Decision tools · Compare
Z5 vs Zf
Quick take: The Zf has the highest resolution at 24MP; the Z5 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·16 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.
Zf — Street & Travel Photography: 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)
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
Zf (2023)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Z5Nikon · 2020 | ZfNikon · 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,249Best | £2,099 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 24.5MPBest |
| 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 electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best | ~380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (body only)Best | 630g (body only) |
| 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 | SD UHS-II + microSD UHS-I |
| 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
Zf
Portrait
7.7/10
8.4/10
Street
6.1/10
6.5/10
Travel
5.9/10
6.2/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
8.1/10
Filmmaking
6.1/10
7.3/10
Documentary
6.7/10
7.7/10
Sports & Action
6.4/10
8.2/10
Landscape
6.1/10
7.0/10
Wildlife
6.8/10
8.3/10
Casual
5.2/10
5.4/10
Food
6.6/10
7.7/10
Macro
6.4/10
7.3/10
Architecture
6.0/10
7.3/10
Astrophotography
6.4/10
7.4/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.3/10
Fun & simple
—
4.5/10
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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