Going mirrorless – and my move from the Canon EOS R3/R5 to Nikon’s Z8 and Z9

After over two decades of aviation photography with Canon’s DSLR systems, I anticipated a seamless move into the mirrorless era, and plenty of benefits from this new technology. But the real-world experience with Canon’s EOS R5 and R3 proved to be more frustrating than liberating—especially for high-speed aviation work. My eventual transition to Nikon’s Z8 and Z9 turned out to be the upgrade I was hoping for, both in handling and image output.

In this report, I reflect on my journey from Canon to Nikon, with a strong focus on sensor performance, rolling shutter behavior, shutter lag, and post-processing challenges—all from the perspective of an aviation photographer.

Over 20 Years with Canon – The Mirrorless Shift Didn’t Deliver

Having relied on Canon DSLRs from the EOS D30, their first DSLR released in summer 2000 with an astounding sensor resolution of 3 MP (megapixels) I quickly moved to full frame DSLRs when the 5D came out in 2005 and also used their high-end models, the EOS-1D series. My relationship with Canon lasted for well over 20 years, I have been a keen user, shooting 100.000s images and developed an intuitive relationship with the Canon ecosystem. From fighter jets and prop aircraft to rotorcraft and low-light displays, my Canon gear had consistently delivered—until the mirrorless generation arrived.

When I moved to the Canon EOS R5 and later the R3, I expected enhanced performance, modern features, and the silence of an electronic shutter. Instead, I encountered unexpected limitations—particularly with fast-moving aviation subjects.

The Rolling Shutter Problem in Canon R5 and R3

One of the most disruptive issues was the rolling shutter effect.

This phenomenon, caused by slow sensor readout speeds in electronic shutter mode, introduced visible distortion into images with motion. In aviation photography, this is a dealbreaker.

Helicopter blades appeared warped. Propeller aircraft showed banana-shaped blades. Even during panning shots, background elements like towers, buildings, or runway lights bent unnaturally. These issues were especially pronounced in the R5, which otherwise boasted impressive resolution and image quality.

The Canon R3 improved on this somewhat, thanks to a stacked sensor with faster readout, but it came with a catch: it only offered 24 megapixels—a considerable drop in resolution compared to the 45 megapixels of the R5. For anyone needing high-res images for cropping or print, this was a tough compromise.

The R5 vs R3 Dilemma – Speed or Resolution, But Not Both

Canon’s mirrorless line forced photographers into an uncomfortable decision:

• EOS R5: High-resolution (45 MP), but suffers from rolling shutter artifacts in fast-paced environments due to a slower sensor.
• EOS R3: Faster performance and reduced rolling shutter thanks to a stacked sensor, but limited to 24 MP—far from ideal for detailed aviation shots or cropping flexibility.

In practice, I found myself constantly choosing between image quality and usable action performance and swapping lenses — a decision I never had to make with Canon’s DSLRs like the 1D series, which struck a better balance despite lower resolution.

Shutter Lag – A Critical Limitation

Beyond sensor issues, the shutter response on the R5 also proved unreliable. Even in ideal lighting and with high-speed cards, I noticed a slight delay between button press and capture. For airshow photography, where timing a moment to the millisecond matters, this lag was unacceptable.

Nikon Z8 and Z9 – The Complete Mirrorless Package

Everything changed when I tested the Nikon Z9, and later the Z8. Both models use a stacked 45.7 MP sensor, delivering high-resolution output with virtually no rolling shutter and a decisive shutter response in electronic mode.

This combination—speed and resolution without compromise—is something Canon, as of now, has not delivered in a single camera.

With Nikon, I no longer have to choose between megapixels and performance. The stacked sensor in the Z9 and Z8 handles high-speed motion with ease, making clean panning shots, accurate rotor representations (presumably with shutter speeds lower than 1/1000sec), and undistorted background lines possible, even with complex subjects.

Sensor Technology Comparison

Feature	Canon R5	Canon R3	Nikon Z8/Z9
Sensor Type	CMOS	Stacked CMOS	Stacked CMOS
Megapixels	45 MP	24 MP	45.7 MP
Rolling Shutter	Strongly visible	Moderately visible	Minimally visible
Shutter Delay	Noticeable	Low	Extremely low
Best Use Case	Static/resolution	Fast motion/low MP	Both resolution and speed

This table highlights what ultimately drove my decision: Nikon combines speed and detail in a way Canon has yet to match in its current mirrorless lineup.

Lens Compatibility and Transition

Adapting older DSLR lenses to mirrorless bodies posed no problem when still using Canon’s EF system. EF-to-RF adapters work seamlessly, without optical elements—preserving image quality and autofocus performance. While manufacturers promote more compact lens designs for mirrorless systems, no new lenses are required to make the switch. Existing DSLR glass remains fully usable, easing the transition considerably.

The Challenge of Changing Ecosystems – Lightroom and NEF Workflow

The switch to Nikon wasn’t without its hurdles. As a long-time Canon user, I had a well-honed workflow in Adobe Lightroom, optimized around Canon’s CR2 and CR3 RAW files.

Nikon’s NEF RAW files behave differently. It took time to adjust to color rendering, sharpening profiles, and noise handling. Early results felt unfamiliar, especially in contrast and shadow detail.

Over time, I built custom Nikon presets that helped bring my aviation images to life again. But it’s worth noting that a complete ecosystem change affects not only your gear, but your post-processing habits as well.

Stabilisation – One Area Where Canon Still Leads

One feature I do miss is Canon’s in-body and lens image stabilization (IBIS and IS), with a dedicated hardware switch on their lenses. Especially when shooting handheld with longer focal lengths, the Canon R5 and R3 gave smoother panning and better low-light handling.

