Z5vs ZV-E1
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Street | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history