Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon Z5 – Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing between the Nikon Z6 II Vs Nikon Z5, potential buyers often find themselves weighing the differences and similarities across a range of features. Both models offer impressive capabilities, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key parameters that are crucial for making an informed decision. We will look at design, viewfinder capabilities, weather sealing, screen resolution, autofocus, weight, sensor capabilities, and additional features. This detailed analysis aims to help you understand which camera might be the better fit for your photography needs.
Also See: Nikon Z8 vs Z6 II
Also see: How to Buy a Mirrorless Digital Camera
Comparison Table – Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon Z5
| Feature | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder (EVF) | Electronic viewfinder (EVF) |
| Is Weather-Sealed (Splashproof) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Screen Resolution | 2100k dots | 1040k dots |
| EVF Resolution | 3690k dots | 3690k dots |
| Has a Built-In Focus Motor | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has a Flip-Out Screen | ✔ | ✔ |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ |
| Weight | 705 g | 590 g |
| Has a Touch Screen | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Hot Shoe | ✔ | ✔ |
| Volume | 935.96 cm³ | 935.96 cm³ |
| Is a System Camera | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Flash | ✖ | ✖ |
| Lowest Potential Operating Temperature | 0 °C | 0 °C |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 40 °C | 40 °C |
| Has a Tilting Viewfinder | ✖ | ✖ |
| EVF Refresh Rate (Max) | Unknown | Unknown |
| Waterproof Depth Rating | Unknown | Unknown |
| Width | 134 mm | 134 mm |
| Height | 100.5 mm | 100.5 mm |
| Thickness | 69.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Optics | ||
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Focus Points | 273 | 273 |
| Megapixels (Main Camera) | 24.5 MP | 24.3 MP |
| Maximum ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO |
| Maximum Expanded ISO | 204800 ISO | 102400 ISO |
| Has Sensor Shift Stabilization | ✔ | ✔ |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical) | 14 fps | 4.5 fps |
| Has AF Tracking | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Phase-Detection Autofocus for Photos | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Has Manual Focus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Touch Autofocus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Manual Shutter Speed | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Built-In HDR Mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a BSI Sensor | ✔ | ✖ |
| Has Manual Exposure | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Two-Stage Shutter | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Serial Shot Mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a CMOS Sensor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Manual ISO | ✔ | ✔ |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 s | 1/200 s |
| Has Manual White Balance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can Create Panoramas In-Camera | ✖ | ✖ |
| Exposure Time | 900 s | 30 s |
| Maximum Electronic Shutter Speed | Unknown | 1/8000 s |
| Shutter Lag | Unknown | Unknown |
| EXPEED Version | 6 | 6 |
| DIGIC Version | Unknown | Unknown |
| Has a Stacked CMOS Sensor | ✖ | ✖ |
| Cross-Type Focus Points | Unknown | Unknown |
| Power-On Delay | Unknown | Unknown |
| Pixel Size (Main Camera) | Unknown | Unknown |
| Image Stabilization Rating (CIPA) | Unknown | Unknown |
| Can Combine Image Stabilization | ✖ | ✖ |
| Videography | ||
| Video Recording (Main Camera) | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 30 fps |
| Has Phase-Detection Autofocus for Videos | ✔ | ✖ |
| Has Continuous Autofocus When Recording Movies | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Microphone Input | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Socket for a 3.5 mm Audio Jack | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Stereo Microphone | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Timelapse Function | ✔ | ✔ |
| Movie Bitrate | 144 Mbps | 144 Mbps |
| Number of Microphones | 2 | Unknown |
| Has a 24P Cinema Mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| Supports Slow-Motion Video Recording | ✔ | ✖ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots | 470 shots |
| Has a Removable Battery | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Rechargeable Battery | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has a Battery Level Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Battery Power | 2280 mAh | 2280 mAh |
| Features | ||
| Supports Wi-Fi | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Dual Card Slots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has Pixel Shift Shot | ✖ | ✖ |
| Shoots RAW | ✔ | ✔ |
| Supports Lossless Compressed RAW | ✖ | ✖ |
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Supports a Remote Smartphone | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has an HDMI Output | ✔ | ✔ |
