CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Comparison

x
Camera to replace
Change

Nikon Z5

24 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon Z5
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Change

Nikon Z6

25 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Nikon Z6
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing Z5 and Z6, two Mirrorless cameras by Nikon. Nikon Z5 is a Advanced Mirrorless class camera and Nikon Z6 is a Pro Mirrorless class camera.

Nikon Z5 was introduced to market in July 2020 and Nikon Z6 was launched in August 2018. There is 23 months difference between Z5 and Z6 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger Z5, especially in sensor tech.

Z5 and Z6 are members of Nikon's Z series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Nikon Z Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
Nikon Z30
  
2022 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 128 x 74 x 60mm 405g
Nikon Z9
  
2021 46.0MP - Full frame 30.0 fps 149 x 150 x 91mm 1340g
Nikon Z fc
  
2021 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 135 x 94 x 44mm 445g
Nikon Z6 II
  
2020 25.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
Nikon Z7 II
  
2020 46.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon Z5 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-07-20
  • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 ( expands to 50 - 102400)
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Tilting Screen
  • 3690k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 4.5fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 675g. 134 x 101 x 70 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Nikon Z6 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2018-08-23
  • 25MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 ( expands to 50 - 204800)
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Tilting Screen
  • 3690k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 12.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 675g. 134 x 101 x 68 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Nikon Z6 was replaced by Nikon Z6 Mark II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Z6 Mark II vs Nikon Z6
Nikon Z6 Mark II vs Nikon Z5

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


Related Blog Posts

New Insta360 One RS 1-Inch 360-Degree Camera Shoots 6K Video and 21MP Stills
Sony FE 100-400 E vs Canon 100-500 RF vs Nikon Z 100-400 vs Canon RF 100-400 Lens Size Comparison
Tamron 17-70 F2.8 vs Fujifilm 16-55 F2.8 vs Fujifilm 16-80 F4 vs Fujifilm 18-55 F2.8-4 Lens Size and Specs Comparison
Todays Deals: Samyang 12mm F2 for $399, Bolt Flashes for $49 and more
Cameras with Stacked Sensors and No Blackout Viewfinders in 2022
Todays Deals: Tripod, Microphone and more
New Sony E 10-20mm F4 PZ G vs Sony 16-35mm F4 PZ G Power Zoom Lens Comparison: APS-C is alive!
Review: SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Nikon Z5 over Nikon Z6
Battery Life
470 shots vs 330 shots 140 more frames with a single charge
Storage Slot
2 vs 1 Extra storage slot
CHECK Z5 PRICE


Reasons to choose Nikon Z6 over Nikon Z5
Max Sensor Resolution
25 MP vs 24 MP 4% more pixels
LCD Screen Resolution
2.100k dots vs 1.040k dots 101% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting
12.0fps vs 4.5fps 7.5 fps faster
Top LCD
Yes vs No Help viewing and changing settings easily
CHECK Z6 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Yes vs Yes Connect to other devices via Bluetooth
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen
Tilting vs Tilting Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Touch Screen
Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
24 MP vs 25 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Size
3.20" vs 3.20" Large display
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 2.100k dots High resolution screens
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port
Yes vs Yes better video control
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Focus Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Take multiple photos shifting focus point
Focus Stacking
Yes vs Yes Stacks photos in-camera to maximize depth of field
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Webcam Function
Yes vs Yes Use your camera as a Webcam
Anti_flicker
Yes vs Yes Reduced uneven color and exposure under flickering light
Eye Tracking Focus
Yes vs Yes Autofocus system locks on the eye and tracks the subject
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon Z5 has external dimensions of 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76″) and weighs 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) (including batteries). Nikon Z6 has external dimensions of 134 x 101 x 68 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.68″) and weighs 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6. Nikon Z5 has the same height and width with Nikon Z6. On the other hand, with a thickness of 70mm, it is 2mm thicker.

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6.

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6.
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have exactly the same weight of 675g.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have the same Nikon Z lens mount and Full frame sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

Z5
Z6
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

Z5
Z6
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both Z5 and Z6 have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.20".

