Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5
Side-by-side specs, features and our lab-measured performance for the Nikon D6 and the Nikon D5.
Nikon D5
Key differences
Why pick the Nikon D6
- Lighter: 1,270 g vs 1,415 g
- Bluetooth
- Built-in GPS
- Newer model (2020 vs 2016)
Why pick the Nikon D5
No clear spec-sheet advantages. The review covers handling and image quality.
Worked out from the spec sheets and our lab measurements. Image quality, handling and autofocus tracking are judged in the reviews.
| Specification | Nikon D6 | Nikon D5 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Camera Format | Pro SLR | Pro SLR |
| Date Available | 2020-05-21 | 2016-03-15 |
| Currently Manufactured | Yes | Yes |
| Retail Price | $6499.95 | $6499.95 |
| Street Price | – | $6,496.95 |
| Weight | 44.8 oz (1,270 g) | 49.9 oz (1,415 g) includes batteries |
| Size | 6.3 x 6.4 x 3.6 in. (160 x 163 x 92 mm) | 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in. (160 x 159 x 92 mm) |
| Waterproof | No | No |
| Predecessor | Nikon D5 | Nikon D4S |
| Successor | – | Nikon D6 |
| Sensor | ||
| Effective Megapixels | 20.8 | 20.8 |
| Sensor Format | 35mm | 35mm |
| Sensor size | 858.01mm2 (35.90mm x 23.90mm) | 858.01mm2 (35.90mm x 23.90mm) |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch | 6.45 microns | 6.45 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.0x | 1.0x |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Anti Aliasing Filter | Fixed | Fixed |
| Sensor shift image stabilization | No | No |
| Self-Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Resolution | 5568 x 3712 (20.7 MP, 3:2), 4176 x 2784 (11.6 MP, 3:2), 2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP, 3:2), 4640 x 3088 (14.3 MP, 3:2), 3472 x 2312 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 2320 x 1544 (3.6 MP, 3:2), 4640 x 3712 (17.2 MP, 5:4), 3472 x 2784 (9.7 MP, 5:4), 2320 x 1856 (4.3 MP, 5:4), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2), 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2) | 5568 x 3712 (20.7 MP, 3:2), 4176 x 2784 (11.6 MP, 3:2), 2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP, 3:2), 4640 x 3088 (14.3 MP, 3:2), 3472 x 2312 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 2320 x 1544 (3.6 MP, 3:2), 4640 x 3712 (17.2 MP, 5:4), 3472 x 2784 (9.7 MP, 5:4), 2320 x 1856 (4.3 MP, 5:4), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2), 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG | JPEG, NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG; TIFF |
| RAW Capture Support | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor scores (DxOMark) | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | – | 88 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits) | – | 25.1 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs) | – | 12.3 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso) | – | 2,343 |
| Autofocus | ||
| Auto Focus Type | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection and fine-tuning: 153 focus points (including 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection; Contrast-detect AF in Live View mode | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection and fine-tuning: 153 focus points (including 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection; Contrast-detect AF in Live View mode |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect | No | No |
| Focus Peaking | No | No |
| Manual Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | No | No |
| Speed (Imaging Resource lab tests) | ||
| Continuous-mode frames/second | – | 12.1 |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution) | – | 12.1 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution) | – | 200 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps) | – | 12.1 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames) | – | 183 |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid) | – | 0.13 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused) | – | 0.039 seconds |
| Startup Time | – | 0.4 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time | – | 0.2 seconds |
| Viewfinder and screen | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical / LCD | Optical / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type | SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.72x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter; Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark X screen with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed) | SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.72x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter; Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark IX screen with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed) |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) | – | 0.72x |
| Rear Display Size (inches) | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Rear Display Resolution | 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px) | 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Articulating Screen | No | No |
| Tilt Swivel Screen | No | No |
| Selfie Screen | No | No |
| Top Deck Display | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure | ||
| Minimum ISO (native) | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum ISO (native) | 102400 | 102400 |
| ISO Settings | Auto, ISO 100 - 102,400, expandable to ISO 50 in Lo-1 to ISO 3,276,800 in Hi-5 | Auto, ISO 100 - 102,400, expandable to ISO 50 in Lo-1 to ISO 3,276,800 in Hi-5 |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 - 900 sec | 1/8000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes | TTL exposure metering using approximately 180K (180,000) pixel RGB sensor; Matrix: 3D Color Matrix Metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering III (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12mm circle); Spot: Meters 4mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point; Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses; equivalent to center-weighted when non-CPU lens is used | TTL exposure metering using approximately 180K (180,000) pixel RGB sensor; Matrix: 3D Color Matrix Metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering III (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12mm circle); Spot: Meters 4mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point; Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses; equivalent to center-weighted when non-CPU lens is used |
| White Balance Settings | Auto (3 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2,500K-10,000K), all with fine-tuning | Auto (3 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2,500K-10,000K), all with fine-tuning |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer) | – | Yes |
| High Resolution Composite | No | No |
| Self Timer | 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds | 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds |
| Creative Exposure Modes | None | None |
| Video | ||
| Can take movies | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution | 3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p) 1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p) 1280x720 (60p/​50p) | 3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p) 1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p) 1280x720 (60p/​50p) |
| Movie File Format | MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) | MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) |
| HD Video Out | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection | HDMI | HDMI |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Lens | ||
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Max Flash Sync | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps | -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| External Flash Connection | ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread | ISO 518 hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control | No | No |
| Storage and connectivity | ||
| Usable Memory Types | XQD / CFexpress | CF1 / XQD |
| UHS Support | No UHS support | No UHS support |
| Dual Card Slots | Yes | Yes |
| Built-In Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| NFC | No | No |
| Built-In GPS | Yes | No |
| External Connections | USB 3.0 Super Speed,Ethernet,Bluetooth | USB 3.0 Super Speed,Ethernet |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type | Optional wired, wireless | Optional wired, wireless |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF) | – | 3780 shots |
| Battery Form Factor | Proprietary EN-EL18c | Proprietary EN-EL18a |
| Usable Battery Types | Lithium-ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Internal Charging Supported | No | No |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter) | Yes | Yes |
| Other | ||
| Tripod Mount | Yes | Yes |
| Color Filter Type | RGBG | RGBG |
| Composite Video Out | No | No |
| Integrated ND Filter | No | No |
| Auto Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Eye-level Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display | Yes | Yes |
| Auto ISO Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Program Auto Exposure | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes | Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported | Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported |
| Uncompressed Format | NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG | NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG; TIFF |
| Included Memory | No memory included | No memory included |
| PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Connections (extended) | Type-C Mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, 10-pin Remote Terminal | Type-C Mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, 10-pin Remote Terminal |
| Battery Life, Video | 110 minutes | 110 minutes |
| Batteries Included | 1 x Proprietary EN-EL18c Lithium-ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary EN-EL18a Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included | Yes | Yes |
| Included Software | ViewNX-i, ViewNX-Movie Editor, Capture NX-D, Nikon Transfer 2, Picture Control Utility 2 downloads | ViewNX-i, ViewNX-Movie Editor, Capture NX-D, Nikon Transfer 2, Picture Control Utility 2 downloads |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.9.5-10.11.5 | Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.9.5-10.11.5 |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed) | – | 0.72x |
| Other Memory | – | 2 CF (Type 1) or 2 XQD slots |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | – | No |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps) | – | 12.1 |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames) | – | 74 |
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR) | – | 0.095 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (manual focus) | – | 0.041 seconds |
Highlighted cells mark the better figure where one is clearly better. Timings and buffer depths come from our lab tests; DxOMark scores are DxOMark's own.