• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Panasonic GH5

  • 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
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,343 vs 807 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 55 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 3780 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 405k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    183 vs 65 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 GH5 advantages over Nikon D5

  • Less expensive
    $1298 vs $3299*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Lighter weight
    725g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    600 vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • 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
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

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.

  • 20MP sensor; Better per-pixel sharpness; Very good, slightly improved dynamic range and high ISOs; Stellar 4K video up to 60p with no crop; 6K Photo; Dual UHS-II SD slots; Good battery life for its class.

  • Buffer is deep, but slow to clear; Expensive; Menus still confusing; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Panasonic GH5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic GH5
Nikon D4S
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Panasonic GH5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic G9

Nikon D5
Panasonic G9
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G9
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display

Compared to Panasonic G95

Nikon D5
Panasonic G95
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G95
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
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