Z5 IIvs Z6 III
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — 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.
Hybrid Video & Action — Z6 III (2024): Partial-stacked FF sensor for near-zero blackout, 6K RAW video, and 60fps burst — Nikon's most capable hybrid.
Who should buy what
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
Z6 III (2024)
- Hybrid photographers who want partially-stacked sensor speed with full-frame quality
- Z6 II owners ready for a major AF and video upgrade
- Sports and action shooters who want 6K RAW video and fast burst
- Professionals who want a versatile full-frame Z body for any situation
Quick take: The z5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | Z6 III (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £2,199 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 760g body only |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history