Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs. Nikon D850 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR: The Battle of the Camera Titans

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to decide between two highly-regarded systems like Canon and Nikon. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the **Nikon D850 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR**, comparing their features, performance, and suitability for different photographic genres.

Camera Bodies: A Look at the Canon EOS RP and Nikon D850

The Canon EOS RP and Nikon D850 represent two distinct approaches to full-frame photography.
Canon EOS RP: This camera is a mirrorless marvel, boasting a smaller and lighter body than its DSLR counterpart, the D850. Its compact design makes it incredibly portable, ideal for travel and street photography. The RP also features a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, capable of producing stunning image quality. It’s equipped with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for video recording.
Nikon D850: The D850 is a professional-grade DSLR with a larger body and a more robust build. It boasts a 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional detail and resolution. The D850’s autofocus system is equally impressive, with 153 focus points covering a large portion of the sensor area. Its deep buffer allows for rapid shooting bursts, making it suitable for action and sports photography.

Lens Choices: The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

The lens selection for each system reflects their respective strengths and target audiences.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: This prime lens is a portrait photographer’s dream. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and isolating subjects. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is known for its exceptional sharpness and detail rendition, even at wide apertures. Its fast autofocus and smooth aperture ring make it a versatile tool for capturing portraits, fashion, and candid moments.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR: This zoom lens is a versatile workhorse, covering a wide range of focal lengths. Its f/4 aperture provides sufficient light-gathering capabilities for various shooting scenarios. The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR excels in landscape, travel, and general photography, offering a convenient range without the need to switch lenses frequently.

Image Quality: A Comparison of Sensor Performance

The image quality produced by both systems is exceptional, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Canon EOS RP: The 26.2MP sensor in the EOS RP delivers vibrant colors, good dynamic range, and excellent detail. It performs well in low-light conditions, producing images with minimal noise. The RP’s JPEG output is generally pleasing, while RAW files provide ample room for post-processing.
Nikon D850: The D850’s 45.7MP sensor is a powerhouse, capturing an astounding level of detail. It excels in high-resolution printing and cropping, offering greater flexibility for post-production. The D850’s dynamic range is impressive, allowing for recovery of detail in both highlights and shadows. Its low-light performance is excellent, producing images with minimal noise even at high ISOs.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both systems offer advanced autofocus capabilities, but they employ different technologies.
Canon EOS RP: The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system in the EOS RP is renowned for its speed and accuracy. It delivers fast and reliable autofocus, particularly for video recording and tracking moving subjects. The system’s phase-detection technology provides rapid focus acquisition, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action.
Nikon D850: The D850’s autofocus system relies on a combination of phase-detection and contrast-detection sensors. Its 153 focus points cover a large area of the sensor, offering excellent coverage for various shooting scenarios. The D850’s autofocus is precise and reliable, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Video Capabilities: A Look at the Recording Features

While both cameras offer video recording capabilities, their features and strengths vary.
Canon EOS RP: The EOS RP is a strong contender for video recording. It offers 4K video capture at 25/30fps, along with a variety of frame rates for slow-motion footage. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures smooth and accurate autofocus tracking, making it ideal for capturing cinematic footage. The RP also features a microphone input and headphone jack for audio monitoring.
Nikon D850: The D850 is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps. While its autofocus performance is commendable, it doesn’t quite match the smooth tracking capabilities of the EOS RP’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. The D850 also offers a variety of frame rates for slow-motion footage and features a microphone input.

Ergonomics and Design: A Comparison of Handling

The design and ergonomics of each camera cater to different preferences.
Canon EOS RP: The EOS RP’s compact and lightweight body makes it incredibly portable and easy to handle. Its mirrorless design eliminates the bulk of a traditional DSLR. The RP’s control layout is intuitive and user-friendly, with dedicated buttons for key functions.
Nikon D850: The D850 is a larger and heavier camera, reflecting its professional-grade status. Its robust build and deep grip provide a secure hold, even for extended shooting sessions. The D850’s control layout is comprehensive, offering a wide range of customization options.

Price and Value: Assessing the Overall Cost

The price of each system reflects their features and target audience.
Canon EOS RP: The EOS RP is a more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for photographers looking to enter the full-frame world. Its price point makes it a compelling alternative to higher-end DSLRs.
Nikon D850: The D850 is positioned as a professional-level camera, with a price tag that reflects its advanced features and capabilities. Its high resolution and robust build make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and demanding enthusiasts.

Which System is Right for You?

The choice between the Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the Nikon D850 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: This combination is ideal for photographers who prioritize portability, versatility, and exceptional image quality. Its compact size, fast autofocus, and stunning portrait lens make it a strong contender for travel, street, and portrait photography.
Nikon D850 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR: This system is best suited for photographers who require high resolution, exceptional detail, and a versatile zoom lens. Its robust build, advanced autofocus, and wide focal range make it an excellent choice for landscape, travel, and general photography.

The Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Match

Both systems offer exceptional image quality, advanced features, and a range of capabilities. The Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM excels in portability, speed, and portrait photography, while the Nikon D850 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR shines in high resolution, versatility, and professional-level performance. The best choice for you depends on your individual needs, shooting style, and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras?
A: Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than DSLRs because they lack a mirror and optical viewfinder. They use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to display the scene. DSLRs have a mirror that reflects light to the optical viewfinder.
Q: Which lens is better, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM or the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR?
A: This depends on your needs. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a specialized prime lens for portrait photography, while the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a versatile zoom lens for a wider range of subjects.
Q: What is the best camera for beginners?
A: Both the EOS RP and D850 are capable cameras, but the EOS RP might be a better choice for beginners due to its more affordable price and user-friendly interface.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions, but the D850’s larger sensor and higher resolution give it a slight edge in terms of noise reduction.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The EOS RP offers superior video recording capabilities with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, making it a better choice for cinematic footage.