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
Z7
Original high-res Z body with 45MP for detail work.
$3,399
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Z5 IIC is 8.2 years newer.
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Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Z7
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ7 has higher Burst (mechanical) (9 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ7 has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 1,040,000)
- AZ5 IIC has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 9 fps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- AZ5 IIC has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 30 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
Z7
134 × 101 × 68 mm
585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
Z5 IIC is 20mm shorter than Z7 but it is also 5mm thicker.
Z5 IIC is 35 g heavier than Z7.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 68mm Z7
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
Z7
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
Z7
134 × 68 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z7
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5 IIC
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z7
✓ 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…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 9 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 80.7, 72
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
AA filter
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Reasons to choose
Z7
Burst (mechanical)
9 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
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP — higher is better
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
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
Z7
Pros
- ✓45MP
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Z mount
Cons
- –Single slot
- –Older AF
- –Superseded
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 IIC and Z7 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Z5 IIC or Z7?
Z5 IIC scores 6.5/10 versus 1.5/10 for Z7 — 30fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Z7?
Z5 IIC is 24.5 MP and Z7 is 45.7 MP, so the Z7 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z7 have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z7 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Z7?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Z7 reaches 9 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Z7?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Z7 weighs 585 g, so the Z7 is 35 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Z7 record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Z7: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Z7 weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Z7: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 330 shots for the Z7, giving the Z5 IIC the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Z7 at $3,399. The Z5 IIC is $2,000 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 IIC vs Z7 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.