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Home → Cameras and Lenses

All Nikon Z Cameras as of 2023, Compared

By Spencer Cox 66 Comments
Last Updated On January 10, 2023

Ever since Nikon introduced the Z Series in 2018, the camera lineup has grown tremendously. As of 2023, the Z series now totals 9 cameras. The first two, the Nikon Z6 and Z7, are currently on the second generation Z6 II and Z7 II. In between, Nikon also released the Z5 (a budget full-frame mirrorless camera) and later the headline-grabbing Z9 at the top of their lineup.

As for Nikon’s APS-C cameras with a smaller sensor (which they call Nikon DX cameras), we now have the Nikon Z50, Zfc, and Z30. In this article, I’ll take a look at the general specifications of these nine cameras and see how they compare to each other.

To make it easier to compare the Nikon Z cameras, I created two large tables that show all the key specifications of the Z lineup side-by-side. The first table covers the Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II and Z9. Meanwhile, the second table covers the Z30, Zfc, and Z50. Please note that there is a lot of information here, and some of it had to be compressed to fit.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the key specifications:

Camera FeatureNikon Z5Nikon Z6Nikon Z6 IINikon Z7Nikon Z7 IINikon Z9
Sensor Resolution24.3 MP24.5 MP24.5 MP45.7 MP45.7 MP45.7MP
Crop Factor1.0x1.0x1.0x1.0x1.0x1.0x
Low-Pass FilterYesYesYesNoNoNo
Sensor TypeCMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSStacked CMOS
Base ISO100100100646464
Highest Native ISO51,20051,20051,20025,60025,60025,600
IBISYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axis
Image Size6016 x 40166048 x 40246048 x 40248256 x 55048256 x 55048,256 x 5,504
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6EXPEED 62x EXPEED 6EXPEED 62x EXPEED 6EXPEED 7
EVF Resolution3.6 MP3.6 MP3.6 MP3.6 MP3.6 MP3.6 MP
EVF Coverage100%100%100%100%100%100%
EVF Magnif.0.8x0.8x0.8x0.8x0.8x0.8x
Built-in FlashNoNoNoNoNoNo
Flash Sync1/200s1/200s1/200s1/200s1/200s 1/200s
Media2x SD UHS II1x CFe1x CFe + 1x SD UHS II1x CFe1x CFe + 1x SD UHS II2x CFe/XQD
FPS (12-bit RAW)4.5 FPS12 FPS14 FPS9 FPS10 FPS20 FPS
Buffer (12-bit RAW)1003512423771000
Fastest Shutter Speed1/80001/80001/80001/80001/80001/32000
Longest Manual Exposure30 sec30 secUp to 900 sec30 secUp to 900 secUp to 900 sec
AF Points273 points273 points273 points493 points493 points493 points
Focusing Range, EV-2 to +19 (-3 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-3.5 to +19 (-6 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-4.5 to +19 (-6 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-2 to +19 (-4 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-3 to +19 (-4 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-5.5 to +21.5 (-7.5 to +21.5 EV with Starlight View on)
Eye AFYesYesYesYesYesYes, with subject recognition
Eye AF in VideoNoNoYesNoYesYes
Max Video Resolution4K4K4K4K4K8.3K
Video Slow Motion60FPS120FPS120FPS 120FPS 120FPS 120FPS
4K Video Crop1.7x1.0x1.0x (30p), 1.5x (60p)1.08x1.08x1.0x
Maximum Video Quality4:2:2 10-bit (HDMI)4:2:2 10-bit (HDMI)4:2:2 10-bit (HDMI)4:2:2 10-bit (HDMI)4:2:2 10-bit (HDMI)Raw 12-bit (Internal)
N-LOGYesYesYesYesYesYes (and N-RAW)
HLG / HDR OutNoNoYesNoYes Yes
LCD TypeTiltTiltTiltTiltTiltVertical/Horizontal Tilt
LCD Size3.2 Diagonal3.2 Diagonal3.2 Diagonal3.2 Diagonal3.2 Diagonal3.2 Diagonal
LCD Resolution1.04 MP2.1 MP2.1 MP2.1 MP2.1 MP2.1 MP
Wi-Fi / BluetoothYes / YesYes / YesYes / YesYes / YesYes / YesYes / Yes
GPSNoNoNoNoNoYes
BatteryEN-EL15cEN-EL15bEN-EL15cEN-EL15bEN-EL15cEN-EL18d
Battery Life (CIPA)470 shots310 shots340 shots330 shots360 shots700 shots
Battery Grip OptionMB-N10MB-N10MB-N11MB-N10MB-N11Built-in
Continuous Ext PowerYesNoYesNoYesYes
Weather-SealingYesYesYesYesYesYes
USB VersionType-C 3.1Type-C 3.1Type-C 3.1Type-C 3.1Type-C 3.1Type-C 3.1
Weight (with Battery and Card)675 g (1.49 lbs)675 g (1.49 lbs)705 g (1.55 lbs)675 g (1.49 lbs)705 g (1.55 lbs)1340g (2.9lbs)
Dimensions134 x 101 x 70mm134 x 101 x 68mm134 x 101 x 70mm134 x 101 x 68mm134 x 101 x 70mm149 x 149.5 x 90.5 mm
Price$1200 (check current price)$1600 (check current price)$2000 (check current price)$2500 (check current price)$3000 (check current price)$5500 (check current price)

Nikon’s DX cameras:

Camera FeatureNikon Z50Nikon ZfcNikon Z30
AnnouncedOct. 2019June 2021June 2022
Sensor Resolution20.9 MP20.9 MP20.9 MP
Crop Factor1.5x1.5x1.5x
Low-Pass FilterNo No No
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOSCMOS
ISO RangeISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-51,200
IBISNoNoNo
Sensor Size23.5 x 15.7mm 23.5 x 15.7mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Image Size5568 x 37125568 x 37125568 x 3712
Image Processor EXPEED 6 EXPEED 6 EXPEED 6
EVF Resolution2.36 MP2.36 MPN/A (no viewfinder)
EVF Coverage100%100%N/A
EVF Magnif.0.68x 0.68xN/A
Built-in FlashYesNoNo
Flash Sync1/200s1/200s1/200s
Media1x SD UHS I1x SD UHS I1x SD UHS I
FPS (12-bit RAW)11fps11fps11fps
Buffer (12-bit RAW)354535
Fastest Shutter Speed1/4000 1/4000 1/4000
Longest Manual Exposure30 sec900 sec30 sec
AF System209 points 209 points 209 points
Low-Light EV Range (f/2 standardized)-2 to +19 (-4 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-2.5 to +19.5 (-4 to +19.5 EV with Low Light AF on)-2.5 to +19.5 (-4 to +19.5 EV with Low Light AF on)
Eye AFYesYesYes
Eye AF in VideoNoNoYes
Max Video4K @ 30p4K @ 30p4K @ 30p
4K Video Crop1.5x1.5x1.0x
HDMI Out4:2:0 8-bit 4:2:0 8-bit 4:2:0 8-bit
N-LOGNoNoNo
HLG / HDR OutNoNoNo
LCD TypeTiltTilt/FlipTilt/Flip
LCD Size3.2 Diagonal3.0 Diagonal3.0 Diagonal
LCD Resolution1.04 MP 1.04 MP 1.04 MP
Wi-Fi / BluetoothYes / YesYes / YesYes / Yes
GPSNoNoNo
BatteryEN-EL25EN-EL25EN-EL25
Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots300 shots330 shots
Battery Grip OptionNoneNoneNone
Continuous Ext PowerNoNoNo
Weather-SealingYesYesYes
USB VersionType-B M 3.0USB-CUSB-C
Weight (with Battery and Card)450 g (0.99 lbs)390g (14oz)350g (12.4oz)
Dimensions127 x 94 x 60mm134.5 x 93.5 x 43.5mm128 x 73.5 x 59.5mm
Price$860 (check current price)$960 (check current price)$710 (check current price)

There are dozens of specifications variations between the camera bodies. Generally speaking, though, the biggest differences involve the camera’s sensor size, sensor resolution, and processing power – and, of course, price.

