Nikon Z7 has a
46.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. On the other hand, Canon 5DS R has a
51.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Dual DIGIC 6 processor.
Canon 5DS R's sensor provides 5MP more than Nikon Z7's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Canon 5DS R and Nikon Z7 sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the Z7 and 5DS R sensor size comparison.
Nikon Z7 and Canon 5DS R have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon Z7 and Canon 5DS R sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, Z7 has scored 99, 13 points higher than 5DS R.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Nikon Z7 |
99 |
26.3 bits |
14.6 Evs |
2668 ISO |
Canon 5DS R |
86 |
24.6 bits |
12.4 Evs |
2308 ISO |