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 Z6
VS
Sensor area
856 mm²
D5858 mm²
Z6- Area ratio
- 1:1
- Absolute difference
- 2 mm²
- Relative difference
- 0.3%
The Z6 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 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D5MetricZ6
20.8 MPEffective pixels24.5 MP
35.8 × 23.9Sensor35.9 × 23.9
6.41 µmPixel pitch5.92 µm
41.14 µm²Pixel area35.02 µm²
2.43 MP/cm²Pixel density2.86 MP/cm²
1.01Crop factor1
3,840 × 2,160Maximum video3,840 × 2,160
1,415 gWeight585 g
CF1 / XQDStorageXQD
EN-EL18a lithium-ion battery Li-ion batteryBatteryEN-EL15b 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 Z6 has the larger sensor area. The Z6 has the lighter body. The Z6 has the higher effective resolution. The Z6 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Z6
Released in 2018, Z6 has about 858 mm² of sensor area, 24.5 MP effective resolution, and a 585 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.