Canon 5DS R vs Nikon D810A: The Ultimate Advanced DSLR Face-Off

In the world of advanced digital SLRs, picking the right camera can feel like splitting hairs - especially when giants like Canon and Nikon offer models with strong feature sets tailored to serious photographers. Today, we’re pitting the Canon EOS 5DS R and the Nikon D810A head-to-head. Both were announced in early 2015 and stand as flagship full-frame DSLR bodies crafted for demanding image makers. Yet subtle design choices and core technical differences create unique strengths and weaknesses that can sway your decision depending on what kind of photography you specialize in.

Having spent thousands of hours testing cameras through studio setups, landscape expeditions, wildlife shoots, and fast-paced sports events, I’m going to walk you through the key aspects that differentiate these two workhorses. This is an evidence-based evaluation grounded in hands-on comparisons, technical expertise, and real-world usability. Buckle up for an in-depth guide that should empower you to pick your next camera with confidence.

Size, Weight, and Handling: Ergonomics Matter

Before diving into megapixels and specs, let’s talk about how both cameras feel in the hand - because you’ll be lugging them through hikes, shoots, or stadiums.

The Canon 5DS R tips the scale around 930 grams and measures roughly 152 x 116 x 76 mm, making it a substantial mid-size SLR. Meanwhile, the Nikon D810A is a tad lighter at 880 grams but slightly chunkier at 146 x 123 x 82 mm. Both offer robust magnesium alloy bodies with weather sealing - however, note that the Canon is rated dustproof and weather resistant, whereas Nikon’s D810A lacks official dustproof certification but has weather sealing as well.

Handling-wise, Canon’s body thickness and gentle grip contour make it feel slightly more comfortable during longer sessions, whereas Nikon’s slightly wider grip may appeal to those with larger hands.

Physically, they occupy similar real estate; neither camera aims to be pocketable, but both balance durability and usability for professional shoots.

Design and Interface: Controls Under the Hood

A photographer’s workflow hinges on intuitive control layout and display ergonomics. Both cameras employ traditional DSLR top-panel LCDs, fixed rear LCDs (no articulating screens here), and button placements consistent with their brand philosophies.

Canon’s 5DS R features a 3.2-inch fixed LCD with 1.04 million dots, sans touchscreen functionality. Nikon’s D810A edges out slightly with a 3.2-inch fixed LCD boasting 1.23 million dots - still without touch sensitivity. While not groundbreaking, the Nikon screen’s marginally higher resolution offers crisper image review, a factor I appreciate during intense post-shoot inspections in the field.

The button placement and dials on Canon stick to a familiar EOS design language - effectively balancing direct access to key functions like ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes. Nikon’s D810A maintains the typical Nikon ergonomics but provides extended self-timer options (up to 20 seconds delay with multiple shots), a handy feature for astrophotography and controlled exposures that I particularly missed on the Canon.

No touchscreen or fully articulating display on either model does limit some modern conveniences, but for photographers accustomed to legacy DSLRs, both bodies deliver familiar, efficient interfaces.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now onto the centerpiece: sensor performance. This is where these two diverge significantly.

Resolution and Sensor Specs

• Canon 5DS R: 50.6 megapixels, full frame (36 x 24 mm), without optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter.
• Nikon D810A: 36.3 megapixels, full frame (35.9 x 24 mm), with an optical low-pass filter.

The Canon 5DS R pushes resolution boundaries, prioritizing ultra-high detail capture suitable for large prints, commercial product photography, and landscapes where pixel-peeping is common. The absence of an optical low-pass filter emphasizes sharpness but introduces the potential for moiré patterns in fine repetitive textures.

The Nikon D810A’s sensor, less extreme in pixel count, includes a low-pass filter, which helps reduce moiré and false color, a boon for astrophotography - its specialty.

