Nikon Z Camera Comparison: Is the Z5 or Z6 a Better Bet?
- Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Key Features and Specs
- Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Imaging Performance
- Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Video Performance
- Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6
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- Which Nikon Z Camera Should I Buy?
Two of the hottest mirrorless cameras currently on the market are the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z6. They are intermediate-level cameras ideal for photographers and videographers alike. Furthermore, they are great options for current Nikon DSLR shooters considering switching to a mirrorless camera system.
Below, we break down the two cameras in-depth and make a head-to-head comparison of the Z5 vs Z6. First, we will look at the key features and specs before later checking out the imaging and video performance of these two spectacular Nikon mirrorless cameras.
One fantastic resource with tons of used Nikon Z mirrorless cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold endless amounts of camera gear is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform that sells used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Also, all their cameras are carefully hand-inspected by professional product specialists and equipped with warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another killer feature of MPB is its online marketplace, where you can trade in and sell your old gear to help offset the cost of new-to-you photo and video equipment you want and need.
With that said, let’s jump into this Nikon Z comparison guide and find out which camera will help elevate your photo and video skills to the next level!
Check out the video above by OrmsTV to learn more about the Nikon Z5 vs the Nikon Z6.
Table of Contents
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Key Features and Specs
For starters, the Nikon Z6 came out in 2018 while the Z5 debuted in 2020. Both cameras have 24-megapixel Full-Frame sensors and identical Expeed 6 image processing engines at their cores. The biggest difference between the sensors is that the Z6 has a “Back Side Illuminated” (BSI) sensor. This allows it to perform better during low-light shooting and gives it faster readout speeds.
Externally, the cameras look nearly identical. They both have one top dial and a slew of customizable buttons. The deep customization options are one of my favorite things about Nikon cameras and allow you to personalize your camera to best fit your shooting style. In addition, they significantly speed up productivity and workflow speed. One thing to note is that if you like having an OLED display on the top of your camera, you will want to go with the Z6.
A few more noteworthy features of these two cameras are their weather-sealed bodies, high-resolution electronic viewfinders, lighting-fast autofocus, and built-in Bluetooth. Bluetooth is wonderful because it lets you quickly and easily share photos and videos to your mobile devices.
Here’s a more in-depth look at the key specs and features of the Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6.
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Imaging Performance
When it comes to still photography, both the Nikon Z6 and Z5 shine bright. Image quality in JPEG and RAW files are superb, and colors are bold and bright, especially in JPEGs. Additionally, the wide dynamic range of both cameras stores tons of data inside RAW files and will give you a ton of room to play around with the photos during the editing process.
Continuous shooting is one area where the Z6 stands head and shoulders above the Z5. While the Z5 has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second, the Z6 can reach speeds of up to 12.0 fps. That fast burst shooting is well above the industry average, making the Z6 a top option for sports, wildlife, and adventure photography.
Alternatively, the Z5 has a much deeper continuous buffer of 100 shots. This is good for product and fashion photography and slower-moving subjects. One more handy feature of the Z6 is the silent shooting mode. It gives you more discretion as a photographer and is ideal for street photography (when you don’t want people to know you are taking photos of them) and animals (that you don’t want to startle or scare away).
Winner: Nikon Z6
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Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6: Video Performance
Let’s start with the similarities. Both cameras have 4K video capabilities, 5-Axis in-body image stabilization, and excellent autofocus performance. The IBIS boosts low-light performance and significantly reduces camera shake during handheld video recording. Additionally, the AF has face/eye-detection technology, reliable subject tracking, and covers roughly 90% of the sensor.
Now, for the differences. While both shoot 4K, only the Z6 uses the entire Full-Frame sensor. Unfortunately, the Z5 applies a large 1.7x crop factor to 4K footage, limiting wide-angle shooting and reducing video quality.
Another key difference is that the Z6 can shoot 1080p/120p Full HD slow-motion video clips directly in-camera. Not only does this give you more creativity as a videographer, but it also will save you loads of time in the post-production process. If you plan to use your camera for professional video work, you will certainly want to invest in the Z6.
Winner: Nikon Z6
Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6
While you can’t go wrong with either camera, the Nikon Z6 comes out on top in terms of overall performance. And the gap only grows if you are a videographer, filmmaker, YouTuber, or vlogger. However, if the price is your biggest concern, the Nikon Z5 is cheaper and still presents tremendous value.
As a bonus, here are some of my favorite Used Nikon Z Mount lenses currently available on MPB that pair with either camera:
