Nikon Z5 vs Sony S980

Here, we are evaluating the Nikon Z5 vs Sony S980, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the Z5 (24MP) and S980 (12MP) and the Z5 (Full frame) and S980 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

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The Z5 was unveiled 11 years after the S980 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon Z5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the Z5 matches up versus the S980 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Z5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon Z5 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon Z5 offers external measurements of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Nikon Z5 vs Sony S980 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the Z5 against the S980.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the Z5 and S980 is 62 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by going through specifications. The picture here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the Z5 and S980.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The Z5 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon Z5 will produce more detail having an extra 12MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer Z5 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.