Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z5 II
Nikon Z5 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Z5 II is better for beginners, travel, portraits, wildlife, sports, vlogging.
Choose the Z5 for
- a lighter body (675g vs 700g)
- a lower price (from £509)
Choose the Z5 II for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 4.5fps)
- a newer design (2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z5 | Z5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2020 | 2025 |
| Burst | 4.5 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 64,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p (crop) | 4K 60p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 675 g | 700 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £1,499 |
| Used at MPB | £509–574 | £1,009–1,029 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z5 II |
| Everyday & travel | Z5 II |
| Portraits | Z5 II |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Z5 II |
| Sports & action | Z5 II |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Z5 II |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Nikon Z mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Nikon EN-EL15c).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z5 better than the Nikon Z5 II?
It depends on your priorities. The Z5 offers a lighter body (675g vs 700g), a lower price (from £509); the Z5 II offers faster bursts (30fps vs 4.5fps), a newer design (2025).
Which is better for video, the Z5 or the Z5 II?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p (crop) vs 4K 60p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z5 or the Z5 II?
The Z5 costs No longer sold new new and from £509 used at MPB; the Z5 II costs £1,499 new and from £1,009 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z5 lenses on the Z5 II?
Yes. Both use the Nikon Z mount.