With the much-anticipated announcement of the flagship Nikon D6, many sports and wildlife photographers are probably wondering what this camera does differently compared to its predecessor, the Nikon D5. Although the D6 might not be as big of an upgrade as the D5 was over the D4s and D4 cameras, it is Nikon’s most refined DSLR to date, and will continue to be for a while. Let’s take a closer look at both of these cameras and see how the D6 compares to the D5, and what advantages it brings to the table.
Before we get into the camera specifications, let’s take a look at what Nikon has changed on the D6 in terms of camera design and ergonomics.
Nikon D6 vs D5 Camera Design and Ergonomics
As you can see from the above image, both cameras seem to be nearly identical. The D5 is already a very solid camera with exceptionally good ergonomics, so it makes sense for Nikon to reuse the same design. The only difference I see is the change in numbers – the rest is all the same.
What about the top of the camera? Here are the two compared, side by side, with the Nikon D6 on the left:
Aside from very slight differences, the two cameras are again, nearly identical. The button placement is the same, the labels are the same. Nikon did make a subtle change to the left dial – it is now a little taller. Also, the shape of the “MODE”, “BKT” and metering buttons have changed a little, and there is now a little indentation in the center. The middle area where the flash socket is located is shaped slightly differently, and there is now a plastic cover on the top – that’s to house the in-body GPS chip that does not exist on the D5.
Let’s take a look at the back of the two cameras:
Similar to the front, the backs of the D6 and D5 are nearly identical. The only difference I see is in the microphone label that is now inserted right below the Fn3 button, which is not there on the D5.
Overall, aside from very slight differences on the top, there are no differences in design and ergonomics between the two cameras. Where Nikon has done the most changes is in the camera internals.
Nikon D6 vs D5 Specification Comparison
Let’s take a look at what has changed in terms of specifications:
| Camera Feature | Nikon D6 | Nikon D5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 20.8 Million | 20.8 Million |
| Sensor Coating | Anti-reflection coating | Anti-reflection coating |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×23.9mm | 35.9×23.9mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 6.45µ | 6.45µ |
| Sensor Dust Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 5,568 x 3,712 | 5,568 x 3,712 |
| Aspect Ratio Options | FX (36×24), 1.2x (30×20), DX (24×16), 5:4 (30×24), 1:1 (24×24), 16:9 (36×20) | FX (36×24), 1.2x (30×20), DX (24×16), 5:4 (30×24) |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-102,400 | ISO 100-102,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 204,800-3,280,000 | ISO 50, ISO 204,800-3,280,000 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 5 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.72x | 0.72x |
| Detachable Eyepiece | Yes | Yes |
| Focusing Screen | Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark X | Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark IX |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Storage Media | 2x CFexpress Type B, XQD | 2x XQD / 2x CF |
| Storage Saving Options | Overflow, Backup, NEF + JPEG, JPEG + JPEG | Overflow, Backup, NEF + JPEG |
| EXIF Version | EXIF 2.31 | EXIF 2.3 |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 14 fps with AF/AE | 12 fps with AF/AE |
| Buffer Size (RAW, Lossless 14-bit) | 200 | 200 |
| Continuous Shooting | 14.3 seconds | 16.7 seconds |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 900 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Type | Mechanical Shutter, EFCS in MUP, Electronic Shutter | Mechanical Shutter, EFCS in MUP |
| Shutter Durability | 400,000 cycles | 400,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 180,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III | 180,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III |
| Autofocus System | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 37K | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K |
| Autofocus Points | 105-point, 105 cross-type AF system | 153-point, 99 cross-type AF system |
| Dedicated AF Processor | Yes | Yes |
| AF Area Mode | OVF: Single-point AF; 9, 25, 49, or 105-point dynamic-area AF; 3D-tracking; Group-area AF; Group-area AF (C1); Group-area AF (C2); Auto-area AF; Live View: Face-detection AF, Wide-area AF, Normal area AF, Subject-tracking AF | 25, 72, or 153 point Dynamic-area AF; Auto-area AF; Single-point AF; 3D-tracking; Group-area AF |
| AF Detection Points | 15 Center AF Points, Up to f/8 | 9 Center AF Points, Up to f/8 |
| AF Detection Range | -4.5 to +20 EV | -4 to +20 EV |
| Auto AF Fine-Tune | Yes | Yes |
