Nikon Z5 Vs Nikon Z6

Nikon Z5 Vs Nikon Z6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera, Nikon

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Image Processor: Each camera is equipped with Nikon’s EXPEED 6 image processor, delivering fast processing speeds and enhanced image quality.
  3. Autofocus System: Both feature a 273-point hybrid autofocus system, offering wide coverage and reliable focusing for a variety of shooting conditions.
  4. 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.
  5. Electronic Viewfinder: They are equipped with a 3.69 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, providing a clear and bright view of the subject.
  6. 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.
  7. Video Capabilities: Both cameras can record 4K UHD video, making them suitable for high-quality video production.
  8. Connectivity Options: Each camera offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating easy sharing of images and remote camera control via Nikon’s SnapBridge app.
  9. Weather Sealing: Both are weather-sealed, offering resistance against dust and moisture, which is great for shooting in various environmental conditions.
  10. 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

Check Z6 Price

Check Z5 Price

FAQ

What type of photographer is the Nikon Z5 best suited for?
The Nikon Z5 is ideal for amateurs or those transitioning to full-frame cameras. It offers high image quality and solid performance at a more affordable price, making it suitable for everyday photography and basic video recording.

Can the Nikon Z6 handle professional video production?
Yes, the Nikon Z6 is well-equipped for professional video production. It supports 4K video, Full HD at up to 120 fps for slow-motion, N-Log, and 10-bit HDMI output, offering greater flexibility and higher quality output for advanced post-processing.

Are the Nikon Z5 and Z6 good for low-light photography?
Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions. However, the Z6, with its backside-illuminated sensor, offers superior performance in very low light, making it more suitable for challenging lighting situations.

Can I use my existing Nikon lenses with the Z5 and Z6?
Yes, both cameras use the Nikon Z-mount. Existing Nikon F-mount lenses can also be used with an FTZ adapter, maintaining autofocus and auto-exposure functionalities.

What is the battery life like on these cameras?
The Nikon Z5 generally offers better battery life with approximately 470 shots per charge, whereas the Z6 provides about 310 shots per charge. Actual battery life can vary based on shooting conditions and settings.

Do the Nikon Z5 and Z6 have dual card slots?
The Nikon Z5 has dual SD card slots, which are beneficial for redundant recording or extended storage capacity. The Nikon Z6 has a single XQD/CFexpress card slot, which offers faster data processing speeds.

Is there a significant size and weight difference between the two cameras?
Both cameras are very similar in size and weight, making them both portable and easy to handle for extended shooting periods. The main difference lies in their build materials, with the Z6 featuring a more durable all-magnesium alloy body.

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