While Nikon’s IBIS is good—particularly on the Z9—it still doesn’t quite match Canon’s ultra-stable system. That said, a lot of of my aviation work involves high shutter speeds, making this difference manageable. And with shutter speeds faster than 1/1000sec I even tend to turn of IBIS completely for best image quality.

Battery Life and USB-C Charging – Real-World Advantages with the Nikon Z9 and Z8

A frequently underestimated topic when comparing mirrorless systems is battery endurance and charging flexibility. For aviation photographers who spend entire days outdoors—often far from power outlets—battery life can make or break a shoot. This is where the Nikon Z9 truly outshines both the Canon R5 and R3.

In real-world use, the Z9 can easily last a full day of intensive shooting on a single charge. At airshows, where I by times take thousands of frames between take-offs, aerobatic passes, and static displays, the Z9 consistently impresses with its stamina. One key tip: turning off the internal GPS—a feature often unnecessary when shooting at fixed locations like airports—extends battery life noticeably. With GPS off, the Z9’s EN-EL18d battery can power through 3,000 to 4,000 shots, even with high refresh rates and full EVF use and despite a CIPA rating of around (only) 700 photos per battery.

By comparison, the Canon EOS R5 and R3 fall short in this department. Despite improvements over early mirrorless models, their batteries drain faster due to constant sensor activity, EVF refresh, and heat management. It’s a well-known challenge of mirrorless systems: unlike DSLRs, which only power the sensor and screen when the mirror is flipped up, mirrorless cameras must keep the sensor “live” at all times, consuming more energy even during idle previewing.

Another field-useful benefit of Nikon’s mirrorless lineup is charging flexibility. Both the Z9 and Z8 support USB-C charging and power delivery, making it possible to recharge the camera directly from a power bank, car adapter, or hotel wall socket—without removing the battery or using a proprietary charger. This has proven invaluable during long trips or back-to-back event weekends.

Even more practical is the Z8’s compatibility with other parties USB-C rechargeable batteries, which include a USB-C port built directly into the battery. This clever design eliminates the need for separate chargers—ideal when traveling with limited space or access to standard power outlets.

These seemingly minor features have real-world impact. When documenting an entire airshow weekend or covering an aviation event abroad, battery independence and charging versatility translate to fewer interruptions, fewer accessories, and greater reliability.

Battery Life & Charging Comparison

Feature	Canon EOS R5	Canon EOS R3	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Rated Shots per Battery (CIPA)	~320	~620	~340	~700
Real-World Action Shooting	Low (requires spares)	Moderate	Moderate	Excellent (all-day use)
USB-C In-Camera Charging	Yes (slow)	Yes	Yes (PD supported)	Yes (PD supported)
GPS Effect on Battery	High impact	High impact	Moderate	Moderate
Best Use Scenario	Short sessions	Medium sessions	Travel, portable	Full-day event coverage

Final Verdict – A Confident Leap Forward

While Canon has made important progress in mirrorless technology, the EOS R5 and R3 never fully delivered for fast-action aviation work in my experience. Rolling shutter and shutter delay left me reverting to mechanical shutter more often than not—essentially defeating the purpose of going completely mirrorless. In fact, when switching to the mechanical shutter mode on Canon’s mirrorless bodies, you’re falling back on DSLR-era behavior—complete with the physical shutter and reduced mirrorless advantages. and the ability to focus directly off the sensor while still using the viewfinder is always given, which offers better subject detection and tracking. While AF subject recognition will always work, independent from the selected shutter mode, using a physical shutter in Canon’s concept prevents using the actual sensor image for subject recognition autofocus, which is central to the mirrorless concept of other manufacturers.

Nikon’s Z8 and Z9 have no mechanical shutter at all, which means you’re fully committed to a mirrorless workflow at all times. This might sound risky, but in practice, it rarely creates problems. Only in very specific cases—such as shooting fast-rotating propellers or fast pans with fine background structures—does the rolling shutter become visible, and even then it’s far less prominent than with Canon’s R-series cameras.

In contrast, the Nikon Z9 and Z8 offer a sensor that delivers both high resolution and speed, with near-instant response and minimal distortion. Just as importantly, battery endurance on the Z9 is exceptional, often covering an entire day of aviation photography with a single charge—even with fast frame rates and heavy EVF use. The Z8’s travel-friendly USB-C battery options also simplify logistics when on the road, making it a solid option for mobile workflows.

And while Canon still holds an edge in in-body image stabilization, Nikon’s overall package—including performance, file quality, handling, and charging convenience—makes it a more balanced and reliable platform for high-intensity aviation work.

Summary Table

Aspect	Canon EOS R5/R3	Nikon Z8/Z9
Sensor Technology	Mixed (standard & stacked)	Fully stacked CMOS
Resolution vs Speed	Trade-off required	Unified high-speed & high-res
Rolling Shutter Effect	Noticeable to severe	Minimal to none
Shutter Delay	Noticeable	Practically none
Image Stabilisation	Excellent	Very good, slightly behind Canon
RAW Workflow	Familiar CR3, easy transition	Requires NEF adjustment in LR
Battery Life & Charging	Shorter runtime, limited USB	Z9: Excellent, Z8: USB-C travel
Best Use Case	Static scenes or compromise	Fast action, travel, endurance
Aviation Photography	Compromised in mirrorless	Highly reliable

Closing Thoughts

For photographers working in fast-paced environments like airshows, camera performance needs to be instantaneous and reliable. The Nikon Z9 and Z8 deliver that—without forcing a compromise between speed and resolution.

Canon may release improved models in the future, but for now, the Nikon mirrorless system simply works better for my demanding needs in the world of aviation photography.

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Note: All observations are based on personal, unsponsored use of Canon and Nikon equipment over extended periods. Your observations and real-world performance may vary based on shooting conditions, firmware and lenses.