Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GX9

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GX9

35mm 858.0mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 100 - 102,400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5.
Compare Nikon D5 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5 conclusion.

4/3 224.9mm²
20.3 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GX9 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GX9 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GX9.
Compare Panasonic GX9 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GX9 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D6
Compare D5 vs D6
Compare Nikon D6 vs Panasonic GX9

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Panasonic GX9

Larger sensor
35mm vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 6.45 vs 3.34 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~0.40 vs 1.0 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Longer video battery life
110 vs 70 minutes
Capture more video
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

3780 vs 260 shots
Capture more photos
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Higher-res screen
590k vs 413k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
12.1 fps vs 9.2 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
12.1 fps vs 9.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
183 vs 32 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
3276800 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX9 advantages over Nikon D5

Less expensive
$798 vs $3789*
Save money for lenses or accessories
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Thinner
46 mm vs 92 mm
Thinner
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GX9 User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5

Body Only (CF Version)

Body Only (CF Version)
Body Only (XQD Version)
Body Only 100th Anniversary Edition (XQD)

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Buy the Panasonic GX9

Kit with 12-60mm lens (Black)

Kit with 12-60mm lens (Black)
Kit with 12-60mm lens (Silver)

Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.
Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.
Read our Nikon D5 Review

Great image quality; Good high ISO performance for its class; Improved JPEG processing; Fast autofocus; Fast ~9fps burst mode.
Smallish field-sequential EVF; Below average battery life; No mic/headphone jacks; Noticeable crop on 4K video.
Read our Panasonic GX9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5

Canon EOS-1D C

$5143
35mm

Touchscreen
More cross-type AF points

$6989
35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Panasonic GX9

Canon EOS-1D C

$898
4/3

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$6989
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5

Nikon D4S

$5143
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$5999
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4S

Panasonic GX9

Nikon D4S

$898
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$5999
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Nikon D4S

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5

Canon 1DX Mark II

$5143
35mm

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$2999
35mm

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Panasonic GX9

Canon 1DX Mark II

$898
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$2999
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon D5

Panasonic GX85

$5143
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$598
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GX9

Panasonic GX85

$898
4/3

Built-in Bluetooth
More telephoto lens reach

$598
4/3

Less expensive
Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Nikon D5

Olympus E-M10 III

$5143
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$549
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

Compare Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-M10 III

Panasonic GX9

Olympus E-M10 III

$898
4/3

In-camera panoramas
Built-in Bluetooth

$549
4/3

Longer stills battery life
Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Olympus E-M10 III

Compare Other Cameras?