Nikon
Z5
Entry full-frame Z with dual slots and IBIS.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Nikon
Z6 III
First partially stacked full-frame sensor with 6K N-RAW internal video.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Z6 III is 3.9 years newer.
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Wins
Z5
Wins
Z6 III
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ6 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher Burst (mechanical) (20 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher 1080p max frame rate (240 fps vs 60 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 5 stops)
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
Z6 III
139 × 102 × 74 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
Z5 is 5mm narrower, 1mm shorter, and 5mm thinner than Z6 III.
Z5 is 170 g lighter than Z6 III.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm Z5 · 74mm Z6 III
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5
134 × 101 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z6 III
139 × 102 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
Z6 III
139 × 74 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z6 III
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z6 III
✓ 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
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 100.5, 69.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, SD UHS-II
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots vs 360 shots — higher is better
Weight
590 g vs 760 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z6 III
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, Raw…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 101.5, 74
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, SD…
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
20 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
240 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
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
Z6 III
Pros
- ✓Partially stacked CMOS reduces rolling shutter
- ✓6K N-RAW 60p internal — true filmmaking capability
- ✓5.76M dot EVF — best-in-class resolution
- ✓14fps mechanical burst
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 380 CIPA shots
- –Smaller lens ecosystem vs. Canon RF
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 and Z6 III at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z6 III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z5 or Z6 III?
Z6 III scores 10.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for Z5 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 and Z6 III?
Z5 is 24.3 MP and Z6 III is 24.5 MP, so the Z6 III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 and Z6 III have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z6 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 or the Z6 III?
Z5 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Z6 III reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 and Z6 III?
Z5 weighs 590 g and Z6 III weighs 760 g, so the Z5 is 170 g lighter.
Do the Z5 and Z6 III record 4K video?
Z5: 4K up to 30p. Z6 III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z5 and Z6 III weather sealed?
Z5: Yes. Z6 III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 470 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 and 360 shots for the Z6 III, giving the Z5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 launched at $1,399 and Z6 III at $2,499. The Z5 is $1,100 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 vs Z6 III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.