• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 102,400

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Differences

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony A7S III

  • Less expensive
    $1597 vs $3498*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Sony A7S III advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 5.97 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More dots on screen
    1440k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.90x vs 0.80x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A9 II

Nikon Z5
Sony A9 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life
Sony A7S III
Sony A9 II
  • $3498
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon R6

Nikon Z5
Canon R6
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $2132
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More dots on screen
Sony A7S III
Canon R6
  • $3498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2132
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
Sony A7S III
Nikon Z6 II
  • $3498
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
Sony A7S III
Panasonic S5 II
  • $3498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
Sony A7S III
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $3498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
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