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Overview
In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.
Nikon Z5 was introduced in July 2020 and Nikon Z6 was introduced in August 2018. Let us first list highlights of the models.
Nikon Z5 Highlights
- 24.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
- 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- 3.2" 1,040k dot Tilting Screen
- 0.5" 3,690k dot Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder
- 4.5 fps Continuous Shooting
- 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
- 30 min Video Recording Limit
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Wheather Sealed Body
Nikon Z6 Highlights
- 24.5 MP Full Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- 3.2" 2,100k dot Tilting Screen
- 0.5" 3,690k dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 12.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
- 30 min Video Recording Limit
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Wheather Sealed Body
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- Advantage of Nikon Z5
- Advantage of Nikon Z6
- Common Strengths and Weaknesses
- Screen and Viewfinder
- Sensor
- Photography Features
- Connectivity, Battery and Storage
- Other Features
- Physical Parameters
- For Different Types of Photography
- Evaluations
- Specifications
Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6.
PROS
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
- Video Capture
- Large Sensor
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Live View Autofocus
- Animal Eye Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
- High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- Webcam Functionality
- High USB Speed
- HDMI Output
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Built-In Bluetooth
- Environmental Sealing
- USB Charging
- 2 Storage Slots
- Orientation Sensor
- Video Capture
- Large Sensor
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Live View Autofocus
- Animal Eye Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
- High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
- High DxO Overall Score - 95
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- No crop on 4K Videos
- Webcam Functionality
- High USB Speed
- HDMI Output
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Built-In Bluetooth
- Environmental Sealing
- USB Charging
- Orientation Sensor
CONS
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
- 3 EV Min AF Detection
- Low Video Recording Limit
- No Built-in GPS
- Short Battery Life - 470 shots
- Low Video Recording Limit
- No Built-in GPS
- Short Battery Life - 330 shots
And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:
AVERAGE
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
- Price
- Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
- 100 Lowest Native ISO
- Tilting Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
- Price
- Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
- 100 Lowest Native ISO
- -6 EV Min AF Detection
- Tilting Screen
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
Advantage of Nikon Z5
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Z5 over Nikon Z6.
Nikon Z5 | vs | Nikon Z6 | |
---|---|---|---|
Cheaper | $1399 (body only), $1699 (w/24-50mm lens), $2199 (w/24-200mm lens) | vs | $1995 (body only), $2599 (w/24-70 F4 lens) |
Longer Battery Life | 470 shots | vs | 330 shots |
More Storage Slots | 2 | vs | 1 |
Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Z5.
Nikon Z30
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z fc
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z7
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Nikon Z8
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Sony a7 IV
Full Frame
33.0 MP
Canon 7D II
APS-C
20.2 MP
Fujifilm XQ1
2/3-inch
12 MP
Pentax K-3
APS-C
23.35 MP
Fujifilm X-S20
APS-C
26.1 MP
Nikon Z50
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z9
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Canon 5DS
Full Frame
50.6 MP
Advantage of Nikon Z6
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Z6 over Nikon Z5.
Nikon Z5 | vs | Nikon Z6 | |
---|---|---|---|
Sensor Type | CMOS | vs | BSI-CMOS |
Higher Sensor Resolution | 24.3 Megapixel | vs | 24.5 Megapixel |
Higher Boosted ISO | 102,400 | vs | 204,800 |
Max Image Resolution | 6016 x 4016 | vs | 6048 x 4024 |
Lower Min AF Detection | 3 EV | vs | -6 EV |
Higher Resolution Screen | 1,040k dot | vs | 2,100k dot |
Top LCD Screen | vs | ||
Higher Max Continuous Shooting | 4.5 fps | vs | 12.0 fps |
Lower Min Metering | -3 EV | vs | -4 EV |
Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Z6.
