Nikon Z5II vs Z6III: which to buy?

Two 24.5MP full-frame Nikon bodies with the same EXPEED 7 processor. The Z5II, with a back-illuminated sensor and twin SD slots, launched at $1,699.95 body only in 2025; the Z6III, with a partially stacked sensor, 6K/60p N-RAW video and a CFexpress slot, launched at $2,499.95 body only in 2024.

Why it exists. This page is for someone deciding whether the Z6III's faster sensor, video and brighter viewfinder are worth $800 more at launch than the Z5II. Nikon positions the Z5II as the value full-frame body for stills and the Z6III for action and video.

The rear of the orange Toyota FT-Se concept sports car at a motor show — **Nikon Z5II**24.5MP BSI · twin SD · launched at $1,699.95 in 2025Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

A blue dockside crane with a red cab against a clear blue sky — **Nikon Z6III**24.5MP partially stacked · 6K/60p · launched at $2,499.95 in 2024Taken with the Nikon Z6III and Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR. Photo: Henry Söderlund via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (resized)

Side-by-side specs

	Nikon Z5II	Nikon Z6III
Sensor	24.5MP back-illuminated CMOS; EXPEED 7	24.5MP partially stacked CMOS; EXPEED 7
Fastest continuous shooting	Up to 14 fps (mechanical shutter, JPEG only); up to 30 fps in C30 (JPEG only, electronic shutter)	Up to 20 fps RAW or JPEG (electronic shutter); up to 120 fps JPEG at reduced 10.6MP resolution
Fastest JPEG burst	30 fps	120 fps (C120)
Video	4K/60p; 12-bit N-RAW up to 4K/30p	6K/60p internal N-RAW and ProRes RAW
Stabilization	In-body, 7.5 stops at the center	In-body, 8.0 stops
Viewfinder	3.69M-dot OLED, up to 3,000 cd/m²	5.76M-dot OLED, up to 4,000 cd/m²
Screen	3.2in vari-angle, 2.1M dots	3.2in vari-angle, 2.1M dots
Card slots	Dual SD (UHS-II)	CFexpress Type B + SD (UHS-II)
Weight	About 700 g with battery and card	About 760 g with battery and card
Launch price	$1,699.95 body	$2,499.95 body

Per Nikon USA: the Z5II's 14 fps maximum in mechanical shutter mode is JPEG only, and C15 and C30 are JPEG only (electronic shutter). On the Z6III, 24MP is available at 60 fps and lower; 120 fps is at a reduced 10.6MP.

Specs from our Z5II and Z6III reviews, which cite Nikon specifications; US launch prices from Nikon USA (April 3, 2025 and June 17, 2024). ✓ = advantage; blank = tie or not directly comparable.

Sample photos

Six photos taken with the Z5II and five with the Z6III, shared on Wikimedia Commons under open licenses, including the two at the top.

An Aisin hybrid transmission cut open on a display stand, showing its gears and motor — Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

An Aisin electric drive unit for the Toyota Mirai on a white display stand — Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

A cutaway Aisin automatic transmission with its internal gears exposed — Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

A Subaru Crosstrek rear differential and drive shafts on a display plinth — Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

The Toyota Land Hopper, a small three-wheeled electric mobility vehicle, on a grey floor — Taken with the Nikon Z5II. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 (resized)

Three white-framed windows in a red-brick wall, half in shadow — Taken with the Nikon Z6III and Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR. Photo: Henry Söderlund via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (resized)

Scaffolding on the side of a brick tower under construction, against a blue sky — Taken with the Nikon Z6III and Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. Photo: Henry Söderlund via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (resized)

A pale blue bicycle leaning on a wall beside a wooden double door and potted flowers — Taken with the Nikon Z6III and Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. Photo: Henry Söderlund via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (resized)

A window with a striped awning above a bush planted against a brick wall — Taken with the Nikon Z6III and Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. Photo: Henry Söderlund via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (resized)

Who should buy which

Get the Z5II if

You mostly shoot stills: landscapes, people, travel and events.
You want twin SD slots and cheaper cards.
You want the lower launch price: $1,699.95 vs $2,499.95 body only.

Get the Z6III if

You shoot action, wildlife or sport and want up to 20 fps RAW and pre-release capture.
You shoot serious video and want 6K/60p internal N-RAW.
You want the brighter 5.76M-dot, 4,000-nit viewfinder.

See our full Z5II and Z6III reviews, and the Z6 II vs Z6III and Sony a7 V vs Nikon Z6III comparisons.

Where to buy

Nikon Z5II

Z5II · body

Nikon: Launched at $1,699.95 body only in 2025 (US)

Check price
Read the full Nikon Z5II review

Nikon Z6III

Z6III · body

Nikon: Launched at $2,499.95 body only in 2024 (US)

Check price
Read the full Nikon Z6III review