• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 102,400

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Sony A7S III

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 409600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony A7S III advantages over Nikon D5

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 6.45 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    69 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    614g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.90x vs 0.72x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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

  • 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

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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

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Sony A7S III
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A7S III vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4S

Sony A7S III
Nikon D4S
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A7S III vs Nikon D4S

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Sony A7S III
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Sony A7S III vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Sony A9 II

Nikon D5
Sony A9 II
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5 vs Sony A9 II

Sony A7S III
Sony A9 II
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compare Sony A7S III vs Sony A9 II

Compared to Canon R6

Nikon D5
Canon R6
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon R6

Sony A7S III
Canon R6
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Sony A7S III vs Canon R6

Compare Other Cameras?