The Nikon Z5 is the cheapest full-frame camera introduced by Nikon to date. At $1400, it has a lot to offer in such a lightweight, compact, and rugged camera body. Many of our readers might be wondering how this camera differs from the Nikon Z6 that was released two years ago, so I decided to put together a comparison that shows the differences between these cameras. We will first start out with ergonomic and body differences side-by-side, then talk about features.
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Ergonomics Comparison
First, let’s take a look at the front of the two cameras:
As you can see, both cameras look very similar, with very slight differences on the top (due to the moved PASM dial), and a smooth finish on the right side of the mount on the Z5. Size-wise (both width and height), the cameras are identical.
Next, here is how the two cameras appear from the top:
Nikon basically moved the PASM dial from the left to the right on the Z5, removing the top LCD screen. The PASM dial itself got slightly modified. While you need to press the center button to change the camera mode on the Z6 (which is great, because it prevents accidental changes to camera mode), it is now a simple dial on the Z5. The removal of the LCD screen is a bummer for those who are used to it, but that was one way for Nikon to reduce cost on the Z5. Other than this, everything else is identical.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the backs of the cameras:
Once again, the cameras are nearly identical. The buttons, the rear LCD, their placement, and access is the same. The only difference is on the right side – since the Z5 has dual SD card slots, its memory card door is a bit taller in comparison. Another difference to note, which is not visible in the image, is the lower resolution of the LCD screen on the Z5. As shown below, it has 1,040k pixels vs 2,100k pixels on the Z6.
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 Specifications Comparison
Next, we will take a look at how these two cameras compare in terms of their technical specifications:
| Camera Feature | 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 | -2 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 | 4:2:0 8-bit HDMI Output / No | 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) |
Looking at this comparison table, it is clear that these two cameras have a lot in common. Similar resolution, same processor, same EVF, same autofocus system, and very similar ergonomics. However, there are some small differences between these two cameras worth pointing out.
First of all, the Nikon Z6 has two big advantages over the Z5. It has a much faster continuous shooting rate of 12 FPS vs only 4.5 FPS on the Z5, which makes the Z6 a more desirable camera for photographing action. Second, it has a much better 4K video shooting capability, including 10-bit N-Log over HDMI, as well as 4K filming without any built-in crop factor (compared to the Z5’s big 1.7x crop). Those aren’t important for stills shooters, but they could be a fairly big deal for those who want to use the Z5 for serious video needs.
Other than these, there aren’t other serious advantages over the Z5. The LCD on the Z6 has more resolution, but most people are probably not going to care about that. The sensor on the Z6 is slightly better as well – it uses a BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor vs a front-side illuminated sensor on the Z5. This should give a slight advantage to the Z6 in terms of high ISO performance, but not to make a big difference in the real world.
Where the Z5 leads is in dual memory card slots, for those who consider it to be important, and especially for those who already own SD memory cards and do not want to buy expensive CFexpress / XQD cards. Another advantage is the new EN-EL15c battery, which provides noticeably better battery life performance on the Z5 vs the EN-EN15b battery on the Z6. At this point, it is unclear whether the Z6 can take advantage of the new battery, but if it does, this one could be a wash.
Lastly, let’s not forget about the big price difference in MSRP between the Z5 and Z6. While the price of the Z6 has come down quite a bit in the past two years, and one could even buy a used or gray market Z6 for about $1400-1500, it is great that Nikon priced the Z5 at $1400. We can expect the price of the Z5 to come down in the next few years, which allows more people on a tight budget to get into full-frame.
Overall, Nikon has done a remarkable job with the Z5. For enthusiasts looking for a very capable full-frame camera, it is a great choice at a very reasonable price point.
Really like most things about the Z5 except:
(1) only 4.5 FPS
(2) vid cropping
(3) just half the Z6’s rear LCD res
(4) no top-mounted LCD info screen
Guess Nikon had to cut some costs to offer the lower price. How about just a simple misspelling? (I’m okay with Niikon if that means Z6 features at Z5 price.)
This is now outdated by Z6-II. I own Z5 and Z7-II. Mostly use Z5. File sizes are too big in 7.
The backside illuminated sensor was mentioned in the comparison table but it wasn’t mentioned in your review as far as I could see and I imagine that’s got to be somewhat of a advantage for the BSI compared to the FSI?
The sensor IS mentioned in the review: “The sensor on the Z6 is slightly better as well – it uses a BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor vs a front-side illuminated sensor on the Z5.”
Did you purposely leave out the backside illuminated sensor of the Z6??
The sensor’s not left out at all. The review clearly states: “The sensor on the Z6 is slightly better as well – it uses a BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor vs a front-side illuminated sensor on the Z5.”
