Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Canon - EOS R1 | Nikon - Z 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1115 g | 910 g |
| AF points | 1053 | 493 |
| Megapixels | 24 MP | 45 MP |
| Max video | 6K | 8K |
Between the EOS R1 and Z 8, the EOS R1 comes out ahead in af points, while the Z 8 wins on weight / megapixels. Overall, the EOS R1 scores 73.5 and the Z 8 scores 75.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (73.5 vs 75.1). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the EOS R1 if you care most about af points. The biggest gaps in its favor are af points. The single most decisive one: AF points — 113.59% more. 1053 vs 493.
Pick the Z 8 if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, megapixels, max video. The single most decisive one: Weight — 205.00 g less. 910 vs 1115.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Canon - EOS R1 or Nikon - Z 8?
Nikon - Z 8 leads the current Mars Score by 1.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare megapixels, max video, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Canon - EOS R1 if…
Canon - EOS R1 has the measurable edge on af points.
Choose Nikon - Z 8 if…
Nikon - Z 8 has the measurable edge on weight g, megapixels, max video.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Canon - EOS R1 wins
- ▲AF points — 113.59% more. 1053 vs 493.
Why Nikon - Z 8 wins
- ▲Weight — 205.00 g less. 910 vs 1115.
- ▲Megapixels — 87.50% more. 45 MP vs 24 MP.
- ▲Max video: 8K (vs 6K).
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Canon - EOS R1 | Nikon - Z 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 24 MP | 45 MPlead |
| Max ISO | 204800lead | 102400 |
Video
| Spec | Canon - EOS R1 | Nikon - Z 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 6K | 8Klead |
| RAW video | true | true |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Canon - EOS R1 | Nikon - Z 8 |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 1053lead | 493 |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Canon - EOS R1 | Nikon - Z 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1115 g | 910 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | true | true |