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Nikon D5 vs Z6 II

The Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z6 II are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2016 and October 2020. The D5 is a DSLR, while the Z6 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D5 has a resolution of 20.7 megapixels, whereas the Z6 II provides 24.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5
versus
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon D5   Nikon Z6 II
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
20.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 3,280,000) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
14 shutter flaps per second 14 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
3780 shots per battery charge410 shots per battery charge
160 x 159 x 92 mm, 1415 g 134 x 101 x 70 mm, 705 g
logo
Check D5 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Z6 II price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z6 II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z6 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z6 II
Compare D5 versus Z6 II top
Comparison D5 or Z6 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z6 II is considerably smaller (47 percent) than the Nikon D5. Moreover, the Z6 II is substantially lighter (50 percent) than the D5. 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D5 gets 3780 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the Z6 II can take 410 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D5 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the Z6 II, Nikon provides the MB-N11 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the Z6 II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 i Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 i Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 i Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 i Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 i Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 i Jul 2020 US$ 1 399ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 i Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 i Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 i Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 i Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The Z6 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 69 percent) than the D5, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D5 and Nikon Z6 II sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the Z6 II offers a higher resolution of 24.3 megapixels, compared with 20.7 MP of the D5. This megapixels advantage translates into a 8 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the Z6 II has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 6.44μm for the D5). However, it should be noted that the Z6 II is much more recent (by 4 years and 9 months) than the D5, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z6 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z6 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D5 are 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 71 x 47.1 cm for good quality, 22.4 x 14.8 inches or 56.8 x 37.7 cm for very good quality, and 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.3 x 31.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z6 II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400, which can be extended to ISO 50-3280000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z6 II are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D5 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z6 II uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D5 versus Z6 II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z6 II has a markedly higher DXO score than the D5 (overall score 6 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.1 bits lower color depth, 2.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
5.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
6.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
7.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
8.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
9.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
10.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
11.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
12.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
13.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
14.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
16.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
17.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z6 II provides a faster frame rate than the D5. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the D5 is limited to 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z6 II has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D5 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Z6 II has a higher magnification than the one of the D5 (0.80x vs 0.72x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5 and Nikon Z6 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 16.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D6optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D600optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D610optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D750optical i3.2 / 1229 tilting i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D850optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon Z53690 i3.2 / 1040 tilting i 1/8000s 4.5/s i i
14.
 
Nikon Z63690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
16.
 
Nikon Zf3690 i3.2 / 2100 swivel i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
17.
 
Panasonic S52360 i3.0 / 1840 swivel i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that differentiates the Z6 II and the D5 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Z6 II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D5 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z6 II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z6 II both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D5 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the Z6 II uses CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D5 and Nikon Z6 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
2.
 
Nikon Z6 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIimono / monoiimini3.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D6istereo / monoiimini3.1iii
9.
 
Nikon D600imono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D610imono / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D750istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D850istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
13.
 
Nikon Z5istereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
14.
 
Nikon Z6istereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
15.
 
Nikon Z7 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
16.
 
Nikon Zfistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
17.
 
Panasonic S5istereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the Z6 II offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D5 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D5 (unlike the Z6 II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Z6 II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D5 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D5 was succeeded by the Nikon D6. Further information on the features and operation of the D5 and Z6 II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z6 II Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D5 or the Nikon Z6 II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Nikon D5:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 2100k dots).
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3780 versus 410) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2016).


Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z6 II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 20.7MP), which boosts linear resolution by 8%.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (6 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.72x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x101mm vs 160x159mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 710g or 50 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (69 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 9 months of technical progress since the D5 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z6 II is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 6 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5 06:19 Z6 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z6 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D5 or the Z6 II. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 US$ 1 399ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check Z6 II price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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  • Canon 50D
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  • Canon 70D
  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon D30
  • Canon D60
  • Canon G1 X
  • Canon G1 X Mark II
  • Canon G1 X Mark III
  • Canon G3 X
  • Canon G5 X
  • Canon G5 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X
  • Canon G7 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X Mark III
  • Canon G9 X
  • Canon G9 X Mark II
  • Canon G12
  • Canon G15
  • Canon G16
  • Canon M
  • Canon M3
  • Canon M5
  • Canon M6
  • Canon M6 Mark II
  • Canon M10
  • Canon M50
  • Canon M50 Mark II
  • Canon M100
  • Canon M200
  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
  • Canon R3
  • Canon R5
  • Canon R5 Mark II
  • Canon R5 C
  • Canon R6
  • Canon R6 Mark II
  • Canon R7
  • Canon R8
  • Canon R10
  • Canon R50
  • Canon R50 V
  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
  • Canon SL2
  • Canon SL3
  • Canon SX1
  • Canon SX10
  • Canon SX20
  • Canon SX30
  • Canon SX40
  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
  • Canon SX610
  • Canon SX620
  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
  • Canon SX720
  • Canon SX730
  • Canon SX740
  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
  • Canon T2i
  • Canon T3
  • Canon T3i
  • Canon T4i
  • Canon T5
  • Canon T5i
  • Canon T6
  • Canon T6i
  • Canon T6s
  • Canon T7
  • Canon T7i
  • Canon T8i
  • Canon T100
  • Canon V1
  • Canon XC10
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
  • Canon XTi
  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
  • Fujifilm X-E2
  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
  • Fujifilm X-M5
  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
  • Nikon D2X
  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D3S
  • Nikon D3X
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D4S
  • Nikon D5
  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
  • Nikon D40X
  • Nikon D50
  • Nikon D60
  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
  • Nikon D200
  • Nikon D300
  • Nikon D300S
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon D600
  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
  • Nikon D7100
  • Nikon D7200
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
  • Nikon P950
  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
  • Nikon W300
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon Z5 II
  • Nikon Z6
  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z7 II
  • Nikon Z8
  • Nikon Z9
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
  • Olympus E-400
  • Olympus E-410
  • Olympus E-420
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
  • Olympus E-520
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M1 II
  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus E-PM1
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Olympus Stylus 1s
  • Olympus TG-4
  • Olympus TG-5
  • Olympus TG-6
  • Olympus XZ-1
  • Olympus XZ-2
  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
  • Sony A7S III
  • Sony A9
  • Sony A9 II
  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
  • Sony A77 II
  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
  • Sony HX99
  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
  • Sony NEX-3N
  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
  • Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony NEX-6
  • Sony NEX-7
  • Sony NEX-C3
  • Sony NEX-F3
  • Sony RX0
  • Sony RX0 II
  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
  • Sony RX1R II
  • Sony RX1R III
  • Sony RX10
  • Sony RX10 II
  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z6 II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
Launch Date January 2016 October 2020
Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 1,999
Sensor Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 858.01 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 43.1 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
Image Resolution 5588 x 3712 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
Pixel Pitch 6.44 μm 5.94 μm
Pixel Density 2.42 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 3,280,000 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 5 DUAL EXPEED 6
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 94
DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.1 25
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3 14.4
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2343 3303
Screen Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.72x 0.80x
Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
LCD Resolution 2359k dots 2100k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 14 shutter flaps/s 14 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF or XQD cards CFexB or SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.2
HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z6 II
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Nikon EN-EL15c
Battery Life (CIPA)3780 shots per charge410 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 160 x 159 x 92 mm
(6.3 x 6.3 x 3.6 in)
134 x 101 x 70 mm
(5.3 x 4.0 x 2.8 in)
Camera Weight 1415 g (49.9 oz) 705 g (24.9 oz)
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