Between the EOS R1 and Z 8, the EOS R1 comes out ahead in af points, while the Z 8 wins on weight and megapixels. Overall, the EOS R1 scores 46 and the Z 8 scores 61.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Z 8 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 15.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the EOS R1 if you care most about af points. The biggest gaps in its favor are af points.
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.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Z 8 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
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 |
Spec-level deep dives
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