Nikon Z6 vs GH5 At The Georgia Aquarium
Introduction
Hey everyone, Thomas Brown here! I’m a filmmaker based in Atlanta, and today, I’m diving into a camera comparison between the Nikon Z6 and the Panasonic GH5. My friend Garnett O’Connor, a long-time Nikon shooter, recently got his hands on the Nikon Z6, and we decided to put it to the test. We took both cameras to the Georgia Aquarium to compare their video performance and stabilization.
One of the biggest features that piqued my interest in the Z6 is its image stabilization and its N-Log profile (though I personally think Z-Log would’ve been a much cooler name!). In this test, I filmed two teaser sequences using both cameras, completely handheld, followed by vlogging demonstrations and a quick color grading comparison.
Testing Setup & Lenses
To make the comparison as fair as possible, I used the Atomos Ninja V to record footage from both cameras. Here’s the lens setup:
Nikon Z6: Sigma 35mm f/1.4
Panasonic GH5: 16mm f/1.4 (with crop factor, equivalent to 35mm)
The GH5 records internally on SD cards, while the Z6 uses XQD cards. To keep things balanced, I recorded all footage externally.
Filming Constraints:
No slow motion – all footage was shot in 4K 24p.
No warp stabilizer – I wanted to test each camera’s internal stabilization.
Camera Movements: Walking forward, walking backward, slow push-ins, panning left/right, and tilting up/down.
GH5’s IS-Lock vs. Nikon’s 5-axis stabilization – The GH5 has a unique IS-Lock mode, which the Z6 lacks.
Nikon Z6 vs. GH5: Test Footage
Nikon Z6 Teaser Footage
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GH5 Teaser Footage
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After watching both teasers, here are my initial thoughts:
The GH5’s IS-Lock provides an insane level of stabilization that’s hard to beat. Holding the Z6 as steady as possible, I could see a difference in how much movement remained.
The Z6’s stabilization still performed well, but it didn’t quite match the locked-off feel of the GH5.
The Z6’s full-frame sensor produces excellent depth and image quality, making it fun to shoot with.
Vlogging Test: Nikon Z6 vs. GH5
Next, I tested how each camera performs for vlogging.
Nikon Z6 Vlogging Test
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With a 35mm lens, the Z6 felt too tight for vlogging—I’d definitely recommend a wider lens.
Autofocus was on point, locking onto my face quickly.
Handheld stabilization worked decently but was not as smooth as the GH5’s IS-Lock.
GH5 Vlogging Test
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IS-Lock made a huge difference, keeping the footage incredibly steady while walking.
I also tested vlogging without IS-Lock, and it was noticeably less stable.
Autofocus on the GH5 is not as strong as on the Z6.
V-Log vs. N-Log (Z-Log)
Next, I compared the log profiles for each camera to see how they handle color grading.
GH5 V-Log Sample Footage
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Nikon Z6 N-Log (Z-Log) Sample Footage
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I overexposed the GH5’s V-Log by one stop, which worked well in grading.
The Z6’s N-Log was harder to expose properly, as Nikon doesn’t allow the EV meter in video mode.
I used the histogram at about 90% to gauge exposure, and the results were solid.
Who is the Nikon Z6 for?
After testing, I asked myself: Who is Nikon targeting with the Z6?
At $1,999, the Z6 competes with Sony’s A7 III.
I don’t see Sony users switching to Nikon, especially if they’re already invested in Sony lenses.
However, long-time Nikon DSLR users might be more likely to adopt the Z6.
If you’re a Nikon shooter looking to move into mirrorless video, the Z6 is a solid choice.
Final Thoughts: Nikon Z6 or GH5?
For my needs as a filmmaker, the GH5 still wins because:
Superior in-body stabilization (especially with IS-Lock)
4K 60p internal recording (the Z6 is limited to 4K 30p)
Dual SD card slots (Z6 only has one XQD slot)
Smaller form factor, great for handheld shooting
That said, the Z6 is still an amazing camera, with:
Full-frame depth of field
Great low-light performance
Fantastic autofocus
Upcoming firmware update for external RAW recording
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s not about the camera—it’s about the creator. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your specific needs as a filmmaker.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, huge thanks to Garnett O’Connor for letting me test the Z6—check out his channel for a photographer’s perspective on this camera!
