Canon EOS RP vs Nikon D750: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing your next camera is often a mix of heartfelt desire and sensible calculation - a balance of pixel counts and ergonomic feels, of burst modes and lens lineups. As someone who’s spent over 15 years behind the lens and leaned on hundreds of bodies, I know the struggle isn’t just specs on paper but how these tools perform in the wild, under real-world conditions. Today, let’s dive deep into a detailed comparison between two stalwarts representing distinct philosophies and eras: Canon’s mirrorless EOS RP and Nikon’s seasoned DSLR D750.

Both are beloved cameras with strong followings, yet they cater to subtly different needs. While the Canon EOS RP boldly embraces the mirrorless future with its compact frame and RF mount, the Nikon D750 offers robust DSLR reliability, a proven sensor, and an extensive lens ecosystem. So, which one suits your creative workflow best? Buckle up, we’re covering everything from sensor tech to video chops, and from street shots to wildlife safaris.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

At first glance, these two cameras illustrate a clear generational shift: the Canon EOS RP is a lightweight, modern mirrorless, whereas the Nikon D750 is a more traditional DSLR with heft to match its broad feature set.

Looking side by side, the Canon EOS RP sports a petite 133 x 85 x 70 mm body, weighing a mere 485 grams without lens, making it one of the lightest full-frame mirrorless cameras around. By contrast, the Nikon D750 carries a bulkier, more rugged frame measuring 141 x 113 x 78 mm, tipping the scales at a substantial 840 grams. If you're trekking long distances or prefer discretion, that weight difference matters.

Ergonomically, the Canon offers a well-contoured grip that fits smaller hands comfortably. It's a joy to carry all day without fatigue. Nikon’s body, while larger, positions controls in a familiar DSLR fashion - a boon if you’re used to traditional designs. The D750's well-established button layout aids muscle memory, but it can feel bulky in tight spaces or for street photography where subtlety is key.

One slight gripe is the Canon’s relatively smaller grip, which might challenge those with larger mitts or telephoto lenses. The Nikon’s robust handhold inspires confidence, especially mounted with heavier glass.

If prioritizing minimalism and portability without sacrificing full-frame quality, the Canon RP wins hands down. But if traditional DSLR handling and a more substantial feel appeal, the D750 still reigns in this category.

Sensor Symposium: Image Quality and Raw Performance

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, so let’s crack open their technical DNA.

Both cameras boast a full-frame CMOS sensor of similar physical size (35.9 x 24 mm), giving you the celebrated large sensor advantages: superior low-light performance, shallow depth of field, and dynamic range.

While the EOS RP punches with a slightly higher resolution (26MP vs 24MP), Nikon’s D750 sensor architecture, paired with its Expeed 4 processor, edges ahead on comprehensive image quality metrics, especially in dynamic range - a crucial factor for landscape photographers chasing retained shadows and highlight details.

In actual shooting, I found the EOS RP’s images vibrant and pleasing with Canon’s color science delivering that warm, flattering palette photographers adore, especially for portraits. The D750, meanwhile, produces more neutral, balanced tones that are fantastic for extensive post-processing flexibility.

Both support RAW shooting with wide sensitivity ranges: the Canon extends natively up to ISO 40,000 (boostable to 102,400), while the Nikon goes up to ISO 12,800 native, 51,200 extended, allowing decent noise control in both. In real-world low light, their performance is neck-and-neck, with Canon’s sensor showing slightly more luminance noise but still very usable for enthusiasts and pros alike.

If you prioritize dynamic range and subtle color gradations, the D750’s sensor simply delivers more latitude. However, the RP’s sensor isn't far behind and excels where vibrancy and resolution are more valued.

The Art and Science of Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Point Coverage

Autofocus systems inevitably shape your shooting confidence - nothing spoils a wildlife chase or a decisive sports moment faster than missed focus.

Canon introduces the EOS RP with an advanced hybrid autofocus system that pairs 4,779 selectable focus points, blending contrast- and phase-detection AF for smooth and reliable acquisition. Helpful face and eye detection are present but lack animal eye AF, which is a minor downside for wildlife photographers.

