Nikon Z6 Mark Ii Vs. Z5: Which One Should You Choose? (detailed Comparison)
What To Know
- The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a continuous shooting speed of 14 fps, while the Nikon Z5 has a continuous shooting speed of 4.
- The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a buffer depth of 140 RAW files, while the Nikon Z5 has a buffer depth of 47 RAW files.
- The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a battery life of 330 shots, while the Nikon Z5 has a battery life of 470 shots.
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 are two of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Comparing the Specs
| Feature | Nikon Z6 Mark II | Nikon Z5 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame CMOS | 24.3MP full-frame CMOS |
| Image processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 5 |
| Autofocus system | 273-point hybrid AF system | 273-point hybrid AF system |
| Continuous shooting speed | 14 fps | 4.5 fps |
| Buffer depth | 140 RAW files | 47 RAW files |
| Video recording | 4K UHD at 60p | 4K UHD at 30p |
| Viewfinder | 3.69M-dot OLED EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD screen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen |
| Battery life | 330 shots | 470 shots |
| Weight | 675 grams | 580 grams |
| Price | $1,999 | $1,399 |
Image Quality
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 both offer excellent image quality. Both cameras have a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, which produces sharp, detailed images with good dynamic range. However, the Z6 Mark II has a slight edge in image quality, thanks to its newer EXPEED 6 image processor. The Z6 Mark II also has a slightly higher resolution sensor, which gives it a bit more detail in images.
Autofocus
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 both have excellent autofocus systems. Both cameras use a 273-point hybrid AF system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. This system is very fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions. However, the Z6 Mark II has a slight edge in autofocus performance, thanks to its newer EXPEED 6 image processor. The Z6 Mark II also has a higher frame rate, which allows it to track moving subjects more effectively.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a continuous shooting speed of 14 fps, while the Nikon Z5 has a continuous shooting speed of 4.5 fps. This means that the Z6 Mark II is much better suited for shooting fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife. However, the Z5 is still capable of capturing fast-moving subjects, as long as you don’t need to shoot at a very high frame rate.
Buffer Depth
The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a buffer depth of 140 RAW files, while the Nikon Z5 has a buffer depth of 47 RAW files. This means that the Z6 Mark II can capture a longer burst of images before the buffer fills up. This is important for shooting fast-moving subjects or for capturing a series of images in quick succession.
Video Recording
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 both offer 4K UHD video recording. However, the Z6 Mark II has a slight edge in video quality, thanks to its newer EXPEED 6 image processor. The Z6 Mark II also supports 10-bit video recording, which gives you more flexibility when color grading your footage.
Viewfinder
The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a 3.69M-dot OLED EVF, while the Nikon Z5 has a 2.36M-dot OLED EVF. This means that the Z6 Mark II has a higher resolution viewfinder, which gives you a more detailed view of your scene. The Z6 Mark II also has a higher magnification, which makes it easier to focus on your subject.
LCD Screen
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 both have 3.2-inch tilting touchscreens. These screens are very responsive and easy to use. However, the Z6 Mark II has a slightly brighter screen, which makes it easier to see in bright sunlight.
Battery Life
The Nikon Z6 Mark II has a battery life of 330 shots, while the Nikon Z5 has a battery life of 470 shots. This means that the Z5 has a slightly longer battery life than the Z6 Mark II. However, both cameras can be used for a full day of shooting on a single charge.
Weight
The Nikon Z6 Mark II weighs 675 grams, while the Nikon Z5 weighs 580 grams. This means that the Z5 is slightly lighter than the Z6 Mark II. However, both cameras are relatively lightweight and easy to carry around.
Price
The Nikon Z6 Mark II is priced at $1,999, while the Nikon Z5 is priced at $1,399. This means that the Z5 is a more affordable option than the Z6 Mark II. However, the Z6 Mark II offers a number of advantages over the Z5, such as a higher resolution sensor, a faster continuous shooting speed, and a better viewfinder.
Which Camera Should You Choose?
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 are both excellent mirrorless cameras. However, the Z6 Mark II has a number of advantages over the Z5, such as a higher resolution sensor, a faster continuous shooting speed, a better viewfinder, and a longer battery life. The Z6 Mark II is also a more versatile camera, as it can be used for a wider range of photography and videography applications. However, the Z5 is a more affordable option, and it still offers excellent image quality and performance.
Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need a camera that can capture fast-moving subjects, or if you need a camera that can be used for a wide range of photography and videography applications, then the Nikon Z6 Mark II is the best choice for you. However, if you are on a budget, or if you don’t need a camera with all of the bells and whistles, then the Nikon Z5 is a great option.
What’s the Verdict?
The Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 are both excellent mirrorless cameras. The Z6 Mark II is the better camera overall, but it is also more expensive. The Z5 is a more affordable option, but it still offers excellent image quality and performance. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Answers to Your Questions
1. What are the main differences between the Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5?
The main differences between the Nikon Z6 Mark II and the Nikon Z5 are:
- Sensor resolution: The Z6 Mark II has a 24.5MP sensor, while the Z5 has a 24.3MP sensor.
- Image processor: The Z6 Mark II has a newer EXPEED 6 image processor, while the Z5 has an EXPEED 5 image processor.
- Continuous shooting speed: The Z6 Mark II has a continuous shooting speed of 14 fps, while the Z5 has a continuous shooting speed of 4.5 fps.
- Buffer depth: The Z6 Mark II has a buffer depth of 140 RAW files, while the Z5 has a buffer depth of 47 RAW files.
- Video recording: The Z6 Mark II supports 4K UHD video recording at 60p, while the Z5 supports 4K UHD video recording at 30p.
- Viewfinder: The Z6 Mark II has a 3.69M-dot OLED EVF, while the Z5 has a 2.36M-dot OLED EVF.
- LCD screen: The Z6 Mark II has a slightly brighter 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, while the Z5 has a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen.
- Battery life: The Z6 Mark II has a battery life of 330 shots, while the Z5 has a battery life of 470 shots.
- Weight: The Z6 Mark II weighs 675 grams, while the Z5 weighs 580 grams.
- Price: The Z6 Mark II is priced at $1,999, while the Z5 is priced at $1,399.
2. Which camera is better for sports and wildlife photography?
The Nikon Z6 Mark II is the better camera for sports and wildlife photography. It has a faster continuous shooting speed, a longer buffer depth, and a better viewfinder than the Nikon Z5.
3. Which camera is better for videography?
The Nikon Z6 Mark II is the better camera for videography. It supports 4K UHD video recording at 60p, while the Nikon Z5 only supports 4K UHD video recording at 30p. The Z6 Mark II also has a better viewfinder and a longer battery life than the Z5.
