Z5vs Nikon Zf
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.
Street & Travel Photography — Nikon Zf (2023): Full-frame performance in a stunning retro body — the Zf's 8-stop IBIS and gorgeous design make it uniquely compelling.
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
Nikon Zf (2023)
- Photographers who want full-frame Z quality in a retro-styled body
- Street and travel photographers attracted to the classic dial aesthetic
- Zfc owners who want to step up to full-frame without losing the retro design
- Anyone who wants the best-looking full-frame mirrorless available
Quick take: The nikon zf has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Nikon Zf (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,699 |
| 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, FHD/120p, N-Log, 10-bit |
| 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, 8.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 710g with battery |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 144.0 × 103.0 × 49.0mm |
| 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" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-II slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history