Dynamic Range and Color Depth

On DxO Mark testing, the Canon 5DS R scores a very respectable 86 overall, with color depth at 24.6 bits and dynamic range around 12.4 EV stops at base ISO. The Nikon D810A is not officially tested by DxO, but it shares the D810’s sensor platform well-known for excellent dynamic range performance (approximately 14 EV stops), giving Nikon a theoretical edge in shadow recovery and highlight retention.

ISO Range and Noise Performance

• Canon 5DS R: ISO 100-6400 native (expandable to 12800).
• Nikon D810A: ISO 200-12800 native (expandable to 51200).

Even though the Canon packs more megapixels, this often comes at the expense of noise performance, especially beyond ISO 3200. The Nikon’s sensor and proprietary Expeed 4 processor handle high ISO cleaner with better noise control, making it more versatile in low light or night photography applications.

In my side-by-side testing, the Nikon’s images exhibited smoother noise, preserving fine detail better at elevated ISOs, which is crucial for astro and night shooters who often push ISO to catch faint starlight.

Autofocus: Keeping Your Subject Sharp

Autofocus is a make-or-break factor in many photography domains. Both cameras offer 5 frames per second continuous shooting - not blazing fast by modern sporting standards but respectable for advanced DSLRs of their era.

• Canon 5DS R: 61 AF points with 41 cross-type sensors.
• Nikon D810A: 51 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors.

Canon boasts a larger number of cross-type points, which generally translates to enhanced precision across more of the viewfinder. Cross-type sensors are better at detecting contrast in both horizontal and vertical planes, essential for fast, accurate focusing.

Despite Nikon having fewer cross-type points, its Multi-CAM 3500FX AF module is reliable with excellent tracking capabilities and customizable AF settings tailored for astrophotography - the D810A’s intended niche.

Neither camera has the latest phase-detection live view autofocus technologies or advanced animal eye detection found in newer models, which means manual focus or careful AF point selection remains key in challenging conditions.

Mechanical and Build Quality: Durability Meets Craftsmanship

Both cameras share a magnesium alloy chassis designed for professional use. They incorporate environmental sealing aimed at dust, moisture, and weather resistance.

Canon’s 5DS R includes thorough dust sealing, making it my pick for photographers regularly working in adverse conditions - think desert landscapes or misty forests.

The Nikon D810A, while weather sealed, lacks the dustproof certification, calling for extra care in harsh environments. Nevertheless, it boasts robust construction trusted by many astrophotographers who favor its sensor’s spectral filtering.

Viewfinder and LCD Interface

Both DSLRs provide a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and about 0.7x magnification (Nikon at 0.7x, Canon slightly less at 0.71x).

The Canon’s optical finder delivers a slightly brighter and more immersive experience, which benefits manual focusing and composition in bright conditions. The Nikon’s viewfinder is no slouch, but I found it rounds out the competition.

On their rear screens, neither camera offers touchscreen control - a minor inconvenience but understandable given their 2015 design timeframe. The Nikon’s higher resolution screen again edges out the Canon for sharp image playback.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

When pairing a camera with lenses, the system’s options can determine overall value.

• Canon EF mount: over 250 native lenses.
• Nikon F mount: over 300 lenses available.

Both brands offer vast selections from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms, including excellent third-party support. Canon’s EF lineup shines in speed, autofocus performance, and a wealth of professional-grade glass. Nikon’s mount also caters to specialists, with options tailored for astrophotography (some lenses with superior coma correction) and exceptional wide-angle choices.

Compatibility is generally seamless with their respective lenses, but Canon’s slightly newer EF generation lenses might deliver the sharpest results to match the 50MP sensor’s resolving power.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon 5DS R: Approx. 700 shots per charge (LP-E6).
• Nikon D810A: Approx. 1200 shots per charge (EN-EL15).

The Nikon’s battery efficiency is a significant advantage for extended sessions - astrophotography long exposures or day-long shoots. In real usage, the Nikon D810A’s stamina prevents mid-shoot battery scrambling.

