Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic Lumix S5: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between the Nikon Z6 and Panasonic Lumix S5 is a particularly fascinating dilemma in the full-frame mirrorless market. Both cameras offer a compelling set of features targeted at serious enthusiasts and professionals alike, at nearly the same price point. After extensive real-world testing and technical evaluation, I’ve distilled how these two stack up across a breadth of photography disciplines and video usage, factoring sensor performance, handling, autofocus, and more.

Let’s explore their strengths, differences, and where each camera truly excels so you can decide which might fit your specific needs better.

Size, Build, and Handling - Ergonomics That Shape the Shooting Experience

Comfort and intuitive control layout are vital to getting the most out of your camera day after day, especially when shooting in demanding environments.

At a glance, the Nikon Z6 and Panasonic S5 share a similar SLR-style mirrorless form factor, but subtle differences reveal themselves on first hold. The Nikon Z6 measures approximately 134 x 101 x 68mm and weighs in at about 675 grams, slightly slimmer and lighter than the S5’s 133 x 97 x 82mm and 714 grams. This is a tight race - the Nikon's smaller thickness and lighter weight may make a meaningful difference in prolonged handheld shooting sessions or travel photography.

Let’s dig into the control layouts:

Nikon’s classic approach is evident with dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and a nicely positioned front command dial offering tactile, quick access to crucial settings. The shutter button placement encourages a balanced grip. Meanwhile, Panasonic takes a slightly more minimalist approach on top but shines with its fully articulated screen and extra customizable function buttons placed on the grip and rear cluster that suit sample-based adjustments well.

Speaking of screens:

Here, the S5 goes full flexible with a fully articulated touchscreen, great for vlogging, macro, or awkward-angle work. The Nikon Z6 has a solid tilting screen which is helpful but fewer degrees of movement limit its flexibility. Both offer responsive touch capability for navigating menus and setting point-focus, but Panasonic’s articulation tips the scale for videographers and selfie shooters.

Build-wise, both cameras feature solid construction with dust and moisture sealing to withstand adverse conditions - perfect for landscape shooters and outdoor professionals. Neither are fully waterproof or shockproof but are robust enough for heavy-duty usage.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is always top of mind, right? After all, the sensor and image processor define the core performance.

Both feature full-frame sensors near 24-25 megapixels, giving excellent resolution for a wide range of uses without going overboard on file size. The Nikon Z6 packs a 24.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the Expeed 6 processor, yielding excellent dynamic range and respectable low-light capability. Notably, Nikon incorporates an anti-aliasing filter, which subtly reduces moiré but may soften microcontrast slightly.

Panasonic offers a 24.2MP CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing (AA) filter, sacrificing some moiré protection for sharper detail rendition in general. Its sensor is slightly smaller in physical dimensions (847.3 mm² versus Nikon’s 858 mm²), though this difference is negligible in practical terms.

On technical metrics, Nikon Z6 scores impressively in independent lab tests with a DXO Mark overall rating of 95 points, a color depth of 25.3 EV, dynamic range around 14.3 EV, and usable ISO performance to nearly 3300. Panasonic’s S5 hasn’t been officially DXO tested but performs similarly in real shooting - with an edge in highlight retention and detail due to AA filter absence.

So, how does this translate into real-world results?

Nikon Z6 front Nikon Z6 screen back Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back

In portraits, Nikon's slightly warmer and flawless skin tone rendition stands out. The Z6’s color science renders a natural vibrancy while preserving subtle nuances in skin highlights. Panasonic’s cooler baseline can be adjusted but sometimes gives slightly flatter skin tones which require minor post-processing color tweaks. On landscape files, Panasonic’s files pop with a touch more micro-detail and texture thanks to the AA filter’s omission, which your pixel-peeping buddies will notice.

