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
Nikon
Z6
Original 24MP Z hybrid that launched the Z system.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Z5 IIC is 8.2 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Z6
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ6 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ6 has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 1,040,000)
- AZ5 IIC has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 12 fps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 30 fps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 × 72 mm
620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z6
134 × 101 × 68 mm
585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
Z5 IIC is 20mm shorter than Z6 but it is also 5mm thicker.
Z5 IIC is 35 g heavier than Z6.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 68mm Z6
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z6
134 × 101 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z5 IIC
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z6
134 × 68 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z6
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5 IIC
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z6
✓ 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 IIC
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Dogs, Cats…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 80.7, 72
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Reasons to choose
Z6
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 1,040,000 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 100.5, 67.5
Weight
585 g vs 620 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.5 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 273
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
Z6
Pros
- ✓Historic value
- ✓Solid hybrid
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Very dated now
- –Single slot
- –Limited video
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 IIC and Z6 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z5 IIC or Z6?
Z5 IIC scores 9.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Z6 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6?
Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z6 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Z6?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Z6 reaches 12 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Z6 weighs 585 g, so the Z6 is 35 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Z6: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Z6 weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Z6: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 310 shots for the Z6, giving the Z5 IIC the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Z6 at $1,999. The Z5 IIC is $600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 IIC vs Z6 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.