Nikon
Z5
Entry full-frame Z with dual slots and IBIS.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Nikon
Z5 IIC
Screen-first, viewfinder-free full-frame Z mount body: 24.5MP BSI sensor, EXPEED 7 AF with fish detection, 7.5-stop IBIS, 15 Scene Modes, and N-RAW video.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2026
Z5 IIC is 6.3 years newer.
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Wins
Z5
Wins
Z5 IIC
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ5 has higher Burst (mechanical) (4.5 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ5 IIC has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- AZ5 has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 1,040,000)
- BZ5 IIC has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- AZ5 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareZ5
134 × 101 × 70 mm
590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 × 72 mm
620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
Z5 is 3mm thinner than Z5 IIC but it is also 20mm taller.
Z5 is 30 g lighter than Z5 IIC.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm Z5 · 72mm Z5 IIC
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5
134 × 101 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z5
134 × 70 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z5 IIC
134 × 72 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z5 IIC
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z5
Burst (mechanical)
4.5 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, SD UHS-II
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 1,040,000 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 100.5, 69.5
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
590 g vs 620 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z5 IIC
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 80.7, 72
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z5 IIC supports it
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 273
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z5
Pros
- ✓Dual slots at entry price
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Full-frame
Cons
- –Older AF
- –4K crop
- –Slow burst
Z5 IIC
Pros
- ✓Lightest full-frame Z body (620g)
- ✓15 Scene Modes — first on a Nikon FX mirrorless
- ✓EXPEED 7 AF, 10 subject types incl. fish
- ✓7.5-stop IBIS + Focus Point VR
- ✓N-RAW internal recording, UVC/UAC webcam
Cons
- –No built-in EVF — rear screen only
- –Single SD UHS-II slot
- –No mechanical shutter
- –4K 60p is DX (APS-C) crop only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 and Z5 IIC at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z5 or Z5 IIC?
Z5 IIC scores 9.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for Z5 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 and Z5 IIC?
Z5 is 24.3 MP and Z5 IIC is 24.5 MP, so the Z5 IIC captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 and Z5 IIC have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 or the Z5 IIC?
Z5 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 and Z5 IIC?
Z5 weighs 590 g and Z5 IIC weighs 620 g, so the Z5 is 30 g lighter.
Do the Z5 and Z5 IIC record 4K video?
Z5: 4K up to 30p. Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p.
Are the Z5 and Z5 IIC weather sealed?
Z5: Yes. Z5 IIC: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 470 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 and 350 shots for the Z5 IIC, giving the Z5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $1,399.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 vs Z5 IIC vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.