Upgrade guide · updated 5 November 2026
Should I upgrade from the Nikon D5 to the Nikon D6?
Verdict
Upgrading is worth it if those changes matter to your photography. Both use the Nikon F mount, so your lenses fit directly.
What you gain
- faster bursts (14fps vs 12fps)
- 4 years of newer processing and autofocus (2016 → 2020)
What you give up
- Nothing significant on paper
What it costs
| D6 new | £6,799 |
| D6 used (MPB, typical) | £1,700 |
| Your D5 trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £620 |
| Net cost buying used | ≈ £1,080 |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Other upgrade paths
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Nikon D5 to the Nikon D6?
The upgrade is worth it if those changes matter to your photography. You gain faster bursts (14fps vs 12fps), 4 years of newer processing and autofocus (2016 → 2020).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the D5 to the D6?
The D6 costs £6,799 new and about £1,700 used at MPB. Trading in a used D5 might bring roughly £620, so the net cost is around £1,080 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my D5 lenses work on the D6?
Both use the Nikon F mount, so your lenses fit directly.