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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StabilisationImproved — 7.5-stop IBIS with Focus Point VR
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Battery life380 shots (CIPA) vs 310 shots (CIPA)
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Generation7 years newer (2025 vs 2018)
Unchanged or similar
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ResolutionSimilar (24MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | Z6 | Z5 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.2 | ||
| Street | +0.6 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +2.1 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.0 | ||
| Documentary | +1.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | +1.0 | ||
| Landscape | +1.1 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.6 | ||
| Casual | +1.0 | ||
| Food | +1.1 | ||
| Macro | +0.9 | ||
| Architecture | +1.5 | ||
| Astrophotography | +1.3 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Z6 | Z5 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £388 used | £1,599 | |
| Released | 2018 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 24MP | |
| Video | 4K 30fps (full-width), 1080p 120fps | 4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (uncropped), 10-bit N-Log | |
| Autofocus | 273-point phase-detect hybrid AF | Hybrid phase-detect AF with 9 subject types (people, animals, birds, vehicles) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 7.5-stop IBIS with Focus Point VR | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps | 14fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 310 shots (CIPA) | 380 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 585g (body only) | 700g (with battery and card) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | EVF, 3.69M dots | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | Vari-angle touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon Z-Mount | Nikon Z-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B | Dual SD (UHS-II) |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Z6 and Z5 II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Z5 II against your specific genres — not just specs.
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