Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 63
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 74
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D4 | D5 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/01/2012 | 06/01/2016 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 91 mm | 160 x 159 x 92 mm |
| Camera weight | 1340 g | 1415 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.2 MP050 | 20.8 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4928 x 3280 | 5588 x 3712 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
23.9 x 36 | 23.9 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
11 fps045 | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F | Nikon F FX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 3 | Expeed 5 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
2048003003280000 | 32800003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
510300 | 1530300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | 4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 23590001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash, XQD | Compact Flash, XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL18 | EN-EL18a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2600 shots1505000 | 3780 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5 takes the lead with a score of 74/100, while the Nikon D4 trails behind at 63/100. Both DSLR cameras share similar dimensions, with the D4 measuring 160 x 157 x 91mm and weighing 1340g, and the D5 measuring 160 x 159 x 92mm and weighing 1415g.
The Nikon D5 excels with its higher score, justifying its higher launch price of $6500 compared to the D4’s $5999. Despite being released four years apart, both cameras maintain a consistent design and build quality. The D4, however, holds an advantage in being slightly lighter than the D5, potentially making it easier to handle during long shooting sessions.
Taking all factors into account, the Nikon D5 emerges as the superior choice due to its improved performance. The Nikon D4, while still a reliable option, is outperformed by its successor.
The Nikon D5 emerges as the winner in our optics comparison with a score of 72/100, while the Nikon D4 garners a respectable 63/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization. Despite these similarities, the D5 outperforms the D4 in certain aspects, contributing to its higher score.
The D5 boasts a higher megapixel count of 20.8 compared to the D4’s 16.2, allowing for greater image detail and improved cropping flexibility. Furthermore, the D5’s shooting speed is slightly faster at 12 frames per second, compared to the D4’s 11 frames per second, which can be advantageous for capturing fast-moving subjects or action scenes. The D5 also benefits from an upgraded processor, the Expeed 5, providing faster performance and better noise reduction in low light conditions.
Although the D5 takes the lead in most categories, the D4 holds a slight advantage in one area: its DXOMARK sensor score. The D4 scores 89, while the D5 trails at 88, indicating that the D4 may provide marginally better image quality in certain situations. However, this small difference is unlikely to be discernible in most practical applications.
Ultimately, the Nikon D5’s superior megapixel count, shooting speed, and processor make it the better choice for those prioritizing optics performance. While the Nikon D4 does have a marginally higher DXOMARK sensor score, it falls short in other critical areas, making the D5 a more compelling option for photographers seeking enhanced image quality and speed.
The Nikon D5 emerges as the superior camera in terms of video capabilities, with a score of 70/100, compared to the Nikon D4, which scores 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a maximum video frame rate of 30fps and built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Nikon D5 outperforms the D4 in video resolution, offering 4K resolution with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, while the D4 only provides Full HD resolution with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This higher resolution allows the D5 to capture more detail and produce higher-quality video content, making it a better choice for videographers and professionals in need of top-notch video performance.
On the other hand, the Nikon D4 does not surpass the D5 in any specific video aspect. However, its Full HD resolution might be sufficient for users who are not looking for the highest video quality, and its lower price point could make it a more attractive option for those on a budget or those who prioritize still photography over video.
Taking these points into consideration, the Nikon D5 is the clear winner when it comes to video capabilities, with its 4K resolution providing superior video quality. The Nikon D4, while not excelling in any particular video aspect, may still be a suitable choice for those who do not require the highest video performance or are focused more on still photography.
The Nikon D5 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 74 out of 100, while the Nikon D4 scores 57. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, no flip screen, no GPS, and no Bluetooth. However, the Nikon D5 outperforms the D4 in several aspects.
The D5’s screen resolution is significantly higher, at 2,359,000 dots, compared to the D4’s 921,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display for the D5, making it easier to review and edit images on the camera itself. Additionally, the Nikon D5 has a touchscreen, which the D4 lacks. This feature allows for more intuitive navigation and control, as well as easier focus point selection.
Another advantage of the Nikon D5 is its built-in Wi-Fi capability, which the D4 does not have. This feature enables the user to transfer photos and control the camera remotely via a smartphone or tablet, providing more flexibility and convenience in various shooting situations.
Despite its lower feature score, the Nikon D4 may still be a suitable choice for some photographers, especially those who prioritize simplicity and do not require the additional features offered by the D5. The D4’s lower score does not necessarily mean it is an inferior camera, but rather that it lacks certain features that the D5 possesses.
To conclude, the Nikon D5 offers a higher feature score, a better screen resolution, a touchscreen, and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it the superior choice in terms of features. The Nikon D4, while lacking these additional features, may still serve photographers well who do not require these extras.
The Nikon D4 and Nikon D5 both score 87/100 in storage and battery. They share common specs, such as having two memory card slots and accepting Compact Flash and XQD cards. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
The Nikon D5 surpasses the D4 in battery life, offering 3780 shots compared to the D4’s 2600 shots, due to its improved battery type, the EN-EL18a. This longer battery life provides an advantage for photographers who require extended shooting periods without needing to change batteries.
The Nikon D4, however, does not have any notable advantages over the D5 in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras perform equally in this aspect, aside from the D5’s superior battery life.
Considering these points, the Nikon D5 proves to be a better choice for those who prioritize longer battery life, while the Nikon D4 remains a reliable option for photographers who are satisfied with its battery performance.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D4 or the Nikon D5:
