Upgrade Guide
Nikon D5→Nikon Z6
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The Z6 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D5 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Z6
-
Resolution24MP vs 21MP (+4MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Generation2 years newer (2018 vs 2016)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | D5 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | -2.0 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Portrait | +2.0 | ||
| Landscape | +1.0 | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D5 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,800 | £749 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2018 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | |
| Resolution | 21MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K UHD 30fps (heavy sensor crop) | 4K 30fps (full-width), 1080p 120fps | |
| Autofocus | Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, 99 cross-type | 273-point phase-detect hybrid AF | |
| Stabilisation | — | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps mechanical | 12fps | |
| Battery Life | ~3780 shots (CIPA) | 310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1405g (body only) | 585g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z-Mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual XQD slots (XQD variant) | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B |
Compare side-by-side
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