Z5vs RX100 VI
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.
Travel & Vlogging — RX100 VI (2018): The RX100 VI trades fast apertures for a remarkable 24-200mm zoom range — giving it more versatility than any previous model. 4K/30p, 24fps burst, a pop-up EVF, and an articulating screen round out an exceptional compact package. Variable aperture limits low-light performance at the long end, but for travel and events where reach matters, there is no practical alternative at this size.
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
RX100 VI (2018)
- Travel photographers who need versatile reach in a pocketable body
- Vloggers and content creators who need 4K and an articulating screen
- Event photographers who want discreet, capable wide-to-tele coverage
- Wildlife and sports enthusiasts who want a compact travel option
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the rx100 vi is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | RX100 VI (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £700 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p, 960fps HFR |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Fast Hybrid AF, 315 phase-detect points, Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | Optical SteadyShot |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 24fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~240 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 301g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 101.6 × 58.1 × 42.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | Pop-up EVF, 2.35M dots |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD / Memory Stick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | RX100 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Casual | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history