Decision tools · Compare
Z5 vs Z7 II
Quick take: The Z7 II has the highest resolution at 46MP; the Z5 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 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.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
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.
Z7 II — Landscape & Studio / High-Resolution: The Z7 II is a landscape and studio camera first, everything else second. 45.7MP with weather sealing and dual card slots is a compelling package. If you need resolution, it delivers. If you don't, the Z6 II is the smarter buy.
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
Z7 II (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- Landscape photographers who print large or need to crop significantly
- Studio and commercial photographers requiring maximum resolution
- Architecture photographers where detail is non-negotiable
- Fine-art photographers who shoot primarily from a tripod
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Z5Nikon · 2020 | Z7 IINikon · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,249Best | £2,299 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 45.7MPBest |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect, 493 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best | ~420 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (body only)Best | 615g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| 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, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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
Z7 II
Portrait
7.7/10
7.9/10
Street
6.1/10
6.0/10
Travel
5.9/10
5.8/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
7.5/10
Filmmaking
6.1/10
6.6/10
Documentary
6.7/10
6.9/10
Sports & Action
6.4/10
7.2/10
Landscape
6.1/10
6.8/10
Wildlife
6.8/10
7.4/10
Casual
5.2/10
4.8/10
Food
6.6/10
7.0/10
Macro
6.4/10
6.8/10
Architecture
6.0/10
6.8/10
Astrophotography
6.4/10
6.0/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history