| Picture Control | Auto, Creative Picture Controls (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon), Flat, Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, Standard, Vivid, Selected Picture Control can be modified, Storage for custom Picture Controls | Flat, Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, Standard, Vivid, User-customizable Settings |
| Natural Light WB Preset | Yes | No |
| Video File Format | MOV / MP4 | MOV |
| Video Compression | MPEG-4 / H.264 | MPEG-4 / H.264 |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3,840×2,160 (4K) up to 30p | 3,840×2,160 (4K) up to 30p |
| Video Max Recording Time | 105 min | 29.59 min |
| Audio Recording Format | Linear PCM, AAC | Linear PCM |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
| LCD Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | No |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Built-in Wired LAN | 1000 Base-T Support | 1000 Base-T Support |
| Battery | EN-EL18c | EN-EL18a |
| Battery Life | 3,580 shots (CIPA) | 3,780 shots (CIPA) |
| USB Type | USB 3.1, Type C | USB 3.0, Micro-B |
| Weight | 1,270g (Body Only) | 1,240g (Body Only) |
| Dimensions | 160.0 x 163.0 x 92.0mm | 160.0 x 158.5 x 92.0mm |
| MSRP Price | $6,499 | $6,499 |
As you can see from the above table, the main differences between the two cameras are in the new AF system, faster processor, storage type, continuous shooting speed and built-in Wi-Fi + GPS – the rest of the changes are mostly firmware tweaks. The biggest change, without a doubt, is in the autofocus system. Although the number of focus points went down from 153 to 105, all 105 of those focus points are cross-type, and the AF system has been optimized to yield maximum performance from each one of those focus points. This is going to be especially noticeable when using the updated Group-area AF mode, which allows for 17 different focus point combinations.
Over the years, Nikon has been refining the AF system on its flagship DSLR to deliver the best results for action photography, and I am sure the D6 will not disappoint in this regard. This is a workhorse camera that needs to deliver in every shooting scenario, and the D6 does it extremely well. Nikon chose to apply subtle updates to the already amazing camera, but are these changes enough to push existing D5 owners to upgrade? My guess is – probably not. However, those shooting with the D4 and D4s cameras and wanting to move up to the best Nikon has to offer should definitely look into the D6.
What do you think? Are you planning to upgrade to the Nikon D6? Please let us know in the comments section below.
The only disappointment with my D5 has been with the way the fine tuning of lenses works. I find it extremely difficult to get consistent results because the final button press, or maybe it’s a release, tends to vibrate the camera ever so slightly using either a heavy Gitzo or an even heavier RRS tripod. If that system has been changed to make adjustment more solid, I could be persuaded to consider upgrading, but for me, primarily trying to shoot birds in flight, the D5 is about perfect. Not sure I can see how it could be much improved other than my quibble with the AF fine tune. I suppose that having more cross sensors could never be a bad thing, but I’d have to have lost or dropped my D5 overboard before switching. Focusing has always been superb. My substantial investment in F mount lenses means I will never switch from DSLR. I bet the new Zs are nice, though.
My gear: two D5’s and one Z7… by far, the D5 out preforms the Z – especially in focusing action and in low-light situations. The Z7 is good for soundlessly stealthily shoots if you have enough light and time to fiddle with focus and the ability to Bluetooth images to publish… but my D5’s are my dependable — always fast in focus workhorses.
In stead of the 12 fps change to fps, for me its more worth to go to a higher resolution (or both of course ). D5 together with my D850 covers my need (mostly wildlife fotogaphy).
The D6 is an awesome machine and worth the money if you have it. If you don’t have the cash, grab a used D5 at a great price. Probably less than half. Use the savings of $3,000 to buy a lens. Don’t get too hung up on little improvements like the 14fps. The 2 extra frame are most likely going to be on the edge of soft focus if the subject is moving to or from you. Also the buffer of 200 is more then I have ever needed and doubt you will ever get close to needing it. I shoot pro baseball and football. METS & JETS. No loser jokes please. I have the D5, D850, and recently sold my D4 and D500. I am probably getting the D6 but might just get a D5 and use the savings to buy some other toy. You should think about that too.
Frustrating how 2020 has turned out to have hindered the usual intensive real world testing of pro cameras – especially in an Olympic year. Previously, this widespread feedback includes reports from the coalface of action / low light shooting by professionals with decades of experience in wildlife/sports, and close familiarity with the previous models.
