Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic Lumix S5
Nikon Z6 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z6 is the better pick for portraits; the Lumix S5 is better for vlogging.
Choose the Z6 for
- more resolution (24.5MP vs 24MP)
- faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps)
- a lighter body (675g vs 714g)
- a lower price (from £469)
Choose the Lumix S5 for
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
- a newer design (2020)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z6 | Lumix S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.5MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Burst | 12 fps | 7 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 60p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 675 g | 714 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLK22 |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B (single) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £469–604 | £479–574 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Z6 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix S5 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Z6 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Lumix S5 uses L-Mount (64 lenses, 39 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Panasonic DMW-BLK22.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z6 better than the Panasonic Lumix S5?
It depends on your priorities. The Z6 offers more resolution (24.5MP vs 24MP), faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps), a lighter body (675g vs 714g); the Lumix S5 offers more lenses in our database (64 vs 54), a newer design (2020).
Which is better for video, the Z6 or the Lumix S5?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 60p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z6 or the Lumix S5?
The Z6 costs No longer sold new new and from £469 used at MPB; the Lumix S5 costs No longer sold new new and from £479 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z6 lenses on the Lumix S5?
Not directly. The Z6 uses Nikon Z and the Lumix S5 uses L-Mount; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.