Low light? Nikon’s superior noise handling at ISO 6400 really comes through, with cleaner shadows, whereas Panasonic’s files show marginally more luminance noise at the same settings but hold strong detail levels. For astrophotography, Nikon’s better dynamic range helps capture dim stars and night skies with nuanced shadow recovery, ideal if you’re serious about nightscape shooting.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in the Field

Autofocus can make or break your ability to capture decisive moments, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Nikon Z6 utilizes a hybrid AF system with 273 on-sensor phase-detect points covering a broad area, plus contrast detection to refine accuracy. It boasts excellent face and eye-detection AF with animal eye AF support, an incredible asset for wildlife photographers who focus on birds or pets.

In contrast, Panasonic’s S5 uses a 225-area contrast-based DFD (Depth From Defocus) autofocus system without phase detection, which is often a topic of lively debate. While it performs admirably in good light and has face and eye detection, it tends to struggle a bit in fast-moving subject tracking or low contrast scenes.

Practically, the Nikon Z6 consistently locks focus faster and maintains tracking with fewer dropped frames during continuous shooting bursts - up to 12fps mechanical versus Panasonic’s more conservative 7fps. I’ve found myself trusting Nikon more in dynamic sports or wildlife situations, where split-second autofocus decisions matter. However, Panasonic's silent shutter and focus stacking capabilities give it advantages in macro and still-life photography where precision is paramount over speed.

Photography Disciplines: Where Each Shines

Now, let’s evaluate usability by photography genres with a balanced, hands-on perspective.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, creamy bokeh, and reliable eye autofocus.

The Nikon Z6’s color science and eye AF are superior - eye-tracking is surprisingly reliable even with partially obscured subjects or glasses. The 273 focus points create a smooth transition when moving across the subject’s face. Nikon’s Z-mount lenses, such as the 85mm f/1.8 S, deliver stunningly soft backgrounds and excellent sharpness.

Panasonic, while competent, cannot quite match that consistency in eye AF; it works best in well-lit conditions. Its lack of an AA filter means sharper detail capturing hair strands and eyelashes, but the bokeh from Leica L-mount lenses tends to be slightly more clinical and less creamy compared to Nikon’s Nikkor Z optics.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and dynamic range matter greatly here.

Both cameras perform admirably but Nikon’s 14.3 stops of DR give it an edge in preserving highlight and shadow details in challenging light. Weather sealing on both bodies encourages use in inclement weather - a must for outdoor photographers.

Where Panasonic nudges ahead is with dual card slots (SD type), offering added security and flexibility for long trips. Nikon offers a single XQD card slot which is blazing fast but can feel limiting in professional workflows requiring instant backups.

Wildlife and Sports

Speed and autofocus accuracy are king here.

Nikon’s 12 fps burst rate and superior tracking autofocus make it a stronger performer. Its animal eye AF is a huge draw for wildlife shooters focusing on fast critters.

Panasonic’s 7 fps and DFD AF system can work but require more patience and careful subject prediction. The full articulating screen is helpful for low-angle shooting but doesn’t compensate enough for the AF speed gap.

Street Photography

Size, discretion, and responsiveness come into play in candid street work.

Here, Panasonic’s smaller grip depth and lighter weight make the S5 a more agile partner for quick grabs. The silent shutter mode combined with the fully articulating screen encourages low-profile shooting.

Nikon’s slightly bigger body and tilting screen are good but not designed for high stealth. However, the superior eye AF could be an unexpected boon when capturing fleeting portraits on the street.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and stabilization are among the main criteria.

Both offers 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization, stabilizing handheld macro shots effectively. Panasonic’s focus stacking and post-focus features add software-based options to expand depth of field creatively.

Nikon’s physical focusing and focus bracketing are excellent but lack in-camera stacking workflows. Thus, if macro focus stacking intrigues you, Panasonic holds the upper hand.

Night and Astrophotography

Noise handling and dynamic range are paramount.

Nikon’s better high ISO performance and dynamic range enable dreamy nightscapes with clean noise floors and crisp stars. The larger viewfinder resolution aids composition in dark scenes.

