Nikon
Z5
Entry full-frame Z with dual slots and IBIS.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 3.2 years newer.
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Wins
Z5
Wins
Zf
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- BZf has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BZf 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
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
Z5 is 10mm narrower and 3mm shorter than Zf but it is also 21mm thicker.
Z5 is 120 g lighter than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm Z5 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5
134 × 101 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 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
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Zf
✓ 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
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Weight
590 g vs 710 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Zf supports it
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 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
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z5 or Zf?
Zf scores 9.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for Z5 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 and Zf?
Z5 is 24.3 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 or the Zf?
Z5 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 and Zf?
Z5 weighs 590 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the Z5 is 120 g lighter.
Do the Z5 and Zf record 4K video?
Z5: 4K up to 30p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Z5 and Zf weather sealed?
Z5: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 470 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the Z5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 launched at $1,399 and Zf at $2,049. The Z5 is $650 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.