I am amazed at how terrible this camera is indoors, autofocus is a joke! Outside it is great, but indoors forget it, way too much struggling, why does all the reviews skip this critical part of a camera
You mention “…this camera…” without indicating which one you’re referring to: the Z5 or the Z6.
Very bad autofocusing on Z5.not usable in indoor shot at all.
It can’t track subject even in day light.
High iso is not much.my fujifilm xt3 can capture clean image even at iso 6400.
But Z5 can’t go beyond iso800.
realy disapointed.
Not sure if someone still reads this article. But it highlighted one point I’m very keen to avoid – the inadvertent switch to video mode. I had the Z50, and several times I was negatively surprised after shooting for the day when the picture quality was horrendous. The camera had switched into video mode for whatever reason and I did not notice. You mention that “While you need to press the center button to change the camera mode on the Z6 “. However, just looking at the pictures, both set-ups look identical with a switch on the back. Would you mind clarifying if possible, please?
As the review plainly states, “The PASM dial … got slightly modified. While you need to press the center button to change the camera mode on the Z6 … it is now a simple dial on the Z5.” The pics clearly show the center button on the dial. Not only did you – even if inadvertently – press that button and switch modes, you admittedly failed to notice you’d done so. Entirely your mistake (user error).
The Low-Light Sensitivity comparison is wrong, assuming it’s referring to AF sensitivity. The specifications on Nikon’s web site are:
Z6: -6 to +19 EV, or -3.5 to +19 EV without low-light AF
Z5: -3 to +19 EV, or -2 to +19 EV without low-light AF
I’ve tried the Z5 with the 24-200mm kit lens, which has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 in the middle of its range, and it appears that for still subjects (where you can use image stabilization), the autofocus will stop functioning at light levels where the camera is otherwise capable of capturing a decent quality image. So the extra low light sensitivity of the Z6 (and the forthcoming Z6 II) could be useful in practice.
One of the reasons I am considering the Z5 with the 24-200 lens (over an X-T4 with 16-80) is better low light capabilities. In my case with static objects. Would you not recommend this combination?
I bought an used Z6 and FTZ adapter last year because the Z-mount would allow to use my rare Contarex and Pentacon Super lenses. For me, after using the D700, Df and D810, it was not easy to get used on it, especially the touch screen. The XQD cards are rare and expensive.
What I like is the video which is easier to handle as the D810.
If the Z5 had been available then I had bought that one because of the cheaper memory cards and I am content with the usual HD resolution.
I am happy about Nikon offering a lower price point full frame camera but I am still confused about whether not having a BSI sensor would be a deal breaker for several hundred dollars difference between the two models (Z6 has been on sale for near the cost of the Z5).
I have read about the new BSI sensor and it seems to be far superior in many aspects such as its abilities regarding astrophotography and other light sensitive forms of image capture. Thanks in advance for any comments.
Having own the D750 and the Z6, honestly there’s not a great deal of difference in low light performance due to BSI tech. If anything the on-sensor phase detection makes the D750 files look cleaner to my eye.
Disagree here. I shoot low light sports and the Z6 is almost a stop ahead of the D750 and the D850 at 12800 ISO and above. The D4 still beats the Z6 (barely) at high ISO.
That said, I don’t think the Z5 will be far behind the Z6 in low light performance.
Disagree with the disagreement (partially) – from a pure noise perspective the D4 is far and away the worst performer of the group above. On a like for like (size cropped to the same image area) the order of best to worst for noise is ………D850,Z6,D750,D4. I confirmed it’s not my imagination – backed up by DPReview studio scene. This has nothing to do with autofocus accuracy at low light levels BTW just the image noise.
“Low light performance” usually refers to high ISO settings. But not for landscape photographers, for whom it means shadow detail. One disadvantage of the Zs is banding in shadow areas, which is quite a drag if you are a landscape photographer. I bought my Z7 when it was released and have been shooting with it for two years and many thousands of photos under various outdoor conditions. My old D750 way outperforms my Z7 when bringing up shadow detail. That’s because the BSI sensors have a banding problem that the CMOS sensor doesn’t. When I shoot Adirondack streams with my Z7, the dark brown areas of quiet water cannot be brought up to see detail without banding. I rely heavily on the ability to bring up shadow detail, since I can’t bracket moving subjects like leaves in the wind and water, or panoramas – in other words most of my subjects. With my old D750, my photos were loaded with detail in the shadows. With my Z7, the shadows are dark to black, period. I am seriously thinking of adding the Z5 rather than the Z6 II to my bag, for high dynamic range shots.
Hopefully, this message finds you… My D750 is dying and while I have fun with many disciplines in photography, my greatest number of images come from landscapes.
Do you still think a Z5 makes for a better landscape camera? I have of course tried to absorb as much data as possible and dynamic range trumps most of the speed a Z6 would get.
Just wondering if your opinion may have changed after the firmware updates the Z6 has had. Thanks for you input.