Overall, I’ve found the Z series cameras to be quite versatile. I’ve shot extensively with all of them except for the Nikon Z30, and I found that even the cheaper cameras can produce great results. But let me go through each camera one-by-one to explain if they’re the right choice for you.

Z30

At the bottom of the stack is the Nikon Z30. This camera is Nikon’s entry level body – the cheapest in their lineup at the moment. The biggest difference compared to the other Z-series cameras is that the Z30 has no viewfinder. Instead, the camera is operated entirely via the fully articulating rear touch screen.

Nikon is pushing the Z30 as a video-oriented camera for “content creators,” but it’s not really an advanced camera for video shooters. It even lacks a headphone jack, let alone more advanced video features like 10-bit recording or Log profiles for color grading.

Then again, the Z30 is the best of Nikon’s DX cameras for shooting video, considering that 4K video can be shot without an additional crop (unlike the Nikon Z50 and Zfc). The LCD is also fully articulating, unlike the LCD on the Z50. If you don’t need a viewfinder, the Z30 is hardly a bad choice.

In terms of lenses, I’d pair the Z30 (or the Z50 or Zfc) with Nikon’s 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens for general use. You should also consider the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 for video and portraiture.

Nikon Z30 Articulating Rear LCD Screen
The Nikon Z30’s fully articulating rear LCD

Z50

The Z50 was Nikon’s first APS-C camera in the Z system. It’s an upper-entry-level camera, roughly in line with Nikon’s D5000-series DSLRs.

To that end, it lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it only has a single UHS-I compatible SD card slot. However, it retains the more traditional electronic viewfinder of the full-frame Nikon Z cameras, while still being smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the full frame options.

If you want a viewfinder for easier handheld photography, the Z50 is a nice upgrade over the Z30 for an extra $150 or so. Between the two, it’s the more competitive camera overall, although they’re not too different.

Nikon Z50 Sample Image #39
NIKON Z 50 + NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR @ 250mm, ISO 200, 1/640, f/6.3

Zfc

The Zfc bumps up a few minor specs compared to the Z50. The biggest is that the LCD is fully articulating, whereas the Z50’s LCD only tilts up and down. However, the main reason to spend an extra $100 on the Zfc instead of the Z50 is to get a retro-themed camera.

Nikon Zfc Top View

Nikon did a nice job styling the Zfc to evoke its old film cameras in design. However, if you’re on a budget, it’s probably wiser to spend your money elsewhere, like lenses. It’s up to you. By the way, if you’re buying used, go with the Z50. It’s currently selling for much cheaper than the Zfc on the used market.

Nikon Z 28mm f2.8 Review Photography Life
NIKON Z fc + NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 @ 28mm, ISO 160, 1/1000, f/8.0

Z5

Now we’re onto Nikon’s full-frame (FX) mirrorless cameras.

The Nikon Z5 is the most budget-friendly option among Nikon’s FX cameras. In fact, it is one of the cheapest full-frame cameras on the market today.

It does lack some advanced specifications, admittedly. The continuous shooting speed of 4.5 FPS isn’t very fast. The camera sensor itself is an older generation that doesn’t do quite as well in very low light. And the 4K video capabilities are more limited, due to a heavy 1.7x crop.

Other than that, most of the features are very similar to the more expensive Nikon Z6 / Z6 II, making the Z5 a great deal. I consider it the best deal in Nikon’s entire Z-series camera lineup, in fact. I’d get this instead of any of the DX cameras if you’re able to spend a bit more. (The Z5 also goes on sale for $1000 at least once a year.)

Nikon Z5 Image Sample #62
NIKON Z 5 + NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR @ 63mm, ISO 100, 1/60, f/8.0

Z6 and Z6 II

The Z6 and Z6 II offer a better sensor and better AF performance over the Z5. The Z6 II additionally adds dual EXPEED 6 processors, which boosts the autofocus systems, increases continuous shooting frame rate, and improves video features.

