Canon EOS RP vs Nikon Z5: The Advanced Full-Frame Mirrorless Showdown

When I first picked up the Canon EOS RP and Nikon Z5, both positioned as entry to mid-level full-frame mirrorless cameras, I was eager to see which would better serve photographers stepping into the world of full-frame with a budget-conscious but capable tool. My 15 years of shooting, testing, and dissecting camera technology have me approach this kind of comparison with a mix of technical rigor and practical sensibility. I've taken both cameras on location across genres, from sweeping landscapes to fast-paced sports, pressing their strengths and exposing their limitations.

My goal in this comparison is straightforward: to help you understand who these cameras are right for and how they perform in the real world - not just on paper - so you can confidently choose the one best suited to your photography passions and budget.

Hands-on with the Bodies: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

One of the first things I notice when switching between cameras is how they fit in my hands and how intuitive the controls feel, especially over hours of shooting.

Canon EOS RP is incredibly compact and lightweight at just 485 grams, making it one of the lightest full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. Its SLR-style design has a modest grip and relatively simple control layout suited for photographers who prefer portability without sacrificing essential physical controls. The fully articulating 3” touchscreen enhances versatility for vlogging or shooting at precarious angles.

On the other hand, Nikon Z5 is noticeably bigger and heavier, weighing in at 675 grams with a deeper grip. It feels more substantial and reassuring in the hand, which might appeal to those transitioning from DSLRs who value a more robust presence. The tilting 3.2” touchscreen is slightly larger but with a more traditional hinge, less flexible than Canon’s articulating screen.

Both cameras feature weather sealing, a boon for travel and outdoor shooters who often push gear in less-than-ideal conditions. Build quality on the Z5 leans slightly more professional with a magnesium alloy chassis, whereas the RP’s body feels a touch more plasticky but still well-constructed for the price.

Looking at the top layout, Canon’s simplicity shows through: fewer dedicated buttons and dials, which may mean a quicker learning curve but less granular control without menu diving. Nikon Z5 counters with more physical dials and a top info LCD display, which I appreciated in fast-paced scenarios like sports and wildlife shooting.

Verdict: For travel photographers and enthusiasts valuing light, compact gear, the Canon EOS RP wins on ergonomics and portability. Nikon Z5 offers a more substantial DSLR-style grip and tactile controls for those who want more direct access and durability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Meeting Full-Frame Expectations

Full-frame sensors remain the gold standard for image quality, but the devil is in the details. Both the EOS RP and Z5 sport 24 to 26-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensors, but their processing and sensor technologies differ.

Canon EOS RP has a 26.2MP sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, offering good dynamic range (~11.9 EV) and color depth (24-bit) as measured in technical lab tests. The RP uses a standard optical low-pass filter, which smooths out moiré at the slight expense of sharpness.

In contrast, Nikon Z5’s 24.3MP sensor mates with the Expeed 6 processor, featuring slightly higher native ISO (up to 51200) and in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS), a critical advantage in low-light handheld shooting. Though Nikon’s sensor area is marginally smaller due to rounded corners, image quality differences are minimal in daylight conditions.

During prolonged shooting sessions with both, I found the RP excels in skin tone rendition - warm and pleasing without much need for color correction. Nikon Z5 offers a more neutral baseline, which pros might prefer for color grading flexibility.

When it comes to noise control, the Z5’s sensor stabilization lets you squeeze more usable detail at higher ISOs (3200+), great for low-light events and night portraits. The RP still performs admirably, but you’ll want to moderate high ISO use to avoid grain buildup.

Verdict: Both deliver excellent full-frame image quality, but Nikon’s IBIS and marginally better high ISO performance give it an edge for challenging light situations. Canon’s sensor offers slightly higher resolution and more vibrant colors out of the box, suited to portrait and casual use.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Eye Detection

Autofocus is the heart of any modern camera experience, especially for those working with moving subjects or shallow depth of field.

Canon’s EOS RP boasts an impressive 4779 phase-detection autofocus points layered over Dual Pixel AF technology, yielding smooth, fast, and accurate focusing in live view and video. It supports face detection and eye autofocus for humans, but notably lacks animal eye AF - a downside for wildlife shooters relying on autofocus precision.

Nikon’s Z5 employs 273 on-sensor phase-detection points, fewer in number but supplemented with powerful AI-driven real-time tracking that includes eye detection for humans and animals alike. This proved a decisive advantage during wildlife shoots where getting sharp eyes on cats, dogs, or birds makes or breaks an image.

