Z5vs ZV-1 II
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.
Pocket Vlogging — ZV-1 II (2023): The best pocket vlogging camera — 1-inch sensor, ultrawide zoom, flip screen, and real-time Eye AF in a shirt pocket.
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
ZV-1 II (2023)
- Vloggers and content creators who want a pocketable fixed-lens camera
- Travellers who want 4K video and a flip screen in a jacket-pocket size
- ZV-1 owners who want a wider lens and improved subject tracking
- Beginners who want a simple, capable vlogging camera without changing lenses
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the zv-1 ii is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | ZV-1 II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £649 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect + contrast, 315 points, Real-time Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | Optical SteadyShot (OIS) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 15fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~260 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 292g |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 105.5 × 60.0 × 43.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | None |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Fixed zoom — 18–50mm f/1.8–4.0 equiv |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | ZV-1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Family & Everyday | — |
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Camera family history