Most of the time when customers come into the store looking to upgrade their camera, they tend to stay loyal to the brand they originally started with. So when these customers come in looking for a Semi-Pro DSLR camera for either Canon or Nikon, we know they're looking for the Canon 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D850. Both of these cameras are impressive and the customer feedback has been nothing short of positive. Although, when compared, there are some major differences between the two—some maybe even motivate you to switch from one brand to the other.
Nikon D850 vs. Canon 5D Mark IV Specification Chart
|
Camera Feature |
Nikon D850 | Canon 5D Mark IV |
| Mount Inner Diameter | 51mm | 54mm |
| Mount Flange Distance | 20mm | 44mm |
| Mount Type | F Mount | EF Mount |
| Sensor Resolution | 45.7 MP | 30.4 MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9mm | 36 x 24mm |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.34µ | 5.36µ |
| Image Size | 8,256 x 5,504 | 6,720 x 4,480 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED5 | DIGIC 6+ |
| Dynamic Range | 14.8 | 13.6 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | 64-25,600 | 100-32,000 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | 32, 51,200-102,400 | 50, 51,200-102,400 |
| Dust Reduction/Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Calibrations | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Optical |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Storage | 1x XQD, 1x SD | 1x CF, 1x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 7 FPS | 7 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| AE Bracketing Range | ±5 EV | ±3 EV |
| Number of AF Points | 153 AF points, 99 cross-type | 61 AF points, 41 cross-type |
| AF Detection Range | -4 to +20 EV | -3 to +18 EV |
| Smallest AF Detection Aperture | f/8 | f/8 |
| Video Max Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160(4K)/ 30 FPS | 4,096 x 2,160 (DCI 4K)/ 30 FPS |
| 1080p Video Max Frame Rate | 120 FPS | 60 FPS |
| HDMI Output | 4:2:2, 8-bit | 4:2:2, 8-bit |
| Video Crop Factor | N/A | 1.74x |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 1840 | 900 |
| Weather-Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Weight | 1005 g | 800 g |
| Dimensions | 146 x 124 x 79 mm | 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm |
| MSRP Price | $3,296.95 (check price) | $3,099 (check price) |
Nikon vs. Canon
As you can see from the specification chart above, both cameras have noticeable differences. One thing to take into consideration is that the Nikon D850 came out in August of 2017 while the Canon 5D Mark IV came out the year prior in August of 2016. Since the D850 is the newer camera, it features more of an advantage in sensor technology. Both cameras have a full-frame sensor but the D850 comes with a higher resolution with 45.7MP compared to 30.4MP on the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Although the Nikon D850 is a newer camera with higher resolution, there are a few advantages of the Canon 5D Mark IV. The first one is its weight. At 800g, it is about 200g lighter than the Nikon D850. It also does better in low light with a high ISO performance of 100-32,000 compared to 64-25,600 in the D850. Another major advantage is the higher video resolution. If you are looking to shoot video, the 5D Mark IV is a slightly more suitable option. It also offers 4K Photo Mode that allows you to take 8MP stills from your videos while the D850 cannot.
The D850, on the other hand, has more than just higher megapixels to offer. It also comes with a 45% higher resolution articulating LCD screen which surprisingly isn't a feature in the 5D Mark IV. Not to mention, it has 92 more focus points and 58 more cross-type focus points than its Canon counterpart. Battery life is a huge advantage in the D850 with the ability to take 940 more frames on a single charge than the 5D Mark IV. Additionally, it has a higher color depth, dynamic range and AE bracketing range than the 5D Mark IV. It even includes Bluetooth, focus bracketing and illuminated buttons while the Canon 5D Mark IV does not.
Of course, there is one important factor to keep in mind—the price. The Nikon D850 is the more expensive of the two at $3,296.95 MSRP while the Canon 5D Mark IV is about $200 cheaper at $3,099.00 MSRP for the body only. Both cameras are currently on sale. For prices and more information on these two cameras, head over to our website!
3 comments
Tom Yazzie
They are both tools. What matters is how the person uses their cameras. Both are fine pieces of equipment.
Ahmad
Atul Chavan