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 II
24MP hybrid workhorse before the Z6 III generation.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Oct 2020
Z5 IIC is 6 years newer.
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Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Z6 II
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ6 II has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ6 II has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 1,040,000)
- AZ5 IIC has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 14 fps)
- BZ6 II has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- 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 II
134 × 101 × 70 mm
615 g (1.36 lb / 21.69 oz)
Z5 IIC is 20mm shorter than Z6 II but it is also 3mm thicker.
Z5 IIC is 5 g heavier than Z6 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 70mm Z6 II
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 II
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 II
134 × 70 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z6 II
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 II
✓ 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 -4.5 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 80.7, 72
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 14 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Internal RAW video
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Reasons to choose
Z6 II
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, 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)
410 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
615 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
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
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 II
Pros
- ✓Proven hybrid
- ✓Dual slots
- ✓Good video
Cons
- –Superseded by Z6 III
- –24MP
- –Older AF
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 IIC and Z6 II at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
Nikon Z6 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z5 IIC or Z6 II?
Z5 IIC scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Z6 II — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6 II?
Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 II have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z6 II has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Z6 II?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Z6 II reaches 14 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6 II?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Z6 II weighs 615 g, so the Z6 II is 5 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 II record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Z6 II: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Z6 II weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Z6 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 410 shots for the Z6 II, giving the Z6 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Z6 II 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 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.