Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

The Nikon Z5 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in July 2020 and February 2019. The Z5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the FZ1000 II is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (Z5) and an one-inch (FZ1000 II) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Nikon Z5		Panasonic FZ1000 II
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon Z mount lenses		25-400mm f/2.8-4.0
24.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1240k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
4.5 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		Lens-based stabilization
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
470 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 g		136 x 97 x 131 mm, 810 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z5 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 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

The physical size and weight of the Nikon Z5 and the Panasonic FZ1000 II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. 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 Panasonic FZ1000 II is somewhat smaller (3 percent) than the Nikon Z5. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Z5 is splash and dust resistant, while the FZ1000 II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the FZ1000 II has a lens built in, whereas the Z5 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the Z5 gets 470 shots out of its EN-EL15c battery, while the FZ1000 II can take 350 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLC12 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon Z5	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	470	Y	Jul 2020	1,399
2.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	136 mm	97 mm	131 mm	810 g	350	n	Feb 2019	899
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699
4.		Leica C-LUX	113 mm	67 mm	46 mm	340 g	370	n	Jun 2018	1,049
5.		Nikon Z7 II	134 mm	101 mm	70 mm	705 g	420	Y	Oct 2020	2,999
6.		Nikon Z6 II	134 mm	101 mm	70 mm	705 g	410	Y	Oct 2020	1,999
7.		Nikon Z6	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	310	Y	Aug 2018	1,999
8.		Nikon Z7	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	330	Y	Aug 2018	3,399
9.		Nikon D7500	136 mm	104 mm	73 mm	720 g	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299
10.		Olympus E-M5 III	125 mm	85 mm	50 mm	414 g	310	Y	Oct 2019	1,199
11.		Panasonic LX100 II	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Aug 2018	999
12.		Panasonic TZ200	111 mm	65 mm	45 mm	340 g	370	n	Feb 2018	799
13.		Panasonic G9	137 mm	97 mm	92 mm	658 g	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699
14.		Panasonic FZ2000	138 mm	102 mm	135 mm	915 g	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199
15.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
16.		Sony A9 II	129 mm	96 mm	76 mm	678 g	690	Y	Oct 2019	4,499
17.		Sony A6600	120 mm	67 mm	69 mm	503 g	810	Y	Aug 2019	1,399
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The FZ1000 II was launched at a lower price than the Z5, despite having a lens built in. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

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

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z5 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic FZ1000 II an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the FZ1000 II is 86 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 24.2MP, the Z5 offers a higher resolution than the FZ1000 II (20MP), but the Z5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.95μm versus 2.41μm for the FZ1000 II) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z5 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the FZ1000 II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20.1 inches or 76.4 x 51 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16.1 inches or 61.1 x 40.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.4 inches or 50.9 x 34 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic FZ1000 II are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z5 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon Z5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon Z5	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
4.		Leica C-LUX	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Nikon Z7 II	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Nikon Z6 II	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
7.		Nikon Z6	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	25.3	14.3	3299	95
8.		Nikon Z7	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/30p	26.3	14.6	2668	99
9.		Nikon D7500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.3	14.0	1483	86
10.		Olympus E-M5 III	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Panasonic LX100 II	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
12.		Panasonic TZ200	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
13.		Panasonic G9	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Panasonic FZ2000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517	64
16.		Sony A9 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.0	3434	93
17.		Sony A6600	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	23.8	13.4	1497	82

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z5 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the FZ1000 II (3690k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon Z5 and Panasonic FZ1000 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon Z5	3690	n	3.2	1040	tilting	Y	1/8000s	4.5	n	Y
2.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	2360	n	3.0	1240	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0	n	Y
4.		Leica C-LUX	2330	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
5.		Nikon Z7 II	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
6.		Nikon Z6 II	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	Y
7.		Nikon Z6	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
8.		Nikon Z7	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0	n	Y
9.		Nikon D7500	optical	Y	3.2	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	8.0	Y	n
10.		Olympus E-M5 III	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
11.		Panasonic LX100 II	2764	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y
12.		Panasonic TZ200	2330	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
13.		Panasonic G9	3680	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
14.		Panasonic FZ2000	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony A9 II	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A6600	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The FZ1000 II has one, while the Z5 does not. While the built-in flash of the FZ1000 II is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Z5 and the Panasonic FZ1000 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Z5 and the FZ1000 II write their files to SDXC cards. The Z5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the FZ1000 II only has one slot. The Z5 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the FZ1000 II can use UHS-I cards.

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 Z5 and Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon Z5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Leica C-LUX	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Nikon Z7 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Nikon Z6 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
7.		Nikon Z6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
8.		Nikon Z7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
9.		Nikon D7500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
10.		Olympus E-M5 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
11.		Panasonic LX100 II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
12.		Panasonic TZ200	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
13.		Panasonic G9	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	Y
14.		Panasonic FZ2000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony A9 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y
17.		Sony A6600	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	YES	2.0	Y	Y	Y

Both the Z5 and the FZ1000 II are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The FZ1000 II replaced the earlier Panasonic FZ1000, while the Z5 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon Z5 or the Panasonic FZ1000 II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Nikon Z5:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.2 vs 20MP) with a 10% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.70x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (470 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 5 months after the FZ1000 II).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II:

• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 1040k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the Z5 necessitates an extra lens.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2019).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z5 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z5 and the Panasonic FZ1000 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Z5 or the FZ1000 II. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon Z5	4/5	..	89/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jul 2020	1,399
2.		Panasonic FZ1000 II	..	..	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	..	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699
4.		Leica C-LUX	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2018	1,049
5.		Nikon Z7 II	4.5/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	2,999
6.		Nikon Z6 II	4.5/5	..	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	1,999
7.		Nikon Z6	5/5	..	..	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	1,999
8.		Nikon Z7	5/5	+	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	3,399
9.		Nikon D7500	4.5/5	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299
10.		Olympus E-M5 III	5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2019	1,199
11.		Panasonic LX100 II	4.5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	999
12.		Panasonic TZ200	..	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799
13.		Panasonic G9	..	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699
14.		Panasonic FZ2000	..	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199
15.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
16.		Sony A9 II	..	..	90/100	5/5	5/5	Oct 2019	4,499
17.		Sony A6600	4/5	+	83/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2019	1,399
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

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Specifications: Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic FZ1000 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.

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