Nikon
D5
Nikon FX flagship sports DSLR with 20.8MP sensor, 153-point AF, 12fps burst, 4K UHD video, and dual XQD/CF slots — predecessor to D6.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 7.7 years newer.
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Wins
D5
Wins
Zf
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD5 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 273)
- AD5 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 3,690,000)
- AD5 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (520 shots vs 380 shots)
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 51,200)
- BZf has higher Resolution (24.5 MP vs 20.8 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD5
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D5 is 6mm narrower and 5mm shorter than Zf but it is also 39mm thicker.
D5 is 10 g heavier than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D5 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D5
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D5
138 × 88 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D5
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D5
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D5
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
520 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -8.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Card types
Adds MicroSD UHS-I
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 51,200 — higher is better
Resolution
24.5 MP vs 20.8 MP — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D5
Pros
- ✓153-point Multi-CAM 20K AF
- ✓12fps (14fps mirror-up)
- ✓4K UHD + 1080p60 video
- ✓Pro tank build + sealing
- ✓3,780-shot EN-EL18a battery
Cons
- –20.8MP only
- –Superseded by D6
- –Very heavy (1.4 kg)
- –Premium flagship pricing
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D5 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, D5 or Zf?
D5 scores 10.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for Zf — 30fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the D5 and Zf?
D5 is 20.8 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D5 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D5 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D5 or the Zf?
D5 reaches 30 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D5 and Zf?
D5 weighs 720 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the Zf is 10 g lighter.
Do the D5 and Zf record 4K video?
D5: 4K up to 60p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D5 and Zf weather sealed?
D5: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the D5 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D5 launched at $6,499 and Zf at $2,049. The Zf is $4,450 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D5 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.