z6 has the following:
- 25MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-51200 (or 50-204800 expanded)
- Sensor-shift image stabilization
- 3.2 tilting screen
- 3690k dot electronic viewfinder
- 12fps continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 1.48 lbs
- Weather-proofed
- 330-shot battery life
Canon EOS R Specs
Notably, the Canon EOS R doesn’t feature image stabilization, while the Nikon Z6 does. However, the Canon EOS R features 5,655 AF points, whereas the Nikon Z6 only features 273. You read that right: the Canon EOS R features 100% vertical coverage in terms of AF points, and 88% horizontal coverage. That’s not bad at all!
Canon also says that the EOS R features the fastest autofocus in the world at .05 seconds. This time isn’t consistent across all lenses, however.
Canon EOS R Specs:
- ISO 100-40000 (or 50-102400 expanded)
- 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 3.2” fully articulated screen
- 3690k dot electronic viewfinder
- 8fps continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Weather proofed body
- 370-shot battery life
Get more details about the EOS R in my video above.
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R Body & Design
The Nikon Z6 body is a little heavier than the Canon EOS R weighing in at 1.48 lbs, although we can’t really notice the difference on a long shoot.
The Nikon Z6 measures 5.27 x 3.97 x 2.67.
The Canon EOS R impressively weighs only 1.45 lbs it is also similar in size to the Nikon Z6, at 5.35 x 3.85 x 3.30.
The Canon EOS R also supports UHS memory cards, whereas the Nikon Z6 doesn’t. Instead, it has a single XQD card slot (it has since been updated via firmware to support CF Express).
My advice to anyone looking at a new camera is to not neglect their memory card situation. You can't harness the power of these cameras' video capabilities with a slow and unreliable memory card!
For my money, ProGrade memory cards are the way to go. I use a ProGrade UHS-II card in my EOS R, and if I had a Z6, you can bet I'd have a Prograde CF Express card for that bad boy!
These cards are ultimately fast, reliable, and durable...just what you want in a memory card.
Anyway, I digress...
It's also worth nothing that the Canon EOS R and the Nikon Z6 features touch screens, external flash shoes, microphone and headphone ports and similar button layouts.
They also both feature top LCD screens. In other words, there are plenty of similarities in their designs.
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R & Handling
The Nikon Z6 is a bit heavier than the EOS R, but nothing noticeable (especially when you include lenses in the mix).
The Nikon Z6 is not as thick as the Canon EOS R and it also features a rounded ergonomic grip, as opposed to Canon’s squared grip. So, the Nikon Z6 is built better for smaller hands.
As previously mentioned, the Canon EOS R is slightly lighter than the Nikon Z6. It also features an oddly shaped, square grip that is thicker than Nikon’s grip. In this way, the Canon EOS R is built for larger hands.
But that’s about where the dissimilarities between these two cameras end. They are both made of Magnesium alloy and they are both weather-sealed, so they are lightweight, go-anywhere type of cameras.
Now, just because they’re weather-sealed doesn’t mean they can withstand a blizzard or a sand storm, but they’ll perform like a champ in typical rainy or snowy weather, provided you take care of them in the process.
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R Video Performance
Wolfcrow breaks down all of the incredible Nikon Z6 video capabilities in the video above.
Obviously, the in-body image stabilization on the Nikon Z6 gives it a boost in video capabilities.
The Z6 has a horizontal crop factor for 4K of 1.0, can shoot 4K in 3840 x 2160 resolution and features a Native ISO of 800 in N-Log. All features that video enthusiasts will appreciate...
The Wanderer shot some incredible footage with the Canon EOS R in Japan earlier this year. You can watch it above.
We love shooting video on the Canon EOS R because it features an articulating screen.
The EOS R features a horizontal crop factor in 4K of 1.8, which isn’t ideal, but the 4K resolution exactly matches the Z6 at 3840 x 2160. It has a native ISO of 400 in C-Log as well.
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R Overview
If you’re like most people, and like the Everyday Dad, then after examining this rundown, you know both of these cameras are ahead of the market.
Since these two cameras are so similar, I think the Nikon Z6 vs. Canon EOS R debate really relies on which type of photography you are doing most often.
I would choose a Nikon Z6 for:
- Portrait photography (full frame, good handling, image stabilization)
- Street photography (full frame, image stabilization, tilting LCD)
- Landscape photography (full frame, high resolution sensor, environmentally-sealed)
I would choose a Canon EOS R for:
- Daily photography (full frame, medium size body, environmentally-sealed)
- Sports photography (electronic built-in viewfinder, fast continuous shooting, fast max shutter speed)
- Vlogging (articulating screen, lightweight body)
Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R Price
You can buy the Nikon Z6 on Amazon for $1,700, or you can buy the Canon EOS R on Amazon for $1,800.
Or, you can do what I do when I can’t afford yet another piece of equipment I desperately want; you can turn to MPB.
MPB features used cameras from every brand you can imagine. These are Nikon Z6 cameras available on MPB right now for $200-$300 less than Amazon.
And while the Canon EOS R isn’t available on MPB just this moment, MPB features a mailing list for camera enthusiasts so you’ll never miss out on a bargain when they get cameras in stock.
As it mentions, there are hundreds of new cameras rotating through MPB’s site everyday. The last time I signed up for an out-of-stock product alert it took just two days for me to find the exact camera I was looking for on their site.
I trust MPB over other camera trading sites because they have a state-of-the-art grading system, so you know exactly what condition your used camera will arrive to your house in.
And, MPB offers a 6-month warranty for every product purchased on their site. So, if you get a camera from them and it isn’t in the listed condition, they send you a replacement free of charge.
That’s something eBay isn’t doing!
Good luck on your search for the perfect camera, and happy shooting once you find it!.