Nevertheless, contrary to the planet’s trolls, reports on the NikonGear forum confirm the D6 AF is a game changer compared to the D5. Nonetheless, the D6 demands weeks of experimenting with the modes, Custom Area in particular, to optimize its performance.
Lastly, the attention to Custom Menus and controls are a vital feature of the modern ILC, but far too many reviewers fail to drill into the differences. I have learnt to ignore reviews that fail to give this subject priority attention. Nikon has improved and expanded the ‘Recall Shooting Functions’ controls/customization in the D6, and these options are essential to maximize the potential of a modern Professional ILC.
D5 package comes with EN-EL18C batteries. so not sure why this is an advantage for D6…
Sorry
no one noticed the brochure mentions 200 JPG instead of 200 RAW ? A friend of mine shooting consecutively in these last days with a preproduction D6, had the buffer filled at 108 RAW. This should be investigated – although I don’t know who might need so many photos all together.
It’s true for some reason the D6 does have a shorter or worse buffer size compared to the D5! Not sure why and nobody seems to be able to explain it either! However most people don’t ever shoot more than 100 frames in a row so it’s not a big deal!
I own two D4s and love them. D5 was in my sights but couldn’t really justify upgrading. I have preordered the D6 for the 14fps, and the CFExpress cards, as well as the built in WiFi and GPS (small but nice feature). The other big boost is the AF and the ISO, from what I’ve seen and read it’s going to be much better in low light situations which I tend to shoot a lot in. I can’t wait for it to arrive.
Hi Nasim,
I live in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. I am a hobbyist wildlife photograher. I use a D750 with a 600 mm f/4E for photographing birds and a 200-500 and 70-200 f/2.8E for mammals. The D750 is a special camera for me, because it is my very first full frame camera. I have been using it for a little over four years now. This year, I plan to upgrade to a faster, high-end professional camera body.
My dilemma here is just this: Should I go for the D5 or the D6? The D5 got cheaper this year by a significant amount ($1500 approx with the dealer discounts and all) and when the D6 becomes available, the D5 pricing could go a bit lower as well.
From a photography point of view, for me, I see only 2 new features in the D6 compared to the D5: the new AF system and the extra 2 fps. Now coming from a 51 point AF system, both the AF systems of the D5 and D6 are new to me. Plus, the D5 is a proven workhorse, while the D6 is yet to be subjected to a proper field review when it comes to wildlife photography. I’m not even concerned that much about XQD vs CFExpress, since I know that in either case they’ll be faster than my D750 slots.
The budget not being an issue, I’d like to know what would be a better choice considering that I intended to use my upgraded body for the next 5 years. That makes me think that the D6 would probably receive some future updates, if any. The D5 seems a better value for money choice, while the D6 seems like a temptation!
Do let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
Chinmay
I presently shoot with a Nikon D850. I am considering the purchase of a second full frame body. Would I be better off with a second 850 or a D5 or D6, when the latter is available. I also use a D500, but mostly when I travel. Money is not an issue, however image quality is.
I think you’ll be better off with a D5, for many reasons, but mainly it’s much better high ISO performance, slightly faster and better AF and the speed difference in all operations including the FPS, over the D850. If I still had a D850 and was looking for a second full frame camera to compliment the D850, it would be the D5 for sure. I just bought a mint USA D5 with 32k shutter count for $3800! My main cameras now are the D4s and D500, both of which I may keep, but if I had to sell one it would be the D4s. I had a D850 for awhile with the grip and everything, but the files were just destroying my workflow and computers. I’m a photojournalist first and wildlife photography has always been an obsession more than a job haha. However I won’t say a bad thing about the D850, it was and is in my opinion the greatest DSLR ever made, for most people. I’m just not most people and for me a D4s/D5 is a much better option, but even for wildlife it’s important to have a fast, reliable and incredible high ISO performance camera, so get a used D5! I saved about $1800 getting a like new D5, but you may prefer to buy new. I don’t buy new often, because I never once sent a camera or lens to Nikon for repair in 20 years. Maybe I’m lucky, but a 1 year warranty on a camera like a D5 is a worthless little white card to me, not worth $1800 thats for sure! Good luck!
I agree totally – add a used D5 (with less than 100K shutter count). I use a Z7 and D5 for the same wildlife projects – the Z7 saves a fair amount of weight especially with 300 & 500mm lenses and the Z7 image quality is nearly identical to the 850.
Just to avoid confusion, the D5 does have Auto-FP too, so shouldn’t lose a point there.