X-E4vs Z5 IIvs Z6 II
Which should you buy?
Compact Street & Travel Photography — X-E4 (2021): The X-E4 is for photographers who want the minimum camera that still delivers maximum image quality. If you love shooting from the rear screen and want the smallest possible X-mount body, this is your camera. If you need a viewfinder or IBIS, look at the X-S20 or X-T30 II.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
All-Round Full-Frame Photography — Z6 II (2020): The Z6 II is the Nikon most photographers should buy. It's balanced across every discipline — stills, video, autofocus, weather sealing — without overpaying for megapixels you don't need. The Z-mount glass is superb.
Who should buy what
X-E4 (2021)
- Street photographers who prioritise portability and discretion
- Travel photographers packing minimally
- Fujifilm fans who shoot primarily from the rear screen
- Anyone who wants the X-Trans sensor in the smallest possible body
Z5 II (2024)
- You want full-frame image quality at the lowest possible entry price
- You shoot stills primarily — portrait, landscape, or travel
- You're upgrading from a DSLR and want a familiar but thoroughly modern Nikon experience
Z6 II (2020)
- Nikon DSLR users ready to move to mirrorless
- Photographers who need a reliable all-rounder without specialising
- Video creators wanting 4K/60p in a weather-sealed body
- Enthusiasts who shoot everything from portraits to travel
Quick take: The x-e4 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the x-e4 is the most affordable; only the z5 ii, z6 ii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-E4 (2021) | Z5 II (2024) | Z6 II (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £1,299 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS IV | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 26.1MP | 24.5MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/240p slow-motion, F-Log | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 425 points, face/Eye detection | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 273 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 8fps mechanical, 20fps electronic | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 14fps mechanical, 14fps electronic (12-bit RAW) |
| Battery Life | ~460 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 364g (body only) | 700g body only | 705g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 121.3 × 72.9 × 32.7mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only (EVF accessory available) | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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