Z5vs Z5 II
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
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
Quick take: The z5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Z5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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Camera family history