Both cameras feature Tilting screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels.
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Sensor Comparison

Nikon Z5 has a 24.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. On the other hand, Nikon Z6 has a 25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor.

Below you can see the Z5 and Z6 sensor size comparison.

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Cameras


Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. In this case, both Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 have the same Nikon Z lens mount so have 32 native lenses available. All of these lenses cover Full frame sensor.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 has Sensor based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies. Z5's built-in Image stabilization system is effective to compensate vibration up to 5.0-stops according to CIPA standards.

Lens Type # of Nikon Z5 Lenses # of Nikon Z6 Lenses
Standard Zoom 6 (5 Full Frame) 6 (5 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 5 (4 Full Frame) 5 (4 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 2 (2 Full Frame) 2 (2 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 7 (7 Full Frame) 7 (7 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 3 (2 Full Frame) 3 (2 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 4 (4 Full Frame) 4 (4 Full Frame)
SuperZoom 2 (1 Full Frame) 2 (1 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime n/a n/a
Macro Prime 3 (3 Full Frame) 3 (3 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime n/a n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 32 (28 Full Frame) 32 (28 Full Frame)

Here are some of the most popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Z5 and Z6
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8
35mm FF 565gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S
35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S
35mm FF 1355gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR
35mm FF 570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2 Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2
35mm FF 170gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S
35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
35mm FF 805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z Lens Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
35mm FF 810gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon Z5 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Nikon Z6 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon Z5 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Nikon Z6 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body
Read the details

Nikon Z5 for Sports Photography

GOOD

Nikon Z6 for Sports Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Anti Flicker feature
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
273 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.5fps
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
273 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Anti Flicker feature
Read the details

Nikon Z5 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Nikon Z6 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Anti Flicker feature
Environmental Sealings
Medium size Body
675g
Body Thickness 70mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Anti Flicker feature
Medium size Body
675g
Body Thickness 68mm
Read the details

Nikon Z5 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon Z6 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details

Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 scores compare:

Nikon Z5
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #27 out of 102 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #31 out of 1244 in all Cameras
Nikon Z6
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #22 out of 102 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #23 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Nikon Z6 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon Z5 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon Z5
Nikon Z5
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Nikon Z6
Nikon Z6
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z5 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Z5 Nikon Z6
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2020-07-20 2018-08-23
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 35.9 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Area 858.01mm2 858.01mm2
Megapixels 24 megapixels 25 megapixels
Max Resolution 6016 x 4016 6048 x 4024
Max Native Light sensitivity 51,200 ISO 51,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 102400 ISO 204800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 50 ISO 50 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 273 273
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Nikon Z Nikon Z
Number of Available Lenses 32 32
Screen
Type Tilting Tilting
Size 3.20" 3.20"
Resolution 1,040k dots 2,100k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 3,690k dots 3,690k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8x 0.8x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/200s 1/200s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 4.5 fps 12.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 675g 675g
Dimensions 134 x 101 x 70mm 134 x 101 x 68mm
Battery Life 470 shots 330 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 95
DxO Color Depth not tested 25.3
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 14.3
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 3299
Report a correction Report a correction


FOLLOW US


Most Popular Cameras
Sony A7 IV
33 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Sony A7R IV
61 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Canon M50 II
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF-M Mount
Nikon Z9
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Canon R3
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Fujifilm GFX 100
102 MP | Medium format Sensor | Fujifilm G Mount
Fujifilm X-T30 II
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Nikon Z5
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Top Rated Mirrorless Cameras
Top Mirrorless Cameras Under $500
Top Mirrorless Cameras Under $750
Top Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000
Top Mirrorless Cameras Under $1500
Latest Cameras
Nikon Z30
21 MP | APS-C Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Fujifilm X-H2S
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Canon R7
33 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Canon R10
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Ricoh WG-80
16 MP | 1/2.3 Sensor | 28-140 mm
Panasonic GH6
25 MP | Four Thirds Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Mount
OM System OM-1
20 MP | Four Thirds Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Mount
Canon R5 C
45 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Copyright © 2022 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction