Nikon Z5 Vs Nikon Z6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Both Nikon Z5 & Nikon Z6 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as image quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Nikon Z6 rather than Nikon Z5.
Why Do I Recommend Nikon Z6?
- Nikon Z6 has a advanced 25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor that is 4% more pixels from Z5. On the other hand, Nikon Z5 has a 24.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor.
- With up to 12 fps using its electronic shutter, the Z6 outrank the Z5’s maximum of 4.5 fps, 2.67x more in continuous drive mode making R6 better for capturing fast action without missing critical moments.
- The Z6 offers 2100k dots compared to Sony Z5’s 1040k dots, which ensures 1060k dots higher resolution (screen), allowing sharp and more detailed images viewing experience.
- The top LCD screen display of Z6 help to quickly check and adjust shutter speed, aperture, ISO, battery level, and exposure compensation. On the other hand Z5 don’t have top LCD Screen.
- Z6 has 25.3 bits color sensitivity so that the sensor can distinguish more colors and Z5 has 14 bits color sensitivity. The Z6 has 11.3 bits higher color sensitivity.
- The Z6 offers high-resolution video recording at up to 120p in Full HD, ideal for slow-motion, whereas the Z5 is limited to 60p.
- The Nikon Z6 offers up to ISO 204800, which allows for better low-light performance. Besides the Nikon Z5 designed as an entry-level full-frame camera which offer limited to ISO 102400 in extended mode.
- The Z6’s full magnesium alloy body is more durable and better suited for professional use under challenging conditions, unlike the Z5’s mix of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate.
- The Z5 uses dual SD cards which are more accessible and less expensive than the XQD/CFexpress cards used by the Z6.
Maybe the Nikon Z5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Nikon Z6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Nikon Z6 | Nikon Z5 |
Sensor Type | Full-frame backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS | Full-frame CMOS |
Effective Pixels | 24.5 million | 24.3 million |
Total Pixels | 25.28 million | 24.93 million |
ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800) | ISO 100-51200 (expandable to 50-102400) |
Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 6 |
AF System | 273-point hybrid AF | 273-point hybrid AF |
Eye-Detection AF | Yes, for stills and video | Yes, for stills and video |
Shooting Speed | Up to 12 fps | Up to 4.5 fps |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 s | 1/8000 to 30 s |
Video Resolution | 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 120p | 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 60p |
Video Output | MOV, MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) | MOV, MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) |
Monitor | 3.2-inch, 2,100k-dot tilting TFT touchscreen | 3.2-inch, 1,040k-dot tilting TFT touchscreen |
Viewfinder | 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder | 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
External Flash | Yes, via hot shoe | Yes, via hot shoe |
Storage Media | Single XQD/CFexpress card slot | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots (UHS-II compatible) |
Battery Life | 310 shots (CIPA) | 470 shots (CIPA) |
Body Material | Magnesium alloy frame and covers | Magnesium alloy frame, polycarbonate front and covers |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 134 x 100.5 x 67.5 mm | 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm |
Weight | 675 g (including battery and memory card) | 675 g (including battery and memory card) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/a/ac), Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/a/ac), Bluetooth 4.2 |
Other Features | High-speed frame capture (120 fps), N-Log & 10-bit HDMI output | Time-lapse, focus shift photography, in-camera VR |
Price | Check Z6 Price | Check Z5 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
The Nikon Z5 and Z6 share several key features, making them both capable options within Nikon’s mirrorless lineup. Here’s what they have in common:
- Sensor and Image Quality: Both cameras use a full-frame sensor with similar resolutions, around 24 megapixels, ensuring high-quality image capture with excellent detail.
- Image Processor: Each camera is equipped with Nikon’s EXPEED 6 image processor, delivering fast processing speeds and enhanced image quality.
- Autofocus System: Both feature a 273-point hybrid autofocus system, offering wide coverage and reliable focusing for a variety of shooting conditions.
- In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Each model includes 5-axis in-body stabilization, helping to reduce camera shake and enable sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
- Electronic Viewfinder: They are equipped with a 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, providing a clear and bright view of the subject.
- Touchscreen LCD: Both have a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, which is useful for composing shots from awkward angles and navigating the menu system.
- Video Capabilities: Both cameras can record 4K UHD video, making them suitable for high-quality video production.
- Connectivity Options: Each camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating easy sharing of images and remote camera control via Nikon’s SnapBridge app.
- Weather Sealing: Both are weather-sealed, offering resistance against dust and moisture, which is great for shooting in various environmental conditions.
- Build Quality: Both cameras have a robust build quality, with the Z5 featuring a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate, and the Z6 having a full magnesium alloy body.
Common Features
Feature |
Nikon Z6 |
Nikon Z5 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.5 MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS |
Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 6 |
Autofocus System | 273-point hybrid AF | 273-point hybrid AF |
In-Body Image Stabilization | 5-axis | 5-axis |
Electronic Viewfinder | 3.69 million dot OLED | 3.69 million dot OLED |
LCD Screen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen |
Video Resolution | 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 120p | 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 60p |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Body Material | Magnesium alloy frame | Magnesium alloy frame |
Price |
FAQ
What type of photographer is the Nikon Z5 best suited for? Can the Nikon Z6 handle professional video production? Are the Nikon Z5 and Z6 good for low-light photography? Can I use my existing Nikon lenses with the Z5 and Z6? What is the battery life like on these cameras? Do the Nikon Z5 and Z6 have dual card slots? Is there a significant size and weight difference between the two cameras? |