Z5 IIvs Z7 II
VS
Which should you buy?
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Landscape & Studio / High-Resolution — Z7 II (2020): The Z7 II is a landscape and studio camera first, everything else second. 45.7MP with weather sealing and dual card slots is a compelling package. If you need resolution, it delivers. If you don't, the Z6 II is the smarter buy.
Who should buy what
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
Z7 II (2020)
- Landscape photographers who print large or need to crop significantly
- Studio and commercial photographers requiring maximum resolution
- Architecture photographers where detail is non-negotiable
- Fine-art photographers who shoot primarily from a tripod
Quick take: The z7 ii has the highest resolution at 46mp; the z5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | Z7 II (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £2,699 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 493 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~420 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 705g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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