Both cameras offer dual card slots - one SD (UHS-I compatible) and one CompactFlash - allowing simultaneous RAW+JPEG backup or overflow recording.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is noticeably absent on the Canon 5DS R, aligning with Canon’s 2015-era flagship strategy prioritizing reliability over novelty. Nikon offers optional wireless modules (via accessories) and GPS, enhancing geo-tagging and remote control - handy for scientific or travel photographers.

Both systems include USB 3.0 ports and HDMI output, microphone input (but only Nikon has a headphone jack), supporting basic video capabilities and external audio monitoring.

Video Capabilities: Both Are Limited But Serviceable

While neither camera is aimed primarily at videographers, both support Full HD video recording.

• Canon 5DS R: 1080p up to 30fps; no 4K; uses H.264 codec.
• Nikon D810A: 1080p up to 60fps; no 4K; supports MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.

Nikon’s higher frame rate options make it slightly more flexible for slow-motion or smoother video. Both lack in-body stabilization, so steady footage requires tripods or stabilized lenses.

Professional videographers may find these models limiting compared to mirrorless counterparts; however, for hybrid shooters, both deliver decent quality for documentary or supplemental video work.

Genre-Based Performance Breakdown

Let’s distill their suitability for various photography styles, informed by my hands-on evaluations over varied conditions.

Portrait Photography

The Canon 5DS R’s huge sensor resolution combined with no low-pass filter produces stunningly detailed skin textures and creamy bokeh when paired with fast primes. Eye detection AF is present but rudimentary compared to modern cameras. Nikon’s D810A, while lower in resolution, offers pleasing transitional tones and excellent color accuracy but with more forgiving detail retention in portraits.

Verdict: Canon edges the portrait category for detail enthusiasts; Nikon offers a balanced alternative with better high ISO handling for dim studios.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s 50MP sensor excels for large prints and cropping flexibility. The excellent dynamic range allows capturing subtle tonal variations when hiking national parks. Nikon’s sensor shines where shadow recovery is crucial - alpine scenes with harsh sun contrast.

Weather sealing favors Canon for fieldwork in inclement weather, though Nikon’s build is sound.

Verdict: Canon for max detail and resolution, Nikon for superior dynamic range in shadowed landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed and buffer depth matter here. Both DSLR’s 5fps are slow against specialized action cameras. Canon’s 61-point AF with many cross-types provides an edge for accurate tracking. Nikon is no slouch, but fewer cross-points and smaller buffer count limit continuous shooting.

Lens availability favors Canon slightly with a broader choice of super-telephoto lenses.

Verdict: Canon for serious wildlife shooters needing precise AF; Nikon acceptable but less ideal.

Sports Photography

For fast, erratic action, 5fps is limiting. Though Canon’s AF grid is denser, Nikon’s robust tracking mechanics excel in controlled lighting. Both cameras struggle in dim arenas due to lack of high ISO mastery.

Verdict: Neither optimal for professional sports; Canon marginally better AF points count, but low frame rate hampers.

Street Photography

Portability and discreteness are key. Both cameras are hefty and not designed for stealth shooting. Canon’s slightly smaller footprint aids carry, but neither is ideal for candid street photography requiring agility.

Sensor noise performance is better on Nikon, useful for low-light streetscapes.

Verdict: Nikon better low-light; Canon better ergonomics, but both suboptimal compared to compact mirrorless options.

Macro Photography

Fine detail and focus precision are paramount. Canon’s resolution allows exceptional image detail and crop opportunities. Neither provides focus stacking or bracketing features.

Lack of IBIS (in-body image stabilization) means reliance on tripod or stabilized lenses.

Verdict: Canon reigns for sheer detail; Nikon good, but fewer pixels limit cropping latitude.

Night and Astrophotography

This is Nikon D810A’s sweet spot. The camera was built with this discipline in mind, featuring a red-sensitive filter optimized for hydrogen-alpha emission lines. Outstanding noise control at high ISO and excellent dynamic range deliver crisp star fields.

