• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Canon R6

  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon R6 advantages over Nikon D5

  • Less expensive
    $2099 vs $3325*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    680g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon R6

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.

  • Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Canon R6
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon R6
Nikon D4S
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Canon R6
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Nikon D5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Longer video battery life
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Canon R6
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Canon R6
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer
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