This comparison is a classic example of the diminishing returns of more and more expensive camera gear. Yes, the Nikon Z6 II is better overall, but the Z5 holds its own and has a very good set of features overall. If you’re happy with 4.5 FPS and a slightly older camera sensor, you can save quite a bit of money (or put it toward better lenses) and get the Nikon Z5 without missing much.
That’s especially true if you find the Nikon Z5 when it’s on sale for $1000. It’s a good value even at the original price of $1400, but Nikon has been heavily discounting the Z5 in an effort to get people to switch to the Z system. At $1000 for a full-frame camera with very few flaws, it’s perhaps the best value of any camera on the market today.
So, what’s the verdict? For landscape and travel photographers, I would go with the Nikon Z5 and put the extra money toward lenses (maybe the amazing Z 20mm f/1.8 S). You’ll miss out on the extended 900 second shutter speeds, and you won’t be able to autofocus in conditions that are quite as dark, but I don’t think most photographers will find those benefits to be worth the difference in price.
For videographers, I’d jump up to the Z6 II thanks to its slow-motion 4K video, smaller 4K crop, and eye AF in video mode. These are substantial improvements that are worth paying a bit more to get.
For portrait and event photographers, it’s 50/50. I suppose I lean toward the Z5 so that you can get an extra lens (such as the Z 50mm f/1.8 S or Z 85mm f/1.8 S). However, you might prefer to spend more on the Z6 II to get slightly better high ISO performance, eye AF in wide-area mode, and 14 FPS shooting. It depends a bit on the type of events or portraits that you take. For more static, studio work, I don’t think the Z6 II’s benefits are worth the money; for faster-paced shoots, they might be.
For sports and wildlife photographers, neither camera is perfect, but the Z6 II definitely has the advantage thanks to its maximum of 14 FPS shooting. By comparison, the Z5’s 4.5 FPS shooting – though perfectly capable of capturing the right moment – isn’t nearly as impressive. Between the two, I’d recommend the Z6 II if you plan to photograph a lot of fast-moving action (though you may consider other cameras on the market instead, like the Nikon D500).
Overall, though, you can’t go wrong either way. The Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z6 II are both fantastic cameras, and they’re also two of the best values on the entire photography market today. If you remain on the fence after this whole comparison article, rest assured that you could flip a coin and still be guaranteed of getting a good camera