Z5vs FX3
VS
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
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.
Professional Video, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking — FX3 (2021): The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
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
FX3 (2021)
- Professional videographers and filmmakers who need cinema-quality colour science in a compact body
- Documentary and run-and-gun shooters who need 4K/120p and built-in XLR audio
- Sony A7S III owners who want a purpose-built video body alongside their stills camera
- Gimbal and drone operators who need a compact full-frame cinema camera
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | FX3 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £3,799 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~640 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 715g body only (with XLR handle) |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | None — monitor/external EVF use only |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Wedding | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history