Have you noticed the significant price difference between the Nikon Z5 and Z6II? If you're in the market for a new Nikon, you've probably been struck by the big difference between the two cameras.

So, is it worth it? Let us help you out with that. We looked closely at the Z5 and Z6II cameras and made a side-by-side comparison. If you're considering buying up, this post should help you in your decision.

Construction

Now that we've shown you the spec on both cameras, including their similarities, let's look at the construction.

Overall, they have very similar exteriors with a few differences. Nothing too radical, though! From the front, they look like twins, almost identical. The only differences are the right-side texture and the nameplates.

While there's no difference with the back panel between the Nikon Z5 and Z6 II, it's on top of the camera where they diverge. There is no top LCD panel on the Z5, but there is on the Z6 II. (We guess that most photographers wouldn't miss the top panel.)

Interiors

While there aren't radical differences between the Nikon Z5 and Z6 II exteriors, there are some differences inside. The Z6 II is more technologically advanced (although the battery life is better on the Z5). That includes faster FPS shooting, a newer sensor design, and better low-light autofocus, among other distinctions.

So, where does the Z5 triumph? Price.

The Z6II comes in at around $2000. The Z5 can be as low as $1000, although the price difference is commonly more like a few hundred dollars. That's still a considerable price difference. That can give anyone serious pause. Is the price difference worth spending the money on? We'll let you decide as we look at the difference even more closely.

Sensors: Both cameras have a 24-megapixel sensor. However, the Z6 II sensor is a newer design that's also found on the Nikon Z6 and Nikon D780. The Z5 sports an older sensor, although not by much. (It's the same one as on the Nikon D750.). The Z6II has the slight advantage of a higher ISO than the Z5.

Processors: Their processors are EXPEED 6 on the Z5 and Dual EXPEED 6 on the Z6 II. Because the Z6II has a more extensive processing capacity, it can shoot 14 FPS stills and 60p slow-motion 4K video. On the other hand, the Z5 comes in at 4.5 FPS stills and 30p 4K video.

Battery grip: The Z6 II is compatible with the MB-N11 grip with full vertical controls. If you prefer vertical controls, then you'll like the Z6II.

Focus: The Nikon Z6 II has a slight advantage over the Z5. It enjoys better low-light focusing and the addition of eye-tracking autofocus in wide-area AF mode.

Shutter speed: The Nikon Z6 II has extended shutter speeds (up to 900 seconds in manual mode), making it ideal for long-exposure photography. The Z5 does have Time and Bulb exposure modes for shooting more than 30 seconds.

High ISO: There's virtually no difference in image quality between the Nikon Z5 and Z6 II at lower ISOs. At ISO 1600 or 3200, you'll see practically no difference. However, at ISO 6400, things begin to change with some noise introduction. Overall, it's still not too bad, though, and both cameras produce about the same image quality. Go higher still, and there's more of a difference. At ISO 12,800, you begin to see a better image quality with the Z6II. If you dare go higher, both cameras start to produce diminished image quality, but the Z6II has better imagery between them.

Nikon Z6II or the Nikon Z5?

If you're on a budget, we're not sure that the Z6 II is worth the significant jump in the price unless you're a videographer. (More on that below.) If money isn't an issue, it might be worth buying the Z6 II for the technological advances it does offer, even if they're not hugely significant.

The Nikon Z6 II is a better camera overall. However, the Z5 offers excellent features for the price point. If you already own it, it's probably not worth moving to the Z6 II.

If you don't own either camera and you can get the Nikon Z5 on sale for around $1000, then it's an excellent buy given its features. You could always put the savings into buying high-quality lenses.

For videographers, the Z6 II might be worth the price for its smaller 4K crop, eye AF in video mode, slow-motion 4K video, and 10-bit N-Log over HDMI. These are significantly better than on the Z5.

We think that the Z6 II has the advantage for sports, action, and wildlife photographers because of its maximum of 14 FPS shooting.

If you're a portrait or event photographer, it's a bit of a toss-up between the Z5 and the Z6 II. The better high ISO of the Z6 II might make the difference for you, or the price could be the deciding factor. If you're mainly shooting studio portraits, then the Z6 II might not be worth the money.

Conclusion

The Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 II are both excellent cameras for their technology and features. Neither camera is inexpensive or what we'd consider an entry-level camera. However, they are among the best cameras for the price on the market. You can't go wrong with either one, despite their differences!

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