Nikon Z50
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z fc
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z30
APS-C
20.9 MP
Nikon Z9
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Canon Rebel T5
APS-C
18.0 MP
Sony a7
Full Frame
24.3 MP
Canon 5DS
Full Frame
50.6 MP
Nikon Z7
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Olympus PEN E-P3
Micro Four Thirds
12.3 MP
Fujifilm GFX 100S
Medium format
102 MP
Nikon Z7 II
Full Frame
45.7 MP
Fujifilm S1800
1/2.3-inch
12.2 MP
Common Strengths and Weaknesses
We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.
STRENGTHS | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 |
---|---|---|
Video Capture | ||
Large Sensor | Full Frame | Full Frame |
High Native ISO | 51,200 | 51,200 |
Many Focus Points | 273 | 273 |
Touch-to-Focus | ||
Face Detection | ||
Live View Autofocus | ||
Animal Eye Detection | ||
Image Stabilization | 5-Axis Sensor Shift | 5-Axis Sensor Shift |
Touch Screen | ||
Large Screen | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Large Viewfinder | 0.5" | 0.5" |
High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) | 1/8000 sec | 1/8000 sec |
High Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Webcam Functionality | ||
High USB Speed | USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) |
HDMI Output | Micro Type C | Mini |
Built-In Wi-Fi | ||
Built-In Bluetooth | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
USB Charging | ||
Orientation Sensor |
WEAKNESSES | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Z6 |
---|---|---|
Low Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 30 min - 60 fps or less 3 min - 120/100 fps |
No Built-in GPS | ||
Short Battery Life | 470 shots | 330 shots |
Screen and Viewfinder
Screen
Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have 3.2" Tilting screens with 1,040k dot and 2,100k dot resolutions respectively. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Both models feature touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.
Nikon Z5 with Tilting screen
Viewfinder
Nikon Z5 has a built-in 0.5" Electronic (OLED) viewfinder with 3,690k dot resolution and Nikon Z6 has a built-in 0.5" Electronic viewfinder with 3,690k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage and 0.80x magnification.
Sensor
Nikon Z5 features a 24.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 858 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 102,400 in boosted mode. Nikon Z6 features a 24.5 megapixel Full Frame BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 571.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode.
Nikon Z6 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.
Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:
Sensor size chart
Sensor | Dimensions | Area | Aspect Ratio | Crop Factor | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium Format | 44 x 33 mm | 1452 mm2 | 4:3 | 0.79x | |
Full Frame | 36 x 24 mm | 864 mm2 | 3:2 | 1x | |
APS-H | 27 x 18 mm | 486 mm2 | 3:2 | 1.3x | |
APS-C | 23.6 x 15.6 mm | 368.2 mm2 | 3:2 | 1.5x | |
APS-C (Canon) | 22.3 x 14.9 mm | 332.3 mm2 | 3:2 | 1.6x | |
Micro Four Thirds | 17.4 x 13 mm | 226.2 mm2 | 4:3 | 2x | |
1-inch | 13.2 x 8.8 mm | 116.2 mm2 | 3:2 | 2.7x | |
1/1.7-inch | 7.44 x 5.58 mm | 41.5 mm2 | 4:3 | 4.7x | |
1/2.3-inch | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 28.1 mm2 | 4:3 | 5.6x |
Photography Features
Cameras are equipped with EXPEED 6 processor.
Lens Mount
Cameras have Nikon Z lens mount. Due to their Full Frame sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.
In-Body Image Stabilization
The cameras have a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with 5 stops of compensation. This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.
Connectivity, Battery and Storage
Built-in Wi-Fi
Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5, 802.11ac/b/g/n, 2.4/5 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.
Bluetooth
Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have built-in Bluetooth (version 4.2 on Nikon Z5) which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.
USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs
Both models have USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) Type-C inputs for data transfer and battery charging. Nikon Z5 has a Micro Type C HDMI and Nikon Z6 has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.
Battery
Nikon Z5 comes with EN-EL15c battery pack with battery life of 470 shots and Nikon Z6 comes with EN-EL15b battery pack with battery life of 330 shots.
External Storage Slots
Nikon Z5 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slots. Nikon Z6 has a single CFexpress Type B / XQD card slot.