The Nikon D750 relies on a tried-and-true phase-detection AF system offering 51 focus points, with 15 cross-type sensors spread across the frame. Its autofocus shines in traditional DSLR fashion, especially with optical viewfinder responsiveness, but lacks touchscreen AF point selection (Canon RP excels here).

In continuous autofocus tracking, the D750 pulls ahead slightly with up to 6.5 frames per second, better suiting sports and action photography, where the EOS RP caps at a more modest 5 fps.

User experience: In portrait sessions, Canon’s eye detection (though limited to human eyes) is helpful for pin-sharp eyes and creamy bokeh. Nikon’s AF, while competent, lacks the same AI-assisted detection but rewards users who prefer manual control.

Visual Feedback: LCDs and Viewfinders

Tethering to a camera is your viewfinder experience; a detail I obsess over during long shoots.

Canon equips the EOS RP with a 3.0-inch fully articulated touchscreen at 1.04 million dots, a flexible feature for vlogging or awkward angles. The touchscreen is lively and responsive – setting focus, navigating menus, and pinch-to-zoom on images feels fluid. It lacks an ocular proximity sensor, so you must manually switch to the EVF, a small inconvenience.

Nikon’s D750 features a 3.2-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots but lacks touchscreen functionality - a nod to its DSLR heritage. While less versatile, its larger, brighter screen still delivers excellent live view feedback.

Viewfinders diverge sharply: the EOS RP sports a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with near-100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, offering a preview reflective of final exposure - helpful for beginners and videographers.

The D750 counters with a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder, also 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage, offering a lag-free, hyper-realistic image. For photographers who favor unfiltered reality through the viewfinder and prefer the tactile DSLR experience, this is still gold.

Who’s Shooting What? A Genre-by-Genre Analysis

Different photography genres demand different camera strengths. Let's chart how these two contenders stack up.

Portrait Poetry

• Canon EOS RP: The RP shines with excellent bokeh rendition courtesy of the RF lenses and offers smooth, warm skin tones. Eye autofocus aids sharpness on portraits, especially with shallow depth of field. The small, articulate screen helps creative angles and self-portraits (though no selfie-timer friendly front screen).

• Nikon D750: Solid performer, slightly cooler color rendition, which benefits retouchers who prefer maximizing latitude. Face detection is competent but no eye AF. DSLRs’ optical viewfinder provides a natural focusing experience for candid moments.

Landscape Legends

• Canon EOS RP: While image quality is respectable, its dynamic range falls short of Nikon’s, leading to less shadow detail in tricky light. However, weather sealing on both cameras is equivalent, with the RP offering some resistance but not full waterproofing.

• Nikon D750: Its sensor’s superior dynamic range and higher pixel depth make it ideal for landscapes. Robust weather sealing and compatibility with Nikon’s gamut of high-quality lenses strengthen its case.

Wildlife Warriors

• Canon EOS RP: AF coverage is broad but lacks animal eye AF, a glaring omission in 2024 standards. Burst rate (5 fps) could frustrate fast action capture.

• Nikon D750: Better burst speed and proven autofocus tracking make it a more reliable tool in the field. The optical viewfinder’s continuous brightness during action is a big plus.

Sports Stars

• Canon EOS RP: 5 FPS continuous shooting limits capture of peak moments. The mirrorless EVF helps with real-time tracking but can suffer from slight blackout in continuous mode.

• Nikon D750: Faster 6.5 FPS shooting speed and mature AF tracking make it better for sports, albeit without 4K video capabilities.

Street Smart

• Canon EOS RP: Its compact frame and silent shutter option encourage candid shots without attention, supporting low-light shooting well with its high ISO capability.

• Nikon D750: Bulkier and louder shutter, less ideal for stealth, but excellent ergonomics make it a joy to shoot for hours.

Macro Magic

Neither camera specializes here, but both can use macro lenses effectively. The Canon’s articulated screen aids focusing in tight spots, and its high-resolution sensor helps in detail fidelity.

Night Sky Narratives

• Canon EOS RP: Strong high ISO performance and mirrorless long exposure features make it great for astrophotography.

• Nikon D750: Excellent dynamic range and noise control are livings space for night shooters too.

Video Ventures

• Canon EOS RP: Records 4K UHD at 24fps without crop and offers mic/headphone jacks. No in-body stabilization is a gap, so steady lenses or gimbals matter.

