When it comes to professional photography, choosing the right camera is critical. In today’s market, two cameras that stand out in the competition are the Panasonic Lumix S5 Vs Nikon Z6. But which one is better? Today we will dive into a comprehensive comparison of the two cameras and help you decide which one suits your needs.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- How is the Design of Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- How is the Image Quality from Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- How is the Autofocus in Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- How is the Battery Life in Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- How is the Price of Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6?
- Which Camera to Buy?
| Panasonic Lumix S5 | Nikon Z6 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches | 5.3 x 2.7 x 4 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.57 Pounds | 1.29 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon |
About Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6
The Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6 are both full-frame mirrorless cameras. A full-frame camera refers to a camera with a sensor size that is equivalent to a 35mm film frame, which is larger than the sensors found in most other digital cameras. This larger sensor size allows for better image quality, particularly in low-light situations, and allows for greater control over depth of field.
A mirrorless camera, as opposed to a traditional DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, does not have a mirror mechanism that reflects light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. Instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen to display the image that the sensor is capturing. This allows for a more compact camera body and can also make it easier to see the effects of camera settings such as exposure, white balance, and depth of field before taking a photo. Read also: Panasonic Lumix GX85 Vs Canon EOS M50 here.
Design and Handling
Starting with design and handling, the Panasonic Lumix S5 and the Nikon Z6 are both well-built cameras with sturdy and weather-sealed bodies. The Lumix S5 is smaller and lighter than the Z6, making it a better option for those who need to travel light. However, the Z6 has a more substantial grip that feels better in hand and offers better stability while shooting.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 features a fully articulating touchscreen that makes it easier to shoot from difficult angles. On the other hand, the Nikon Z6 has a tilting touchscreen that may not be as versatile, but still offers a good degree of flexibility. In terms of buttons and dials, the Lumix S5 has a more streamlined layout that is more comfortable to navigate, while the Z6 has a more traditional and robust layout that some photographers may prefer.
Sensor and Image Quality
The most crucial aspect of a camera is its sensor and image quality. The Panasonic Lumix S5 and the Nikon Z6 both feature full-frame sensors, which produce high-quality images with excellent detail and dynamic range.
The Lumix S5 comes with a 24.2-megapixel sensor, while the Z6 comes with a 24.5-megapixel sensor. While the difference in resolution may seem minimal, the Z6’s sensor is back-illuminated, which allows it to perform better in low-light conditions.
When it comes to image quality, both cameras produce stunning results. The Lumix S5 has a more natural color tone, while the Z6 produces more vivid colors. The Lumix S5 also has a more extensive dynamic range, which means it can capture more details in the highlights and shadows.
Autofocus
The autofocus performance of a camera is essential, especially when it comes to professional photography. The Panasonic Lumix S5 and the Nikon Z6 both feature reliable autofocus systems that work well in various shooting conditions.
The Lumix S5 features a contrast-detect autofocus system that is fast and accurate, while the Z6 features a hybrid autofocus system that combines both phase and contrast detection. This makes the Z6’s autofocus system more versatile and faster in low-light conditions.
Video Capability
Both the Panasonic Lumix S5 and the Nikon Z6 are known for their video capabilities. The Lumix S5 can shoot 4K/60fps videos, while the Z6 can shoot 4K/30fps videos. The Lumix S5 has a more advanced video mode with additional features like V-Log, which allows you to capture a wider dynamic range, and high-speed video that can shoot up to 180fps in Full HD. The Z6 also offers a good range of video features, including N-Log and 10-bit output via HDMI.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a camera, especially for professionals who spend extended periods shooting. The Lumix S5 has a more extended battery life than the Z6, offering up to 470 shots per charge compared to the Z6’s 310 shots per charge. Check our other comparison in: Fujifilm X T4 vs Nikon Z6 here.
Price
The Lumix S5 is priced at around $2,000, while the Nikon Z6 is priced at around $1,800. While the price difference is not significant, it is worth noting that the Lumix S5 has some unique features that justify the higher price. If you’re on a budget, the Nikon Z6 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Lumix S5 is a more versatile and feature-rich camera.
Conclusion
Both the Panasonic Lumix S5 and Nikon Z6 are excellent full-frame mirrorless cameras. They have their unique features and strengths, making them suitable for different types of photography. If you’re looking for a compact and versatile camera that delivers excellent image quality and unique features, the Lumix S5 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a camera with a superior autofocus system and faster continuous shooting speed, the Nikon Z6 is an excellent choice