Decision tools · Compare
Z5 vs Z6 III
Quick take: The Z6 III has the highest resolution at 24MP; the Z5 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Z6 III — Hybrid Video & Action: 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)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Z5Nikon · 2020 | Z6 IIINikon · 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,249Best | £2,199 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.5MPBest |
| 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 electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best | ~380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (body only)Best | 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 |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
Z5
Z6 III
Portrait
7.7/10
8.4/10
Street
6.1/10
6.3/10
Travel
5.9/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
8.3/10
Filmmaking
6.1/10
7.8/10
Documentary
6.7/10
7.9/10
Sports & Action
6.4/10
9.2/10
Landscape
6.1/10
7.0/10
Wildlife
6.8/10
8.9/10
Casual
5.2/10
5.2/10
Food
6.6/10
7.5/10
Macro
6.4/10
7.0/10
Architecture
6.0/10
7.2/10
Astrophotography
6.4/10
7.4/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.4/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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