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Nikon D5 vs Z7 II

The Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z7 II are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2016 and October 2020. The D5 is a DSLR, while the Z7 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 Z7 II provides 45.4 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 Z7 II
Nikon D5   Nikon Z7 II
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
20.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 3,280,000) ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
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 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
3780 shots per battery charge420 shots per battery charge
160 x 159 x 92 mm, 1415 g 134 x 101 x 70 mm, 705 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z7 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z7 II. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. 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.

Size Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z7 II
Compare D5 versus Z7 II top
Comparison D5 or Z7 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z7 II is considerably smaller (47 percent) than the Nikon D5. Moreover, the Z7 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 Z7 II can take 420 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 Z7 II, Nikon provides the MB-N11 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the Z7 II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 Z7 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies 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 Z7 II sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the Z7 II offers a higher resolution of 45.4 megapixels, compared with 20.7 MP of the D5. This megapixels advantage translates into a 48 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the Z7 II has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 6.44μm for the D5). However, it should be noted that the Z7 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Z7 II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z7 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z7 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 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 Z7 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 Z7 II are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D5 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z7 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 Z7 II MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z7 II offers substantially better image quality than the D5 (overall score 12 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 2.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
5.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
7.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
8.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
11.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
12.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
13.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
14.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
15.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
17.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Z7 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.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Z7 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 Z7 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D5, the Nikon Z7 II, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that differentiates the Z7 II and the D5 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Z7 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 Z7 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 Z7 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 Z7 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.

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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 Z7 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
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
17.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the Z7 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 Z7 II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Z7 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 Z7 II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z7 II Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D5 better than the Nikon Z7 II or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 2100k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3780 versus 420) 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 Z7 II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 20.7MP), which boosts linear resolution by 48%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.4 EV of extra DR).
  • 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 (54 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 9 months of technical progress since the D5 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z7 II is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 8 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. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5 08:20 Z7 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5 and the Nikon Z7 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D5 or the Z7 II perform in practice. 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.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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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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 use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D5 vs Nikon Z7 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 Z7 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 2,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z7 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 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5588 x 3712 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.44 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 2.42 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 102,400 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3,280,000 ISO 32 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 5 DUAL EXPEED 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 100
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.1 26.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2343 2841
    Screen Specs Nikon D5 Nikon Z7 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 Z7 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 10 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 Z7 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 Z7 II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Nikon EN-EL15c
    Battery Life (CIPA)3780 shots per charge420 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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