While the Z6 version is somewhat older, it’s still a competent and versatile camera. I’d expect a third update to these cameras coming soon, probably with better autofocus tracking for sports photography (one of the few complaints about these cameras).

Nikon Z6 II Image Sample #54
NIKON Z 6 II + AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR @ 500mm, ISO 250, 1/2500, f/5.6

Z7 and Z7 II

Above the Z6 series, the Nikon Z7 series adds basically nothing except more resolution. Rather than a 24 megapixel sensor, it’s a 45 megapixel sensor. (The base ISO also is 64 instead of ISO 100, which is great for landscape photography.)

Despite being a higher megapixel body, the Z7 is still quite fast, able to do 9 or 10FPS, albeit with some viewfinder and AF limitations. For landscape photography, it’s hard to beat either of these cameras. They’re some of the best on the market (and the original Z7 is selling for some very good used prices these days).

Nikon Z7 Landscape Photo from Faroe Islands
NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S @ 14mm, ISO 64, 6/10, f/16.0

Z9

At the top of the heap is the Nikon Z9, a pro level, flagship camera for $5500. The camera has a 45 megapixel sensor, 20 FPS shooting, and a 1,000+ RAW image buffer.

On the video side, the camera is equally capable, with support for internal recording of 8K 60p video – RAW video at that. If you’re considering this level of camera, take the time to read our extensive review of the features and performance.

Nikon Z9 Review Sample Photo Wildlife Bison
NIKON Z 9 + NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S @ 320mm, ISO 800, 1/1250, f/5.3

Where applicable, you can read our in-depth reviews of these six cameras here:

  • Nikon Z50 Review
  • Nikon Z5 Review
  • Nikon Z6 Review
  • Nikon Z6 II Review
  • Nikon Z7 Review
  • Nikon Z7 II Review

I hope you found the above comparison useful for choosing which Nikon mirrorless camera is right for you. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments section below!

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Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Nikon, Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z50, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z7 II

About Spencer Cox

I'm Spencer Cox, a macro and landscape photographer based in Denver. My photos have been displayed in galleries worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and exhibitions in London, Malta, Siena, and Beijing. These days I'm active on Instagram and YouTube.

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Mark
Mark
March 23, 2022 11:32 am

Would love to see the Z fc added to the matrix

1
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Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox
Author
Reply to  Mark
December 26, 2022 12:15 pm

Consider it done!

0
Reply
Girish
Girish
December 16, 2020 10:50 am

Thanks Spencer for all the detailed reviews and settings you post. It helped me with d750 and now recently with z6.

1
Reply
Kevin
Kevin
December 10, 2020 12:17 pm

Hi, I just wondered what the mentioned “Improved EVF” actually means? I ask because DPR said the Z6ii viewfinder was identical to the Z6, with the same (too low) refresh rate

0
Reply
Muhammad Omer
Muhammad Omer
December 5, 2020 1:59 pm

are UHS 1 and UHS 2 cards interchangeable?

2
Reply
Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox
Author
Reply to  Muhammad Omer
December 26, 2022 12:17 pm

Only if your camera supports UHS-II. The Nikon Z FX cameras do, while the Nikon Z DX cameras only support. UHS-I. (UHS-II cards are faster if your camera supports them.)

0
Reply
Ron Sundar
Ron Sundar
December 5, 2020 9:00 am

Hello Spencer,
Great info on the Nikon mirrorless cameras. Perhaps in the near future it would be nice to compare the Nikon, Fuji and Canon mirrorless families. Unfortunately I am stuck with the D750 and a lot of glass.

1
Reply
Simon Stafford
Simon Stafford
December 5, 2020 2:49 am

Thank you for the very useful chart.

It would be worth pointing out the 14fps maximum frame rate of the Z 6 II in its Extended High mode is only available with Single-point AF-area mode and, when recording raw files, with 12-bit depth NEF Raw. In all other respects the maximum frame rate in the Extended High mode of the Z 6 II and Z 6 is the same.

