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Home → Cameras and Lenses

All Nikon Z Cameras as of 2021, Compared

By Nasim Mansurov 68 Comments
Last Updated On January 8, 2022

Ever since Nikon introduced the Z Series in 2018, the camera line-up has grown tremendously, totaling 6 cameras. The first two cameras, the Nikon Z6 and Z7 have been updated with their second-generation bodies. In-between, Nikon also released the Z5 – a budget full-frame mirrorless camera, as well as the Z50 – Nikon’s first Z-mount APS-C camera. In this article, we will take a look at the general specifications of these cameras and see how they compare to each other.

Nikon Mirrorless Comparison

To make it easier to compare the Nikon Z cameras, I created a single large table that shows all the key specifications of the Z lineup side-by-side. The table covers the Z50, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, and Z7 II, as well as their current prices. Please note that there is a lot of information here, so most of it had to be compressed to fit. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the key specifications:

Camera FeatureNikon Z50Nikon Z5Nikon Z6Nikon Z6 IINikon Z7Nikon Z7 II
Sensor Resolution20.9 MP24.3 MP24.5 MP45.7 MP
Crop Factor1.5x1.0x
Low-Pass FilterNoYesNo
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSCMOSBSI CMOS
ISO RangeISO 100-51,200ISO 64-25,600
IBISNoYes, 5-axis
Sensor Size23.5 x 15.7mm36.0 x 24.0mm
Image Size5568 x 37126016 x 40166048 x 40248256 x 5504
Image ProcessorEXPEED 62x EXPEED 6EXPEED 62x EXPEED 6
EVF Resolution2.36 MP3.6 MP
EVF Coverage100%
EVF Magnif.0.68x0.8x
Built-in FlashYesNo
Flash Sync1/200s
Media1x SD UHS I2x SD UHS II1x CFe1x CFe + 1x SD UHS II1x CFe1x CFe + 1x SD UHS II
FPS (12-bit RAW)11 FPS4.5 FPS12 FPS14 FPS9 FPS10 FPS
Buffer (12-bit RAW)35100351242377
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/8000
Longest Manual Exposure30 secUp to 900 sec30 secUp to 900 sec
AF System209 points273 points493 points
Low-Light EV Range-2 to +19 (-4 to +19 with Low Light AF on)-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)
Eye AFYes
Eye AF in VideoNoYesNoYes
Max Video4K @ 30p4K @ 60p4K @ 30p4K @ 60p
4K Video Crop1.5x1.7x1.0x1.0x (30p), 1.5x (60p)1.08x
HDMI Out4:2:0 8-bit4:2:2 10-bit
N-LOGNoYes
HLG / HDR OutNoYesNoYes
Articulating LCDYes
LCD Size3.2 Diagonal
LCD Resolution1.04 MP2.1 MP
Wi-Fi / BluetoothYes / Yes
BatteryEN-EL25EN-EL15cEN-EL15bEN-EL15cEN-EL15bEN-EL15c
Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots470 shots310 shots340 shots330 shots360 shots
Battery GripN/AMB-N10MB-N11MB-N10MB-N11
Grip ControlsNoYesNoYes
Continous Ext PowerNoYesNoYesNoYes
Weather-SealingYes
USB VersionType-B M 3.0Type-C 3.1
Weight (with Battery and Card)450 g (0.99 lbs)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)
Dimensions127 x 94 x 60mm134 x 101 x 70mm134 x 101 x 68mm134 x 101 x 70mm134 x 101 x 68mm134 x 101 x 70mm
Current Price$860 (check for sale)$1200 (check for sale)$1600 (check for sale)$2000 (check for sale)$2500 (check for sale)$3000 (check for sale)

While most of the basic specifications are similar, there are some key differences worth pointing out. First of all, the Nikon Z50 is an oddball here. Being a budget-friendly APS-C camera with a smaller sensor when compared to full-frame, one could argue that it should not be listed together with the rest of the group. It is the only camera on the list without in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it only has a single UHS-I compatible SD card slot, and overall, it has noticeably lower-grade components. At the same time, it is the lightest, smallest, and cheapest camera on the list.

Second, you might have noticed that the cameras are sorted by their respective resolution. The Nikon Z50 has the lowest-resolution sensor at 20.9 MP. Next, we have three-general purpose cameras with similar 24 MP resolution sensors. And the last two columns are for the specialized, high-resolution Z7-series cameras that feature 45.7 MP sensors. These cameras are the most feature-rich, and the most expensive of the bunch.

While Nikon kept the Z6 II and Z7 II models almost identical to their predecessors in camera ergonomics and design, these cameras differ quite a bit internally. The newer-generation mirrorless cameras feature dual EXPEED 6 processors, which boosts their autofocus systems, increase continuous shooting frame rate, and improve video features. They also have superior low-light sensitivity range, larger buffers, as well as additional in-camera features (such as the ability to create timelapse videos while shooting timelapses, shoot up to 900 seconds without a remote, load camera firmware from the Snapbridge app, etc). Nikon got a lot of heat for only providing a single CFe / XQD memory card slot, so both successors now feature an additional UHS-II compatible SD card slot. Lastly, both Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II are now able to use a proper battery grip with real dials and controls.

The Nikon Z5 is the most budget-friendly option among full-frame cameras. In fact, it is one of the cheapest full-frame cameras on the market today. When compared to the original Z6, it has dual SD card slots, much slower continuous shooting speed of 4.5 FPS, a slightly inferior sensor, limited 4K video shooting abilities (heavy 1.7x crop), and an inferior LCD screen. Other than that, most of the features are very similar, making it the best deal here.

Ergonomically, all full-frame Nikon cameras handle very similarly. The Nikon Z5 is the only full-frame camera not to feature a top LCD. All other controls, as well as the grip, are nearly identical to those of the Z6 / Z7.

You can read our in-depth reviews of these six cameras here:

  • Nikon Z50 Review by Photography Life
  • Nikon Z5 Review by Photography Life
  • Nikon Z6 Review by Photography Life
  • Nikon Z6 II Review by Photography Life
  • Nikon Z7 Review by Photography Life
  • Nikon Z7 II Review by Photography Life

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 Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

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Mark
Mark
March 23, 2022 11:32 am

Would love to see the Z fc added to the matrix

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Jaka
Jaka
February 8, 2021 2:58 pm

Does the Z5 really support NLOG and 10bit raw recording?

Do you think future updates could improve its video specs?

1
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Pavlos H
Pavlos H
December 18, 2020 9:31 pm

Nasim,

What does “Improved EVF” mean? In his video review, Chris over at DP Review, said “we know” Z6ii’s panel being is capable of more (Hz?) but was locked down (hopefully resolve in a firmware). Was vague but I asked and never got a response. Is that what improved means? Is it a new panel that’s capable of 120Hz?

0
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Girish
Girish
December 16, 2020 10:50 am

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

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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

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Lance B
Lance B
December 9, 2020 10:33 pm

I think you may have the Low-Light EVF Range incorrect for the Z7ii. Looking at the official Z7ii page at Nikon, the EVF Range is -3 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with AF assist).

2
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Sawan
Sawan
December 6, 2020 1:11 am

Hi Nasim, Is there any difference in the Eye-Autofocus in these full frame cameras? Or all are hold similar performance?
Regards,
Sawan

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

are UHS 1 and UHS 2 cards interchangeable?

2
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Ron Sundar
Ron Sundar
December 5, 2020 9:00 am

Hello Nasim,
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.

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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.

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