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.

Check D5 offers at
ebay.com

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.
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.



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.

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 | Jan 2016 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | ||
2. | Nikon Z6 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 410 | Oct 2020 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | ||
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1530 g | 1210 | Feb 2016 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | ||
4. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Oct 2009 | US$ 5 199 | ebay.com | ||
5. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Dec 2008 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | ||
6. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Jan 2012 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | ||
7. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Feb 2014 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | ||
8. | Nikon D6 | 160 mm | 163 mm | 92 mm | 1270 g | 3580 | Feb 2020 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | ||
9. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Sep 2012 | US$ 2 099 | ebay.com | ||
10. | Nikon D610 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Oct 2013 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | ||
11. | Nikon D750 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 78 mm | 750 g | 1230 | Sep 2014 | US$ 2 299 | ebay.com | ||
12. | Nikon D850 | 146 mm | 124 mm | 79 mm | 1005 g | 1840 | Jul 2017 | US$ 3 299 | amazon.com | ||
13. | Nikon Z5 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 470 | Jul 2020 | US$ 1 399 | ebay.com | ||
14. | Nikon Z6 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 310 | Aug 2018 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | ||
15. | Nikon Z7 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 420 | Oct 2020 | US$ 2 999 | amazon.com | ||
16. | Nikon Zf | 144 mm | 103 mm | 49 mm | 710 g | 380 | Sep 2023 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | ||
17. | Panasonic S5 | 133 mm | 98 mm | 82 mm | 714 g | 440 | 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. | |||||||||||
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
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.

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.

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.

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 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
2. | Nikon Z6 II | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/60p | 25.0 | 14.4 | 3303 | 94 | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.1 | 13.5 | 3207 | 88 | |
4. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
5. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | ||
6. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
7. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
8. | Nikon D6 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5568 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2886 | 95 | |
9. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
10. | Nikon D610 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.4 | 2925 | 94 | |
11. | Nikon D750 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/60p | 24.8 | 14.5 | 2956 | 93 | |
12. | Nikon D850 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 14.8 | 2660 | 100 | |
13. | Nikon Z5 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2929 | 95 | |
14. | Nikon Z6 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 3299 | 95 | |
15. | Nikon Z7 II | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/60p | 26.3 | 14.7 | 2841 | 100 | |
16. | Nikon Zf | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/60p | 25.4 | 14.7 | 3243 | 96 | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/60p | 25.1 | 14.5 | 2697 | 94 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
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.

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 D5 | optical | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | |||||
2. | Nikon Z6 II | 3690 | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | |||||
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | optical | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | 1/8000s | 16.0/s | |||||
4. | Nikon D3S | optical | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | |||||
5. | Nikon D3X | optical | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | |||||
6. | Nikon D4 | optical | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | |||||
7. | Nikon D4S | optical | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | |||||
8. | Nikon D6 | optical | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | |||||
9. | Nikon D600 | optical | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | |||||
10. | Nikon D610 | optical | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | |||||
11. | Nikon D750 | optical | 3.2 / 1229 | tilting | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | |||||
12. | Nikon D850 | optical | 3.2 / 2359 | tilting | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | |||||
13. | Nikon Z5 | 3690 | 3.2 / 1040 | tilting | 1/8000s | 4.5/s | |||||
14. | Nikon Z6 | 3690 | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | |||||
15. | Nikon Z7 II | 3690 | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | |||||
16. | Nikon Zf | 3690 | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | |||||
17. | Panasonic S5 | 2360 | 3.0 / 1840 | swivel | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | |||||
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
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 |
||
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.

Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D5 | stereo / mono | mini | 3.0 | |||||||
2. | Nikon Z6 II | stereo / mono | micro | 3.2 | |||||||
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | mono / mono | mini | 3.0 | |||||||
4. | Nikon D3S | stereo / | mini | 2.0 | |||||||
5. | Nikon D3X | mini | 2.0 | ||||||||
6. | Nikon D4 | mono / mono | micro | 2.0 | |||||||
7. | Nikon D4S | mono / mono | mini | 2.0 | |||||||
8. | Nikon D6 | stereo / mono | mini | 3.1 | |||||||
9. | Nikon D600 | mono / mono | mini | 2.0 | |||||||
10. | Nikon D610 | mono / mono | mini | 2.0 | |||||||
11. | Nikon D750 | stereo / mono | mini | 2.0 | |||||||
12. | Nikon D850 | stereo / mono | mini | 3.0 | |||||||
13. | Nikon Z5 | stereo / mono | micro | 3.2 | |||||||
14. | Nikon Z6 | stereo / mono | micro | 3.1 | |||||||
15. | Nikon Z7 II | stereo / mono | micro | 3.2 | |||||||
16. | Nikon Zf | stereo / mono | micro | 3.2 | |||||||
17. | Panasonic S5 | stereo / mono | micro | 3.2 | |||||||
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
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.
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.

Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon Z6 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | US$ 5 199 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | US$ 7 999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D6 | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2020 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | |
9. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 2 099 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D610 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D750 | 5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 90/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 2 299 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D850 | 4.5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2017 | US$ 3 299 | amazon.com | |
13. | Nikon Z5 | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2020 | US$ 1 399 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon Z6 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2018 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon Z7 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | US$ 2 999 | amazon.com | |
16. | Nikon Zf | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 90/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2023 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | 4.5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 88/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2020 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
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.

Check D5 offers at
ebay.com

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.
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 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 Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 14 shutter flaps/s | 14 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 400 000 actuations | 200 000 actuations |
Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/8000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | Lens stabilization only | In-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 Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL18a | Nikon EN-EL15c |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 3780 shots per charge | 410 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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