• Nikon D750: Tops out at 1080p 60fps, limiting for modern videographers. Audio inputs balanced the video package but can’t compete with the RP’s resolution.

Travel Trotting

Compactness and weight push the EOS RP to the top. Both have built-in Wi-Fi, but RP’s Bluetooth adds remote control ease.

Professional Workflows

• Canon EOS RP: Raw files are well-regarded but require more processing refine due to lesser dynamic range; single card slot is a critical limitation for reliability.

• Nikon D750: Dual SD slots offer redundancy, and file quality is outstanding, enhancing confidence for pro jobs.

Build and Reliability: Weather Sealing, Battery, and Storage

Both cameras offer decent environmental sealing - neither claims full waterproofing but handle dust and light moisture well in typical shooting.

The Nikon D750’s dual card slots are a significant advantage, providing instant backup or overflow. The Canon RP features just one SD slot with UHS-II support - fast, but riskier for safekeeping.

Battery life is a gargantuan difference: the D750 boasts 1,230 shots per charge, reflecting DSLR efficiency and ample power reserves for day-long shoots. The EOS RP manages only 250 shots on a full charge, so carrying spares or an external battery grip is essential.

Connectivity and Lens Ecosystems

Canon’s EOS RP uses the new RF mount, with about 17 lenses available today (and more on the horizon), renowned for sharpness and innovation like the control ring on lenses. While the system is young and rapidly growing, it’s still limited compared to Nikon’s mature F-mount.

Nikon’s F-mount lens ecosystem is vast - think hundreds of high-quality lenses spanning decades, offering almost infinite options from budget primes to pro telephotos. This factor alone can heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Both have built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer, but only Canon integrates Bluetooth for consistent pairing with smartphones. HDMI and USB ports exist on both cameras, catering to tethering and monitoring needs.

Pricing Perspective: Value to Your Wallet

At a glance, the Canon EOS RP retails around $999, aggressively affordable for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The Nikon D750, still sold new or used, hovers near $1,999, reflecting DSLR premium and its enduring legacy.

For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing full-frame entry-level with modern features, the EOS RP is a tough deal to pass up. Pros or enthusiasts seeking a workout-proof body and superior image quality may justify stretching for the Nikon.

Verdict: Which Camera is Right For You?

Nothing beats getting hands on for final judgement, but here’s a distilled guidance based on my extensive use:

• Choose the Canon EOS RP if you:

  • Crave a compact, lightweight full-frame camera for travel, street, or casual portraits.
  • Appreciate the benefits of mirrorless tech, including an EVF and touchscreen interface.
  • Shoot video seriously with 4K requirements.
  • Want excellent image quality at a starter price point.
  • Don’t mind shorter battery life and a smaller lens selection currently.

• Choose the Nikon D750 if you:

  • Require rugged reliability and longer battery life for intensive shooting sessions.
  • Need extensive lens options, especially if you’re already invested in Nikon glass.
  • Prioritize dynamic range and color depth for demanding photo genres like landscape and commercial work.
  • Engage in sports or wildlife photography needing faster burst and responsive autofocus.
  • Prefer the feel of an optical viewfinder and classic DSLR ergonomics.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Photographic Worlds

The Canon EOS RP and Nikon D750 embody different philosophies in the evolving camera ecosystem. One embraces lightweight innovation and mirrorless sophistication; the other stands firm with traditional DSLR virtues and comprehensive robustness.

As I’ve often found in my fieldwork, the best camera is the one you want to carry and use regularly - technical specs and fancy features aside. Both cameras deserve consideration for their relative strengths. Your decision hinges on your style, genre focus, and how much weight, budget, and workflow demands you bring to the table.

Whichever you choose, these cameras have left their mark on the photographic landscape, bridging eras with unique charm. Just remember: It’s always how you wield the camera, not just what’s under the hood, that crafts timeless images.

Canon RP front Canon RP screen back Nikon D750 screen back

(See these real-world sample images taken under identical conditions showcasing the EOS RP and D750’s color rendering and detail.)

Thank you for reading this deep dive comparison. As always, keep shooting with joy and curiosity - because every click writes a story.

End of Review