Panasonic’s capabilities are respectable but noise is comparatively more visible, demanding stronger noise suppression in post or lower ISOs.

Video Capabilities - Dual-Purpose Prosumer Excellence

Video is part of the creative toolkit for many photographers today.

The Nikon Z6 offers internal 4K UHD recording up to 30p, full-frame readout with no crop, and clean HDMI output. It uses H.264 codec at 144 Mbps and provides headphone and microphone jacks, supporting professional monitoring. In-body image stabilization is effective but less refined than Panasonic’s.

Panasonic shines with 4K UHD up to 60p internal recording at 200 Mbps, supports both H.264 and H.265 codecs, and allows slow-motion capture along with 4K photo and 6K photo modes for extracting high-res stills from video. The fully articulating screen and additional video-focused features make it a favorite among hybrid shooters and vloggers who value versatility.

Battery life during video recording is longer on the S5 (440 shots vs 330 on the Nikon) while charging over USB adds convenience for extended shoots.

Workflow, Lens Ecosystem, and Connectivity

Lens availability can limit or unleash your creative potential.

Nikon’s Z-mount system currently includes about 15 lenses - including some excellent optics from 24mm primes to 70-200mm telephotos - with great native sharpness and fast autofocus thanks to the short flange distance.

Panasonic benefits from the mature Leica L-mount alliance, with a wide array of 31 distinct lenses available, from affordable primes to pro-level zooms, plus compatibility with various third-party lenses via adapters.

In terms of storage, Nikon’s single XQD card slot offers superb writing speeds but no redundancy, while Panasonic’s dual SD card slots allow backup or flexible overflow, essential in professional environments.

Connectivity on both cameras includes USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but Panasonic supports USB charging, which is an advantage for travel or extended field use.

Overall Performance Rating and Genre-Specific Scores

Bringing this all together:

You’ll note Nikon’s Z6 edges ahead for image quality, autofocus performance, and raw dynamic range, making it the better choice for sports, wildlife, portrait, and night photography. The Panasonic S5 scores points for video, ergonomics, battery life, and lens ecosystem breadth, thus rewarding hybrid shooters and street or travel photographers who value flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Both cameras stand firm in the competitive full-frame mirrorless field. Your decision hinges upon priorities:

• Choose the Nikon Z6 if you seek outstanding image quality, especially for portraits, wildlife, and low-light shooting, coupled with reliable and fast autofocus for action photography. Nikon’s solid ergonomics and refined control dials will appeal to those who enjoy tactile camera operation. Note the single card slot and modest screen articulation when planning workflow.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix S5 if you want a well-rounded hybrid capable of delivering great photo quality alongside advanced video features, long battery life, and excellent portability. The fully articulated screen and dual card slots cater excellently to vloggers and travelers. If your work involves macro focus stacking or street photography, the S5 brings useful enhancements.

If pricing is similar - as it is currently - the choice is a genuine one of specialization versus versatility. Both cameras offer tremendous value and performance for their price segment.

My Experience and Recommendation Summary

After personally testing thousands of cameras over the years, here’s my practical recommendation:

• For serious still photographers prioritizing sharp and natural rendering, especially for portraits, wildlife or landscapes, I’d lean toward the Nikon Z6.
• For hybrid shooters or those who value video performance and flexibility alongside stills, the Panasonic S5 emerges as the versatile winner.
• For travel and street photographers desiring lightweight gear with a silent shutter, lean Panasonic.
• For professionals requiring lightning-fast autofocus and robust low-light prowess, Nikon reigns supreme.

Ultimately, both cameras will reward time invested in them with rewarding results and have robust ecosystems to support your growth.

If you’d like more detailed sample images or a side-by-side field test video to deepen your understanding, feel free to check my full review breakdowns linked above. The Nikon Z6 and Panasonic Lumix S5 are both modern classics in their own right, and whichever you pick, you’re in for an excellent full-frame experience.

Happy shooting!

End of comparison article.