Upgrade Guide
Nikon Z6→Nikon Z5 II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the Z6. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Z5 II
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Battery life~470 shots (CIPA) vs 310 shots (CIPA)
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Generation6 years newer (2024 vs 2018)
Unchanged or similar
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ResolutionSimilar (24MP)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z6 | Z5 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | -1.0 | ||
| Travel | -1.0 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.0 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Landscape | +1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Z6 | Z5 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £749 | £1,299 | |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 24MP | |
| Video | 4K 30fps (full-width), 1080p 120fps | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | |
| Autofocus | 273-point phase-detect hybrid AF | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 310 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 585g (body only) | 700g body only | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon Z-Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | |
| Memory Cards | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
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