Reasons to choose D5
Released in 2016, D5 has about 856 mm² of sensor area, 20.8 MP effective resolution, and a 1,415 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D5
vs Nikon Df
VS
Sensor area
856 mm²
D5860 mm²
Df- Area ratio
- 1.01:1
- Absolute difference
- 5 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0.6%
The Df has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 3 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D5MetricDf
20.8 MPEffective pixels16.2 MP
35.8 × 23.9Sensor36 × 23.9
6.41 µmPixel pitch7.29 µm
41.14 µm²Pixel area53.11 µm²
2.43 MP/cm²Pixel density1.88 MP/cm²
1.01Crop factor1
3,840 × 2,160Maximum video—
1,415 gWeight765 g
CF1 / XQDStorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
EN-EL18a lithium-ion battery Li-ion batteryBatteryEN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The Df has the larger sensor area. The Df has the lighter body. The D5 has the higher effective resolution. The D5 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Df
Released in 2013, Df has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 765 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.