Upgrade Guide
Nikon D5→Nikon D6
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the D5. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the D6
-
Generation4 years newer (2020 vs 2016)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (21MP)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | D5 | D6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Portrait | — | ||
| Landscape | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D5 | D6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,800 | £3,200 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2020 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 21MP | 21MP | |
| Video | 4K UHD 30fps (heavy sensor crop) | 4K UHD 30fps | |
| Autofocus | Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, 99 cross-type | Multi-CAM 3500FX III — 105 AF points, all cross-type | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps mechanical | 14fps mechanical | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~3780 shots (CIPA) | ~3580 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1405g (body only) | 1450g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage | OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.36M dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual XQD slots (XQD variant) | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD slots |
Compare side-by-side
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