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 III
First partially stacked full-frame sensor with 6K N-RAW internal video.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Z5 IIC is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Z6 III
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ6 III has higher Burst (mechanical) (20 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 1,040,000)
- BZ6 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 59.94 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher 1080p max frame rate (240 fps vs 120 fps)
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 III
139 × 102 × 74 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
Z5 IIC is 5mm narrower, 21mm shorter, and 2mm thinner than Z6 III.
Z5 IIC is 140 g lighter than Z6 III.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 74mm Z6 III
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 III
139 × 102 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 III
139 × 74 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
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 IIC
✓ 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 IIC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.7, 72
Max video bit rate
420 Mbps vs 250 Mbps — higher is better
Weight
620 g vs 760 g — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Fish
Reasons to choose
Z6 III
Burst (mechanical)
20 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 101.5, 74
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 1,040,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, Raw
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 59.94 fps — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
240 fps vs 120 fps — higher is better
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.5 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 64,000
- ✓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 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 IIC and Z6 III at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
Nikon Z6 III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, Z5 IIC or Z6 III?
Z5 IIC scores 7.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for Z6 III — 620g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6 III?
Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 III have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z6 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Z6 III?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Z6 III reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Z6 III?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Z6 III weighs 760 g, so the Z5 IIC is 140 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z6 III record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Z6 III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Z6 III weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Z6 III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 360 shots for the Z6 III, giving the Z6 III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Z6 III at $2,499. The Z5 IIC is $1,100 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 IIC vs Z6 III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.