Canon lacks this specialized feature and struggles more with noise at high ISOs, limiting astrophotography potential despite superior megapixels.

Verdict: Nikon is far better suited for serious night sky photographers.

Video

Nikon’s ability to shoot 1080p60fps is a noticeable advantage for video enthusiasts, coupled with headphone monitoring.

Canon’s video specs are competent but limited to 30fps max.

Neither offers 4K, so this category is more serviceable than professional-grade.

Verdict: Nikon preferred for casual video capture.

Travel Photography

Weight, battery life, versatility. Nikon’s lighter weight and almost doubled battery life make it more travel-friendly.

Canon’s superior sensor suits landscape-heavy travel portfolios but demands more battery backups.

Verdict: Nikon better battery, Canon better image quality - choose based on priority.

Professional Workflows

Both support robust RAW file formats but Nikon’s files are slightly easier to handle in Adobe Lightroom due to lower megapixels and less taxing hardware requirements.

Canon’s files require powerful workstations but reward in editing latitude.

Dual card slots on both cater to pros needing redundancy.

Verdict: Nikon integrates more smoothly for faster workflows; Canon prioritizes ultimate image fidelity over speed.

The Numbers At a Glance

Feature	Canon 5DS R	Nikon D810A
Resolution	50.6 MP	36.3 MP
Sensor Filter	No AA filter	AA filter present
Max ISO	12800 (boost)	51200 (boost)
Autofocus Points	61 (41 cross-type)	51 (15 cross-type)
Continuous Shooting	5 fps	5 fps
Battery Life	700 shots	1200 shots
Weather Sealing	Yes (dustproof)	Yes (not dustproof)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@60fps
Weight	930 g	880 g
Price (as tested)	~$3699	~$3799

How These Cameras Stack Up for Different Photography Types

• Portrait: Canon 5DS R for ultra-high-res detail.
• Landscape: Canon for detail, Nikon for supreme DR.
• Wildlife: Canon for AF points; Nikon less ideal.
• Sports: Neither ideal; Canon marginally better AF coverage.
• Street: Nikon for low-light; both bulky.
• Macro: Canon for resolution edge.
• Night/Astro: Nikon D810A dominates.
• Video: Nikon better frame rates & audio.
• Travel: Nikon wins battery & weight.
• Professional Workflows: Nikon easier on workflow, Canon better image quality.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras are remarkable in their own spheres, but they cater to distinct photographic priorities.

Choose the Canon EOS 5DS R if:

• You crave ultra-high resolution for commercial, studio, landscape, or fine art photography.
• You want the sharpest images possible with maximal cropping potential.
• You frequently shoot in challenging weather and require robust dust sealing.
• You don’t need cutting-edge video or astrophotography prowess.
• Your workflow can handle large RAW files without bottlenecks.

Opt for the Nikon D810A if:

• Astrophotography or night sky imaging is your primary passion.
• You want a well-rounded camera with excellent dynamic range and high ISO noise control.
• Extended battery life and marginally lighter build are priorities.
• You value slightly better video frame rates and headphone audio monitoring.
• You prefer smoother RAW workflow and reliable tracking AF for slower action.

In summary: The Canon 5DS R is the resolution king built for detail aficionados who prioritize image sharpness above all else. The Nikon D810A is a specialist tool engineered for night sky and low-light specialists but still versatile enough for a range of professional uses.

Neither camera is a jack-of-all-trades, but each excels outstandingly in its niche. If your budget allows, and you fit squarely into one or the other’s target photography genre, there is no better DSLR for that purpose from the 2015 era.

The Canon EOS 5DS R and Nikon D810A remain compelling options for advanced users who respect DSLR craftsmanship and sensor prowess, even as the mirrorless revolution continues. Hopefully, this detailed head-to-head equips you with the clarity needed to make a thoughtful, informed choice on your next big camera investment.

Happy shooting!