| Has GPS | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has First-Party Support for Live Streaming | ✖ | ✖ |
| Has an Advanced Hot Shoe | ✖ | ✖ |
| DXOMARK Sensor Score | 94 | Unknown |
| DXOMARK Sports Score | 3303 ISO | Unknown |
| DXOMARK Landscape Score | 14.4 EV | Unknown |
| DXOMARK Portrait Score | 25 bits | 14 bits |
| USB Version | 3 | 3.1 |
| HDMI Version | Unknown | Unknown |
| Has NFC | ✖ | ✔ |
| Has an External Memory Slot | ✔ | ✔ |
| Internal Storage | Unknown | Unknown |
| Has USB Type-C | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Also See:Â Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z8
Design and Build Quality
Both the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z5 are mirrorless cameras, offering the advantages of reduced size and weight compared to DSLR counterparts. The Z6 II weighs in at 705 grams, while the Z5 is slightly lighter at 590 grams. This difference, although minor, can be significant for photographers who prioritize portability and ease of handling during extended shoots. Both cameras have identical dimensions (134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm), making their form factor equally ergonomic and comfortable to use. Additionally, both models are weather-sealed, ensuring durability and reliability in various environmental conditions.
Viewfinder and Screen Resolution
The viewfinder is a critical component for any camera. Both the Z6 II and the Z5 feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 3690k dots, providing a sharp and clear view for composing shots. However, the screen resolution differs; the Z6 II boasts a higher screen resolution of 2100k dots compared to the Z5’s 1040k dots. This higher resolution on the Z6 II allows for a more detailed and refined image review process, which is beneficial for critical focus and image assessment.
Autofocus System
Autofocus performance is another crucial aspect to consider. The Nikon Z6 II features an advanced autofocus system with 273 focus points, providing extensive coverage and high precision. In contrast, the Z5 also has 273 focus points but may not match the Z6 II’s speed and accuracy due to the latter’s more sophisticated processing capabilities. Both cameras support phase-detection autofocus, ensuring quick and accurate focusing, but the Z6 II’s system is generally more advanced and better suited for fast-moving subjects.
Sensor and Image Quality
The sensor size and megapixel count are vital for image quality. Both the Z6 II and Z5 come with full-frame sensors, but the Z6 II offers a slightly higher resolution at 24.5 MP compared to the Z5’s 24.3 MP. This difference is marginal and may not be noticeable in most practical applications. However, the Z6 II includes a BSI (backside-illuminated) sensor, which enhances low-light performance and overall image quality, providing an edge over the Z5.
ISO Range and Performance
In terms of ISO range, the Z6 II has a broader native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to 204800. This makes it more versatile in varying lighting conditions compared to the Z5, which has a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to 102400. The extended ISO capabilities of the Z6 II allow for better performance in extremely low-light environments, giving it a slight advantage in challenging lighting scenarios.
Continuous Shooting and Speed
For action and sports photographers, continuous shooting speed is a key consideration. The Z6 II excels with a continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second (fps), significantly higher than the Z5’s 4.5 fps. This makes the Z6 II better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects, ensuring you don’t miss critical moments.
Additional Features
Both cameras offer similar features like touchscreens, 4K video recording capabilities, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity. However, the Z6 II supports a higher video resolution of 2160p at 60 fps, whereas the Z5 supports 2160p at 30 fps. This makes the Z6 II a better option for videographers seeking higher frame rates for smoother video playback.
Battery Life
Battery life is another aspect where these cameras differ. The Z5 offers a longer battery life with a CIPA rating of 470 shots per charge compared to the Z6 II’s 410 shots. For photographers who need extended shooting times without frequent recharges, the Z5 provides a practical advantage.
Both the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z5 are formidable mirrorless cameras, each with its strengths. The Z6 II is geared towards users who need advanced autofocus, superior low-light performance, and higher continuous shooting speeds. The Z5, on the other hand, offers excellent value with robust performance, longer battery life, and all the essential features at a more accessible price point. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget, but either way, both cameras represent Nikon’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Also See:
11 Types of Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras
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