Canon 6D versus Nikon D5

The Canon EOS 6D and the Nikon D5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2012 and January 2016. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixel, whereas the Nikon provides 20.7 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 6D vs Nikon D5

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 6D and the Nikon D5. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also use the toggle button to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left side – the 6D – represents the basis for the calculations across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5 is considerably larger (58 percent) than the Canon 6D. Moreover, the D5 is substantially heavier (84 percent) than the 6D. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around a full frame sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (6D) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5).

Concerning battery life, the 6D gets 1090 shots out of its LP-E6 battery, while the D5 can take 3780 images on a single charge of its EN-EL18a power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Convert to MetricCamera Body Specifications
	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)
	Canon 6D»	5.7 in	4.4 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	1090	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-
	Nikon D5«	6.3 in	6.3 in	3.6 in	49.9 oz	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	6.2 in	6.6 in	3.3 in	54.0 oz	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999
	Canon 7D II« »	5.9 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	32.1 oz	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799
	Canon 70D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	26.6 oz	920	Y	Jul 2013	1,199	-
	Canon 5D Mark III« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	33.5 oz	950	Y	Mar 2012	3,499	-
	Canon 1D C« »	6.2 in	6.5 in	3.3 in	54.5 oz	1120	Y	Apr 2012	14,999	-
	Canon 1D X« »	6.2 in	6.6 in	3.3 in	54.7 oz	1120	Y	Oct 2011	6,799	-
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	6.0 in	4.5 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	850	Y	Sep 2008	3,499	-
	Nikon D7500« »	5.4 in	4.1 in	2.9 in	25.4 oz	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299
	Nikon D4S« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.6 in	47.6 oz	3020	Y	Feb 2014	6,499	-
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999
	Nikon D4« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.6 in	47.3 oz	2600	Y	Jan 2012	5,999	-
	Nikon D600« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-
	Nikon D3X« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.5 in	44.4 oz	4400	Y	Dec 2008	7,999	-

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 6D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 68 percent) than the D5, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Canon 6D vs Nikon D5

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D5 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the D5 offers a slightly higher resolution of 20.7 megapixel, compared with 20 MP of the 6D. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 6.44μm versus 6.57μm for the 6D). However, it should be noted that the D5 is much more recent (by 3 years and 3 months) than the 6D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D5 has a markedly higher DXO score than the 6D (overall score 6 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and -0 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D5 provides a better video resolution than the 6D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon 6D vs Nikon D5

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 6D and the D5 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 6D and Nikon D5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

The D5 is a current model that online retailers, such as amazon, will have in stock. In contrast, the 6D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 6D was succeeded by the Canon 6D Mark II.

Review summary: Canon 6D vs Nikon D5

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 6D better than the Nikon D5 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 6D:

• More compact: Is smaller (145x111mm vs 160x159mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 645g or 46 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (68 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2012).

Advantages of the Nikon D5:

• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 1040k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (3780 versus 1090) out of a single battery charge.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 3 months of technical progress since the 6D launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5 is the clear winner of the contest (10 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the 6D and the D5 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review scores
	Camera						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)
	Canon 6D»	HiRec	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-
	Nikon D5«	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	Rec	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999
	Canon 7D II« »	Rec	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799
	Canon 70D« »	HiRec	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2013	1,199	-
	Canon 5D Mark III« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2012	3,499	-
	Canon 1D C« »	-	-	-	-	-	Apr 2012	14,999	-
	Canon 1D X« »	-	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2011	6,799	-
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	91/100	79/100	4/5	5/5	-	Sep 2008	3,499	-
	Nikon D7500« »	HiRec	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299
	Nikon D4S« »	-	-	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	6,499	-
	Nikon D610« »	HiRec	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999
	Nikon D4« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2012	5,999	-
	Nikon D600« »	HiRec	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-
	Nikon D3X« »	-	86/100	4/5	5/5	5/5	Dec 2008	7,999	-

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting. If you cannot find the camera you are interested in, please contact me, and I will try to add information on that model to the database.

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