A spec-by-spec breakdown of Nikon Z5 and Z6
We now know almost everything about the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6, which were released in July 2020 and August 2018 separately. And though comparing Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 cameras is an exercise that’s not exactly straightforward, lining up the specs and comparing their key features should at least tell you which camera might deliver the right kind of performance or high-quality images and videos for your budget. In this article, we’ll compare the Nikon Z5 with the Nikon Z6 to help you make the right decision.
Table of Contents
Nikon Z6 versus Nikon Z5 Spec Comparison
| Features | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 24.93 Megapixel Effective: 24.3 Megapixel (6016 x 4016) | Actual: 25.28 Megapixel Effective: 24.5 Megapixel (6000 x 4000) |
| Image Sensor | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS | 35.9 x 24.0mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | Photo 100 to 51,200 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400) Video 100 to 25,600 in Manual, Auto Mode | Photo/Video 100 to 51,200 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 4.5 fps at 24.3 MP | Up to 12 fps at 24.5 MP Up to 5.5 fps at 24.5 MP |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) | Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Wireless | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Display Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Built-In ND Filter | No | No |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Second | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds |
| Bulb/Time Mode | Bulb Mode, Time Mode | Bulb Mode, Time Mode |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 17 EV | -4 to 17 EV |
| White Balance | Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade | Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 4.5 fps at 24.3 MP | Up to 12 fps at 24.5 MP Up to 5.5 fps at 24.5 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw | JPEG, Raw |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Recording Limit | Up to 30 Minutes | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds |
| Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo | Stereo |
| Focus | ||
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF, Full-Time Servo, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF | Continuous-Servo AF, Full-Time Servo, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 273 | Phase Detection: 273 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | 3 to +19 EV | 3 to +19 EV |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Type | Built-In Electronic (OLED) | Built-In Electronic (OLED) |
| Size | 0.5″ | 0.5″ |
| Resolution | 3,690,000 Dot | 3,690,000 Dot |
| Eye Point | 21 mm | 21 mm |
| Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.8x | Approx. 0.8x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 | -4 to +2 |
| Flash | ||
| Built-In Flash/Light | No | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Curtain Sync/Red-Eye Reduction, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Curtain/Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second | 1/200 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| External Flash Connection | Shoe Mount | Shoe Mount |
| Battery Type | 1 x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Approx. 470 Shots) | 1 x EN-EL15b Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.28 x 3.96 x 2.74″ / 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm | 5.3 x 4 x 2.7″ / 134 x 100.5 x 67.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.3 lb / 590 g (Body Only) | 1.29 lb / 585 g (Body Only) |
Price and Size
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, we should probably address one of the more significant differences between the two Nikon models: the price. The 590g Nikon Z5 starts at $996.95 on Amazon while the 585g Nikon Z6 goes for $1,049.00. Both cameras come with an excellent 5-inch tilting touchscreen LCD. When it comes to the weight, the Nikon Z5 is slightly heavier compared with the Nikon Z6, but that’s not a big problem. Both cameras are fit into your camera bag and easy to carry.
Display Screen and Sensor
Now, let’s discuss the display screen. Both the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6 feature a 3.2″ tilting touchscreen LCD. This screen provides users with real-time settings, alerts, and activities. When it comes to the display itself, there haven’t been any updates to the bright and excellent LCD screen shared by the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6. In practical terms, this means that the display should offer improved visibility whether you’re capturing photos and videos outdoors or indoors.
There is a notable sensor differences to be aware of. The Nikon Z6 features a BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor, which offers high ISO performance. The Nikon Z5 is equipped with a front-side illuminated sensor. In terms of real-world usage, both cameras offer excellent performance and do not have significant differences.
Continuous Shooting and Videos
In terms of continuous shooting, both cameras are equipped with excellent and fast continuous shooting, while the Nikon Z5 comes with 4.5 FPS and the Nikon Z6 is equipped with 12 FPS. Indeed, the Nikon Z6’s faster continuous shooting rate makes it a desirable camera for capturing fast-moving subjects and enables photographers to capture a rapid series of images with a single press of the shutter button. This feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios such as sports photography, wildlife photography, or any situation where timing is critical.
When it comes to videos, both the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6 offer 4K video shooting capability. However, the Nikon Z6 stands out with its additional features, including a 10-bit N-Log over HDMI and the ability to shoot 4K video without any built-in crop factor. In contrast, the Nikon Z5 has a significant 1.7x crop factor when shooting videos. If you are looking to capture serious and high-quality videos, the Nikon Z6 is worth considering.
Battery Life and Connectivity Options
Unsurprisingly, battery life is perhaps one of the more important considerations when buying a camera. The Nikon z5 comes with EN-EL15c, which could offer 470 shots. The Nikon z6 could only provide 380 shots with the EN-EL15b. The Nikon Z5 has a good performance compared with the Z6 in this regard. In terms of connectivity options, both Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 support Bluetooth and wifi, offering convenience to users.
Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for the Z5 and the Z6
1
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8
Nikon
2
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S
Nikon
3
Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon
4
Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
Samyang
5
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
Nikon
What types of Photography are Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Good for?
Portrait Photography
| Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 | |
| Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Very High-Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP | Excellent | Excellent |
| Image Stabilization | Excellent | Excellent |
| Electronic Built-in Viewfinder | Excellent | Excellent |
| Good Ergonomics&Handling | Excellent | Excellent |
Street Photography
| Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 | |
| Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Image Stabilization | Excellent | Excellent |
| Electronic Built-in Viewfinder | Excellent | Excellent |
| Live-view | Excellent | Excellent |
| Face-Detection Focusing | Excellent | Excellent |
| Tilting LCD Screen | Excellent | Excellent |
Landscape Photography
| Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 | |
| Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor | Good | Good |
| Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP | Good | Good |
| Environmental Sealings | Good | Good |
| Live-view | Good | Good |
1. Nikon Z5
Great handling Small and tight
Crazy fast 1/8000 shutter speed
2. Nikon Z6
4K filming without any built-in crop factor
Better 4K video shooting capability
FAQ
Is Nikon Z5 a good camera?
The Nikon Z 5 is an excellent entry-level full-frame camera. While it does have some shortcomings, particularly in terms of shooting speed, processing power, and 4K video capability, it is still a fantastic camera considering its price. It serves as a great entry point into full-frame photography for those seeking an upgrade.
Is the Nikon Z5 worth buying?
The Z5 is an impressively designed camera body, and it is priced very competitively. The image quality it delivers is beautiful, and the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) feature is highly effective and beneficial for capturing steady shots.
Should I get a Z6 in 2024?
The Z6 is undoubtedly a capable camera, especially if you don’t require dual card slots and fast autofocus for action photography. It performs well in various shooting situations and offers excellent image quality and features.
What is Nikon Z6 best for?
The Z6 is a highly capable video camera, particularly suitable for still photographers who also explore video shooting. It offers a range of features and capabilities that make it well-suited for capturing high-quality video footage, allowing photographers to expand their creative possibilities in the realm of videography.