In speed tests, the EOS RP offered quicker single shots, with a 5fps burst mode that outpaced the Z5’s 4.5fps. However, the Nikon showed more consistency in maintaining accurate autofocus tracking during continuous bursts and challenging lighting.

Touchscreens on both cameras support intuitive AF point selection, and eye detection performed reliably on both, though I noticed Z5 pulling lock on animal subjects faster and with less hunting.

Verdict: For portrait and general use, Canon’s Dual Pixel AF is razor-sharp and speedy. Nikon’s autofocus excels in wildlife or animal photography with unique eye tracking, although with slightly slower burst speeds.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A major factor in long-term satisfaction is the available lenses for the mount system.

The Canon EOS RP uses the newer Canon RF mount, which - as of this writing - offers 17 native lenses spanning wide aperture primes, zooms, and macro options. Canon’s RF system is well-regarded for optical quality but still developing breadth and affordability.

Canon users can also adapt EF lenses seamlessly via Canon’s well-implemented adapter without loss of autofocus performance - a big plus for photographers already invested in Canon glass.

The Nikon Z5's Z mount ecosystem is slightly smaller with 15 native lenses but growing rapidly, emphasizing fast primes and high-quality zooms. Like Canon, Nikon supports F-mount DSLR lenses through an adapter, preserving autofocus and image stabilization functions with select lenses.

I personally appreciated Nikon’s propensity for wide aperture primes optimized for the Z mount that complement the body’s image stabilization quite nicely.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Performance

Fast shooting speeds matter for action and wildlife shooters.

• Canon EOS RP: 5 frames per second (fps)
• Nikon Z5: 4.5 fps

Both employ electronic front curtain shutters, helping reduce vibration, but neither offers an ultra-fast electronic shutter as found on higher-end models.

During long burst tests shooting JPEG+RAW, the RP’s buffer filled quicker due to its slower card interface (single UHS-II slot). Nikon’s dual slots, both UHS-II compatible, let you shoot longer bursts, useful for weddings or sports.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Beyond

If you’re a hybrid shooter, video specs influence your choice.

Canon EOS RP delivers 4K UHD at 24fps, but notably with a 1.7x crop factor that restricts field of view. The RP also supports full HD 1080p at up to 60fps. Audio inputs include mic and headphone jacks, great for external audio capture.

The Nikon Z5, meanwhile, shoots uncropped 4K UHD video at up to 30fps, with 1080p up to 60fps. Audio ports mirror the RP’s inclusion, and the in-body stabilization helps produce steadier handheld footage.

Neither camera supports advanced video codecs, log profiles, or high frame 4K, limiting professional video workflows. For casual video, both deliver good color and detail, but Z5’s full-frame 4K capture without crop makes it better suited for serious hobbyists.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life often surprises camera shoppers; neither camera is a powerhouse, but there are differences.

• Canon EOS RP: Rated for approx. 250 shots per charge
• Nikon Z5: Rated for 470 shots per charge

In repeated field tests, I found these numbers mostly match real use scenarios - the Z5’s bigger battery helps on full-day shoots, though both benefit from spares.

Storage-wise, RP offers a single SD card slot with UHS-II support, while Z5 doubles up with two UHS-II slots, a nod to professional needs like backup recording or overflow.

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image transfer and remote control via respective Canon and Nikon apps. No GPS is embedded in either.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Canon RP front Canon RP screen back Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back

I took both cameras across varied shooting disciplines. Here is a distilled experience from my time in the field:

Portrait Photography

Canon’s pleasing skin tones and Dual Pixel eye AF make the RP a favorite for portraits. The wider megapixel count facilitates crisp prints up to large sizes, while the fully articulating screen helps in setting compositions when working solo.

Nikon’s Z5, with slightly cooler color profiling, delivers images well-suited for retouching. Its animal eye AF adds value if you also photograph pets. The IBIS supports steadier portraits in lower light without extra gear.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras shine in daylight landscapes thanks to their full-frame sensors and respectable dynamic range. The RP’s slightly higher resolution shows nuanced detail but lacks in-body image stabilization, requiring tripod use.

Z5’s weather sealing and lens options pair well with hiking trips or urban environments exposed to elements, and IBIS helps handheld captures in dim environments or for long exposures.

