Z5vs Z6 III
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.
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 (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
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 z6 iii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Z6 III (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £2,199 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 760g body only |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history