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Nikon Z5 Vs D810: Which One Should You Choose In 2023?

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Nikon Z5 is a good choice for photographers who are looking for a full-frame camera that is affordable, compact, and easy to use.
  • The Z5 is a good choice for photographers who are looking for a full-frame camera that is affordable, compact, and easy to use.
  • Both the Z5 and the D810 are good choices for landscape photography, but the D810 has a slight edge thanks to its higher resolution sensor.

The Nikon Z5 and D810 are two of Nikon’s most popular full-frame cameras. The Z5 is a newer model, released in 2020, while the D810 was released in 2014. Both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to compare them carefully before deciding which one is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z5 has a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, while the D810 has a 36.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor. The D810’s higher resolution sensor gives it an edge in terms of image detail and sharpness, especially when shooting in low light. However, the Z5’s sensor is still very good, and it produces images that are more than adequate for most purposes.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z5 has a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF points. The D810 has a phase-detection AF system with 51 AF points. The Z5’s hybrid AF system is faster and more accurate than the D810’s phase-detection AF system, especially in low light.

Video

The Nikon Z5 can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps, while the D810 can only shoot 1080p video at up to 60fps. The Z5 also has a built-in microphone, while the D810 does not. The Z5 is a better choice for video shooters, especially those who want to shoot 4K video.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Nikon Z5 has a magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed against dust and moisture. The D810 also has a magnesium alloy body, but it is not weather-sealed. The Z5 is a better choice for photographers who shoot in harsh conditions, such as rain or snow.

Price

The Nikon Z5 is priced at $1399, while the D810 is priced at $2199. The Z5 is a more affordable option, but it is also less capable than the D810.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z5 is a good choice for photographers who are looking for a full-frame camera that is affordable, compact, and easy to use. The D810 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with high resolution, fast autofocus, and weather sealing.

The Verdict: Nikon Z5 vs D810

The Nikon Z5 and D810 are both excellent cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photographers. The Z5 is a good choice for photographers who are looking for a full-frame camera that is affordable, compact, and easy to use. The D810 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with high resolution, fast autofocus, and weather sealing.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon Z5 or the D810?

A: The D810 has better image quality than the Z5, thanks to its higher resolution sensor.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus, the Nikon Z5 or the D810?

A: The Z5 has better autofocus than the D810, thanks to its hybrid AF system.

Q: Which camera is better for video, the Nikon Z5 or the D810?

A: The Z5 is better for video than the D810, thanks to its ability to shoot 4K video.

Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography, the Nikon Z5 or the D810?

A: The D810 is better for wildlife photography than the Z5, thanks to its higher resolution sensor and faster autofocus.

Q: Which camera is better for landscape photography, the Nikon Z5 or the D810?

A: Both the Z5 and the D810 are good choices for landscape photography, but the D810 has a slight edge thanks to its higher resolution sensor.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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