All Nikon Z Cameras as of 2024, Compared

Ever since Nikon introduced the Z Series in 2018, the camera lineup has grown tremendously. As of February 2024, the Z series now totals 11 cameras.

Let’s first talk about full-frame. 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. After the Z9, we’ve got the smaller and more budget-friendly Z8 and the retro-style Nikon Zf.

The remaining three cameras are Nikon’s APS-C Z cameras with a smaller sensor (which they call Nikon DX cameras). They are the Nikon Z50, Zfc, and Z30, with the last one being more of a vlogging camera as it does not even have a viewfinder. In this article, I’ll take a look at the general specifications of these eleven cameras and see how they compare to each other.

To make it easier to compare the Nikon Z cameras, we’ve got three 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, and Z7 II. These full-frame cameras are the pre-Z9 cameras that have decent but not class-leading autofocus.

The next chart compares the Nikon Zf, Z9, and Z8, which are a bit more capable and roughly could be considered the second-generation of Nikon’s lineup.

Meanwhile, the third table covers the Z30, Zfc, and Z50. In summary, here are the eleven Nikon Mirrorless cameras so far in order of their announcement dates:

Now, let’s get onto comparing them!

The Earlier Full-Frame Cameras (2018-2020)

In this section, we’ll discuss the earlier full-frame cameras released by Nikon: the Z5, Z6/Z6II, and the Z7/Z7II. Let’s first look at the key differences:

Now, let’s talk a little about the main differences between these cameras.

Z5

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, especially when you consider that the latest firmware update has made the Z5 almost as good as the Z6!

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.)

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 a little, 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).

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—the original Z7 is selling for some very good used prices these days, which is great considering that the image quality of the Z7 is every bit as good as the newer models.

The Later Full-Frame Cameras (2021+)

Now, we’ve come to the later models that include the two autofocus beasts, the Nikon Z8 and the Z9, as well as the retro-style Zf that is a surprisingly capable camera under its classic appearance.

Let’s examine how these later cameras compare.

Zf

At first glance, you might think the Nikon Zf is a full-frame upgrade of the Zfc, Nikon’s retro DX camera. However, the Zf has a bit more than the Zfc besides just a bigger sensor: it got a lot of the autofocus capabilities from the Z9. Of course, it does not have the stacked sensor of the Z8 or the Z9 so it’s definitely not as fast as those cameras, but it’s definitely an improvement over the Z6II and Z7II.

The Zf was also the first of Nikon’s Z cameras to gain high-res multi-shot mode, so that you can create much higher resolution files from multiple exposures. That might make up a little for its lower 24MP resolution—although I think 24MP is already enough for most applications. In short, the Zf is a really good all-around camera that can do most types of photography without breaking a sweat. I’d definitely get the Nikon Zf if I didn’t need the fastest autofocus of the Z9.

Z8

The Nikon Z9 just below was Nikon’s first full-frame Z camera that could be said to compete with the top flagship offerings of other manufacturers. However, the Nikon Z9 is a bit heavy for some, and that’s why Nikon came out with the Z8. The Z8 is almost everything the Z9 is but in a smaller package. Like the Z9, it also doesn’t have a mechanical shutter and contains Nikon’s top autofocus system. So, if you’re in the mood for action photography, you’ve actually got two cameras to choose from.

The only slight difference between the Z8 and the Z9, aside from their different firmware update schedules, is video. The Z9’s larger body gives it better heat dissipation and so it can record more intense video for longer: the Z8 has a ninety-minute recording limit whereas you can push the Z9 for two hours. However, certainly very few people will need more than ninety minutes of 8K video. You can get a bit more information about the Z8 in a field report we published by Marsel van Oosten.

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. Without a doubt, the Z9 is the perfect camera for tough action situations that require excellent autofocus and huge hunks of glass.

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’s DX cameras

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 does at least have a fully articulating LCD, video eye-AF, and a tally light (which lights up when it’s filming). These features aren’t groundbreaking, but they are at least a nice iteration that makes it a bit easier to film video on the Z30 relative to most cameras. If you don’t need a viewfinder, you can save some money with the Z30 compared to the Z50 or Zfc while otherwise getting very similar specs.

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.

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.

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 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.

In-Depth Reviews

This article has covered all of Nikon’s mirrorless Z-mount cameras at a glance. However, we’ve also written in-depth reviews of most of them, and it’s worthwhile to check them out if you’re still not sure which one you want:

• Nikon Z50 Review
• Nikon Z5 Review
• Nikon Z6 Review
• Nikon Z6 II Review
• Nikon Z7 Review
• Nikon Z7 II Review
• Nikon Z8 Field Report
• Nikon Z9 Review
• Nikon Zf Field Review
• We haven’t reviewed the Z30 and Zfc yet, but we’ve got some Zfc sample Raws for you to check out its image quality.

Conclusion

Nikon has certainly fleshed out its Z-lineup since the original Z6 and Z7 were released. And even though those original cameras are great (and we still use a few at Photography Life!), Nikon now has cameras for every sort of need including the beasts the Z9 and the Z8 for fast action. No doubt that there are still many advancements to be made, but so far the Nikon lineup is looking pretty good. 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!