Z5 IIvs A7C 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.
Full-Frame Hybrid — A7C II (2023): Full-frame AI autofocus in the most compact body available — the best camera under £1,500 for hybrid shooters.
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
A7C II (2023)
- You want full-frame image quality in the most compact body possible
- You travel constantly and need a serious camera that doesn't weigh down your bag
- You're a portrait or lifestyle photographer who shoots on the move
- You create content for social media or YouTube and want full-frame quality in a vlog-friendly form
Quick take: The a7c ii has the highest resolution at 33mp; the z5 ii is the most affordable; only the z5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | A7C II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £1,499 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 33MP Full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 33.0MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/60p oversampled, S-Log3, 10-bit internal |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~530 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 514g body only |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 124.0 × 71.1 × 63.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual slots: SD UHS-II + CFexpress Type A |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (3.2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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