Wildlife and Sports

Autofocus speed and tracking favor the Canon RP, with quicker burst capacities, yet Nikon’s more intelligent animal eye AF and superior tracking balance this out. Z5’s buffer and dual card slots allow longer continuous shooting - critical during dynamic moments.

Canon’s smaller, lighter body is a boon during long treks, but Z5’s rugged grip wins in endurance.

Street Photography

RP’s compactness, coupled with the silent electronic shutter (though limited to 1/4000s max), suits discreet street shooting. The articulating screen lets me maneuver for tricky angles without hassle.

Z5’s larger form factor is a bit more conspicuous but offers superior stabilization for lower light candid shots.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but Canon’s RF macro lenses and Z5’s IBIS come into play. Without in-body stabilization, the RP requires a tripod for stable macro work, while Z5 allows some handheld possibilities.

Night and Astro

With modest native high ISO ceilings and good noise performance, Z5’s 5-axis IBIS and broader ISO range made astrophotography less constrained, capturing stars crisply at handheld or on stable mounts.

RP’s lower battery life and absence of IBIS require careful planning for extended shutter speeds.

Video

Again, Z5’s uncropped 4K pushes it ahead for both quality and ease of use in video-centric workflows.

User Interface and LCD / Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras use electronic viewfinders (EVF) with Canon’s RP sporting a 2.36M-dot EVF, while Nikon’s Z5 features a sharper 3.69M-dot EVF providing a more detailed preview.

The Canon offers a fully articulating, touchscreen LCD - fantastic for vloggers and creative angles - whereas the Nikon has a tilting screen that supports comfortable waist-level shooting but not full forward flipping.

Menu systems on both brands follow familiar pathways: Canon’s is straightforward and beginner-friendly; Nikon’s menus feel more layered but grant quicker access to pro-level adjustments once mastered.

Final Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

Industry-standard benchmarks confirm what I’ve experienced: the Canon RP scores well for value and portraiture with solid image quality. Nikon Z5 edges ahead in versatility, build, and low-light scenarios.

Who Should Choose Canon EOS RP?

• Photography enthusiasts stepping into full-frame, especially portrait lovers who relish smooth skin tones and simple operation.
• Travelers and street photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit for all-day carry.
• Those invested in Canon EF lenses who want seamless RF mount adaptation.
• Videographers capturing stills-videos casually (with caveats on 4K crop).

You get a full-frame camera with excellent image quality, pleasantly intuitive ergonomics, in a compact and affordable package - ideal for hobbyists or light professionals.

Who Should Choose Nikon Z5?

• Enthusiasts and semi-pros who want a larger grip and longer battery life for demanding shoots.
• Wildlife and pet photographers leveraging advanced animal eye AF and longer burst capabilities.
• Landscape and night shooters who benefit from in-body stabilization and solid weather sealing.
• Hybrid shooters requiring uncropped 4K video and dual memory cards for workflow reliability.
• Users who value having more physical controls and slightly more ‘pro’ ergonomics without jumping to flagship prices.

Z5 demands a bit more from the user in system investment but rewards patience with a versatile, robust camera system.

Closing Thoughts

In my experience, both the Canon EOS RP and Nikon Z5 demonstrate that entry-level full-frame mirrorless isn’t a compromise anymore - it’s a gateway to professional-grade quality and capability adapted to different photography personalities.

The Canon EOS RP shines for photographers craving simplicity, portability, and pleasing colors without breaking the bank. The Nikon Z5 is arguably more a “workhorse” cam that excels in more varied and challenging workflows.

Ultimately, your decision hinges on what styles and features resonate most with you. I recommend getting hands-on time with both or renting if possible, as the tactile feel will confirm your comfort.

Choosing either camera, you’ll gain a formidable photographic ally capable of beautiful images and flexible shooting - allowing you to deepen your craft with a full-frame sensor behind the lens.

If you want to dive deeper into any specific use case or need lens suggestions, I’m happy to share more personalized advice. The landscape of full-frame mirrorless is evolving fast, and these two cameras mark important milestones in accessible professional imaging.

Happy shooting!

Author’s Note

I tested both cameras extensively over several months in various lighting and subject conditions, comparing raw files, autofocus tracking logs, and battery tests according to established protocols. Neither camera manufacturer has sponsored this review, ensuring candidness in all observations.

Thank you for reading! If you found this comparison helpful, please share with fellow photographers searching for their next full-frame mirrorless companion.