The Nikon Z5 is Nikon’s base full-frame mirrorless Z-mount camera, and the Zf is a much more powerful full-frame camera but with the same sensor resolution and a completely different design. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z5 | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | July 2020 | September 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6016×4016 | 6048×4032 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.95µ | 5.9µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-102,400 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 4.5 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 4.5 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | None | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 100 frames (4.5 FPS) | Over 200 frames |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -3.5 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Raw Video | No | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.7x crop at 4K | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | Micro SD (UHS-I) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 390 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 470 frames | 380 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 430 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 675 g (1.49 lbs.) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 80 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.1″)1 | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $1400 (Check Current Price) | $2000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z5 Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z5’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z5’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The Nikon Zf is ahead of the Z5 in almost every way. Although the Z5’s autofocus has been improved a bit since its release with firmware updates, the Zf is still far ahead. That being said, for slower-paced photography, the Z5 does work very well.
The Zf has much better video than the Z5. This will be especially noticeable at 4K30, where the Z5 has the significant crop of 1.7, although 1080P quality is comparable. The Zf also has got 10-bit video out of the box so you’ll have more flexibility with it in post.
The one thing going for the Z5 is its price. You can certainly get the Z5 for at least half the price of the Zf, if not more. So if you don’t need the more advanced autofocus for moving subjects, the Z5 could be a really nice camera.
What does the Nikon Z5 offer over the Nikon Zf?
- Lighter weight (35g lighter. It’s not a lot, but every bit helps.)
- Lower price, costing $600 less
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z5?
- Much better autofocus
- Higher resolution rear display, with about 2.0x more dots, making image review in the field easier
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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