Nikon Z5 vs Z6: Which Should I Buy?

The Nikon Z5 is your most affordable full-frame camera released by Nikon thus far. At $1400, it’s a great deal to offer in this lightweight, compact, and rugged camera system. A number of our readers may be thinking about how this camera differs from the Nikon Z6 which premiered a couple of decades back, so I decided to collect a contrast that reveals the differences between those cameras. We’ll initially begin with the body and ergonomic gaps side-by-side, then discuss attributes.

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Comparison

First, let us take a look at the front of those 2 cameras:

Nikon Z5 vs Z6

As you can see, the two cameras seem quite similar, with very small differences on the top (because of the proceeded PASM dial), along with a smooth finish on the ideal side of the bracket onto the Z5. Size-wise (both height and width ), the cameras will be equal.

Here is the way the two cameras look from the very top:

Nikon essentially transferred the PASM dial from the left to the right on the Z5, eliminating the very best LCD display. The PASM dial itself has slightly altered. The elimination of this LCD display is really a bummer for people that are utilized for this, but that has been one solution for Nikon to decrease the price on the Z5. Aside from this, everything is identical.

Last, let us take a look at the backs of these cameras:

Nikon Z5 vs Z6 front view

Yet more, the cameras are almost identical. The buttons, the back LCD, their positioning, and accessibility are exactly the same. The one distinction is on the ideal side — because the Z5 has dual SD card slots, its own memory card is somewhat taller compared. Another difference to notice, which isn’t visible in the picture, is that the reduced resolution of this LCD display on the Z5. As shown below, it’s 1,040k pixels versus 2,100k pixels over the Z6.

Comparison of Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 specification

Next, We’ll Have a Look at these 2 cameras compare in terms of their technical specifications:

Features Nikon Z5 Nikon Z6
Sensor Resolution 24.3 MP 24.5 MP
Low-Pass Filter Yes Yes
Sensor Type CMOS BSI CMOS
In-Body Image Stabilization Yes, 5-axis Yes, 5-axis
Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.9 x 24.0mm
Image Size 6016 x 4016 6048 x 4024
Pixel Size 5.9µ 5.9µ
Image Processor EXPEED 6 EXPEED 6
Viewfinder Electronic / EVF Electronic / EVF
Viewfinder Type / Resolution OLED / 3.69 Million Dots OLED / 3.69 Million Dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.80x
Built-in Flash No No
Flash Sync Speed 1/200 1/200
Storage Media 2x SD UHS II 1x XQD / CFexpress
Continuous Shooting Speed 4.5 FPS 12 FPS
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 1/8000
Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter Yes Yes
Exposure Metering Sensor TTL metering using camera image sensor TTL metering using camera image sensor
Base ISO ISO 100 ISO 100
Native ISO Sensitivity ISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-51,200
Autofocus System Hybrid PDAF Hybrid PDAF
Focus Points 273 273
Low-Light Sensitivity -3.5 to 19 EV -3.5 to 19 EV
Video Maximum Resolution 4K @ up to 30p, 1080p @ up to 60p 4K @ up to 30p, 1080p @ up to 120p
Video Crop 1.7x Crop Full sensor width
HDMI Out / LOG 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Audio Recording Yes Yes
Articulating LCD Yes, Tilting Yes, Tilting
Touchscreen Yes Yes
LCD Size 3.2″ Diagonal LCD 3.2″ Diagonal LCD
LCD Resolution 1,040,000 dots 2,100,000 dots
Built-in GPS No No
Wi-Fi / Band 802.11a/ac/b/g/n / 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz 802.11a/ac/b/g/n / 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz
Bluetooth Yes, 4.2 Yes, 4.2
Battery EN-EL15c EN-EL15b
Battery Life (CIPA) 470 shots 380 shots
Weather-Sealed Body Yes Yes
USB Version Type-C 3.1 Type-C 3.1
Weight (Camera Body Only) 590g 585g
Dimensions 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm 134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm
MSRP $1,399 (check current price) $1,999 (check current price)

Considering this comparison table, it’s apparent that both of these cameras have a lot in common. Much like resolution, the same processor, same EVF exactly the same camera system, and quite similar ergonomics. But, there are a few tiny differences between both of these cameras worth pointing out.

Difference (Nikon Z6 vs Z5)

To start with, the Nikon Z6 has two significant benefits over the Z5. It’s a far faster continuous shooting speed of 12 FPS vs just 4.5 FPS on the Z5, making the Z6 a desirable camera for photographing activity. Secondly, it has a far superior 4K video shooting capability, which benefits from the diameter of the entire detector with no cropping, whereas the Z5 has a large 1.7x harvest. Not vital for stills shooters, but a rather major deal for people who wish to utilize the Z5 for severe movie requirements. Aside from these, there are no other significant benefits within the Z5. This ought to provide a small advantage to this Z6 concerning high ISO performance but to not make a difference from the actual world.

Also Read: Aperture photography definition | Photography Basics

Where the Z5 leads is in double memory card slots, for people who believe it to be significant, and particularly for people who already possess SD memory cards and don’t wish to purchase pricey CF express / XQD cards. Another benefit is the new EN-EL15c battery, which provides noticeably greater battery life functionality on the Z5 versus the EN-EN15b battery to the Z6. Now, it’s unclear if the Z6 can benefit from this new battery life, but when it will, this you could be clean.

Last, let’s not neglect the major cost difference in MSRP involving the Z5 and Z6. While the purchase price of this Z6 has come down quite a bit in the previous two decades, and you could buy a used or grey market Z6 for approximately $1400-1500, it’s good that Nikon priced the Z5 at $1400. We can anticipate the purchase price of this Z5 to return within the upcoming few decades, allowing more individuals on a tight budget to enter full-frame.

For fans searching for quite a competent full-frame camera, it’s a fantastic option at a really reasonable price point.

Olajide Towoju
Olajide Towoju

Towoju Olajide is a technology writer who covers topics ranging from consumer tech to the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Born and raised in Nigeria, Towoju developed an early fascination with technology that led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science. After completing his studies, he worked as a software developer for several years before transitioning into tech journalism.

Towoju's work has been featured in various publications, including TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge. He is also a regular contributor to several technology blogs and podcasts, where he shares his insights on emerging trends and breakthroughs in the tech industry. In addition to his work as a writer, Towoju is an avid photographer and enjoys capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife in his spare time.

Over the years, Towoju has written several books on technology and its impact on society. His writing has been praised for its ability to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether he's exploring the latest advancements in AI or discussing the future of smart cities, Towoju's goal is to make technology accessible to everyone.

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