Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z5 II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z5 II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (14fps vs 4fps), 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and subject-detection AF. The Nikon Z5 is still the value pick at $1,397 ($1,699 for the Nikon Z5 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Nikon Z5 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 590g (1.30 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 700g (1.54 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon Z5 II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 14fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 4fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p, 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -10 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Nikon Z5 II shoots 14fps to the Nikon Z5's 4fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Video: the Nikon Z5 II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Nikon Z5 launched at $1,397, $302 under the Nikon Z5 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Weight: the Nikon Z5 is 590g (1.30 lb) vs 700g (1.54 lb) — 110g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon Z5 or the Nikon Z5 II better?
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z5 II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (14fps vs 4fps), 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and subject-detection AF. The Nikon Z5 is still the value pick at $1,397 ($1,699 for the Nikon Z5 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Nikon Z5?
Choose the Nikon Z5 if you value portability — at 590g (1.30 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 700g (1.54 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon Z5 II?
Choose the Nikon Z5 II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 14fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 4fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p, 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -10 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Nikon Z5 and the Nikon Z5 II?
Burst: the Nikon Z5 II shoots 14fps to the Nikon Z5's 4fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Partially-Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 64000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 4 fps | 14 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | N-Log / N-RAW / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 273 | 273 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -10 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 2.10M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.3 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,397 | $1,699 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134×100.5×69.5 mm | 134×100.5×72 mm |
| Weight | 590g (1.30 lb) | 700g (1.54 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 390 shots | 380 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 470 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