Likewise the native maximum frame rate of the Z 6 II and Z 7 II are the same as the respective native maximum frame rates of the Z 6 and Z 7.

0
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Richard L
Richard L
December 5, 2020 2:27 am

Spencer, you left out one thing: the Z50 lacks any sensor cleaning system, putting it in the same league as… the D3400/3500. I don’t think there’s any justification to omit sensor cleaning (even the D3300 could do it) so although I am an APS-C shooter, I’m not switching to Nikon mirrorless right now

1
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Akhilesh Vanam
Akhilesh Vanam
December 4, 2020 9:12 pm

The Covid pandemic and the subsequent postponement have given Nikon enough time to put up Z6 and Z7 on steroids,so also are going to be the launch of Z8 Z9.It is upto the Nikon users to make the best use of it

0
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jean pierre (pete) guaron
jean pierre (pete) guaron
December 4, 2020 8:25 pm

It’s certainly “interesting”. If I’d been Nikon’s marketing manager, there are differences there that wouldn’t have been my choice – but I guess that’s coloured by what I need, and I don’t have access to market figures. That said – I do wonder, sometimes, whether the manufacturers really do either – none of them ever seem to listen to their customers, they’re more interested in promoting what they’ve decided on, instead.
Price is one factor – the D850 is still one hell of a camera, but since its release the price has dropped about 30% – still high, but definitely more affordable. At USD$3 grand/AUD$5.5 grand, the Z7 II would be of more interest to someone else. I’d still have to start all over, replacing all my glass, and the cost would be prohibitive. Of course I could use an adapter – but why, when the glass is already OK without one, on my existing cameras?
Sorry to sound like a wet blanket – the idea is good, and Nikon has to keep moving on, moving forward. I’ve just been left behind, I think. This range is for a whole new generation of photographers.

2
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Mark
Mark
Reply to  jean pierre (pete) guaron
December 4, 2020 10:53 pm

I am still waiting for their pro mirrorless model to be released. The battery life on the mirrorless is horrible. The adapter is not ideal but better than replacing all my pro glass. I still love my D850s. When a better model is released I might give it a try … but there is no reason to replace all of my glass if I do. If they sold a mirrorless model specifically for F mount lenses, you would not be able to use the Z lenses, so I guess the adapter saves them from releasing 2 mounts for each new model. There’s nothing they offer that makes me want to buy one … but if they made an F mount mirrorless I would be more likely to buy one.

0
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Jürgen
Jürgen
Reply to  Mark
December 5, 2020 1:01 am

You Fan lease the adapter on the camera. This will transform ist into an F mount mirrorless :-)

0
Reply
Jürgen
Jürgen
Reply to  Jürgen
December 5, 2020 1:03 am

I hate the Semi-intelligent Auto correction!!! of course it‘s „you can leave“ and „it“.

0
Reply
Eric Bowles
Eric Bowles
Reply to  Mark
December 5, 2020 3:25 pm

In practice the battery life on the Z6 is fine – about the same as my D850. I’ve only had two occasions covering more than 50,000 images where I needed to move to a second battery – and both were unusual situations. For high volume work I’m typically getting 1500-2000 images on a single battery charge. For lower volume work that does not involve bursts, I typically get 800-900 images on a charge.

You have to balance the things the Z cameras do better than a DSLR. For example, the Z cameras focus more accurately than my DSLR – little need to fine tune AF and a hybrid Phase Detect Contrast Detect AF. I use 4-5 different AF modes on the Z6.

There are new AF modes and new ways of accessing functions so if you embrace the differences and customize your camera to match what and how you shoot, it works very well. It’s rare for me to access the full menu during a day because all my frequently used functions are accessed through iMenu or Fn buttons.

The Z lenses are really quite good. You don’t need to upgrade because the FTZ adapter works well, but if you are considering a new lens, in all cases the Z lenses have been outstanding.

2
Reply
Michael F Dougherty
Michael F Dougherty
December 4, 2020 3:31 pm

Just found that with the Z7II and EN-EL15c battery, you can charge and shoot at the same time.

2
Reply

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