Other Features
Shutter
Nikon Z5 has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Nikon Z6 has Mechanical Focal Plane shutter and Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon Z5, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon Z6. Nikon Z5 can shoot continuously up to 4.5 fps. Nikon Z6 can shoot continuously up to 12.0 fps.
Focusing
Both cameras have Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF system with 273 focusing points. and Nikon Z5 having from 3 to +19 EV detection range and Nikon Z6 having from -6 to +19 EV detection range.
Exposure
Exposure meterings of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 range from -3 to +17 EV and -4 to +17 EV respectively and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on both models.
Flash
Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on both cameras.
Physical Parameters
Nikon Z5 body has dimensions of 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76") and Nikon Z6 body has dimensions of 134 x 101 x 68 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.68") and they both weigh 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz).
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
134 mm
101 mm
134 mm
101 mm
101 mm
101 mm
70 mm
68 mm
Size comparisons of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6
Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 for Different Types of Photography
We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.
Landscape Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
EXCELLENT
86
- Large Sensor
- Touch Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
EXCELLENT
88
- Large Sensor
- Touch Screen
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
Sports Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
79
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
- Short Battery Life - 470 shots
- 2 Storage Slots
- Orientation Sensor
GOOD
81
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
- Short Battery Life - 330 shots
- Orientation Sensor
Wildlife Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
79
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Animal Eye Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
- Environmental Sealing
- Short Battery Life - 470 shots
- 2 Storage Slots
- Orientation Sensor
GOOD
81
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Animal Eye Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
- Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
- Environmental Sealing
- Short Battery Life - 330 shots
- Orientation Sensor
Portrait Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
EXCELLENT
88
- Large Sensor
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
- Orientation Sensor
EXCELLENT
89
- Large Sensor
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Image Stabilization
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
- Orientation Sensor
Street Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
EXCELLENT
88
- Large Sensor
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Image Stabilization
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
EXCELLENT
89
- Large Sensor
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Image Stabilization
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
Travel Photography
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
84
- Image Stabilization
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- Low Video Recording Limit
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
- Short Battery Life - 470 shots
EXCELLENT
85
- Image Stabilization
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- No crop on 4K Videos
- Low Video Recording Limit
- No Built-in GPS
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
- Short Battery Life - 330 shots
Evaluations
We evaluate Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 and give them scores of 80 and 84 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
OVERALL
80
OVERALL
84
Sensor
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
AVERAGE
68
- Large Sensor
- Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
- 100 Lowest Native ISO
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
GOOD
81
- Large Sensor
- Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
- 100 Lowest Native ISO
- 51,200 Highest Native ISO
- High DxO Overall Score - 95
Photo
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
81
- Image Stabilization
- High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
- Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
GOOD
82
- Image Stabilization
- High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
- Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
- Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
Video
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
AVERAGE
64
- Image Stabilization
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- Webcam Functionality
- Low Video Recording Limit
GOOD
71
- Image Stabilization
- High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
- No crop on 4K Videos
- Webcam Functionality
- Low Video Recording Limit
Focusing
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
EXCELLENT
90
- 3 EV Min AF Detection
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Live View Autofocus
- Animal Eye Detection
EXCELLENT
92
- -6 EV Min AF Detection
- 273 Focus Points
- Touch-to-Focus
- Face Detection
- Live View Autofocus
- Animal Eye Detection
Screen and Viewfinder
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
84
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
- Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
EXCELLENT
86
- Tilting Screen
- Touch Screen
- Large Screen - 3.2"
- High Resolution Screen - 2,100k dot
- Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
- Viewfinder Resolution - 3,690k dot
Connectivity
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
EXCELLENT
96
- High USB Speed
- HDMI Output
- No Built-in GPS
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Built-In Bluetooth
EXCELLENT
96
- High USB Speed
- HDMI Output
- No Built-in GPS
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Built-In Bluetooth
Battery, Storage and Physical
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6
GOOD
72
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
- Short Battery Life - 470 shots
- 2 Storage Slots
AVERAGE
66
- Environmental Sealing
- Weight - 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
- Short Battery Life - 330 shots
For a full specification list please go to the specifications page: