Nikon Z5 II vs Nikon Z6 III
The bottom line
There's a real price gap here: the Nikon Z5 II at $1,699 versus the Nikon Z6 III at $2,499. The question is whether those advantages are ones you'll use often enough to justify the premium — if not, the cheaper body is the smart buy.
Choose the Nikon Z5 II if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,699, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the Nikon Z6 III if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Nikon Z5 II launched at $1,699, $800 under the Nikon Z6 III — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the Nikon Z5 II has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Nikon Z5 II is 700g (1.54 lb) vs 760g (1.68 lb) — 60g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon Z5 II or the Nikon Z6 III better?
There's a real price gap here: the Nikon Z5 II at $1,699 versus the Nikon Z6 III at $2,499. The question is whether those advantages are ones you'll use often enough to justify the premium — if not, the cheaper body is the smart buy.
Who should choose the Nikon Z5 II?
Choose the Nikon Z5 II if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,699, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the Nikon Z6 III?
Choose the Nikon Z6 III if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.
What is the main difference between the Nikon Z5 II and the Nikon Z6 III?
Price: the Nikon Z5 II launched at $1,699, $800 under the Nikon Z6 III — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Partially-Stacked CMOS | Partially-Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Effective Resolution | 24.5 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 64000 | 100 – 64000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 14 fps | 14 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 6K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | N-Log / N-RAW / HLG | N-Log / N-RAW / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 273 | 273 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -10 EV | -10 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 2.10M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.3 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $2,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134×100.5×72 mm | 138.5×101.5×74 mm |
| Weight | 700g (1.54 lb) | 760g (1.68 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 380 shots | 390 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 420 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
