Nikon Z5 vs Z6 vs Z6II - What should you buy?

What should you buy when faced with choosing between the Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z6ii? These mirrorless cameras are all very impressive, but what's the difference between them and how much does that difference cost?

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[RalphMayhewPhotography]

Which model are you considering buying and why?

[krpradi]

After watching so many videos about Z5 and Z6II, I finally made the decision to purchase Z5 with 24-70/4 on the new year Jan 1, 2022, as a back for my D750 which I am using from past 3 years. I have got a deal with Z5 with an extra 15c battery and 64 gb uhs-ii card in the box. Till now have done 3 projects with 2500 shots total, I am quite pleased with the Z5 in low light condition and also with the image quality. I can make the composition faster and editing the photos has become much easier. I just hope it had better battery life like D750, even though it has bigger battery when compared with Z6 or Z6ii. I am quite happy I made the right decision and saved some money for the S lines lenses. Thanks Ralph for the videos you made on Z5.

[izziereal]

I used my Nikon D5100 since 2013 and finally decided to move to a mirrorless camera. Based on a great deal for the Nikon Z5, I decided to purchase it and move into full-frame. I was able to get it almost new plus a 50mm 1.8 Z lens for just under $1, 200 USD. I bought 3 other Z lenses on deep discounts and I'm very happy with the Z5. I would've love to have purchased the Z6II, but it was too high of a price for me at $1, 700 USD new. My Z5 without the lens was about $760 USD used and in pristine condition, so it was a significant price difference.

[brandiwilliams]

This is the review i have been looking for! Thank you for keeping it real.

[Mew_York_Kitty]

BSI "Back Side" that delivery had me cracking! 🤣😂😅

Excellent review, subbed now. You've got a new fan! 😎🍾🥂

[danknight]

Just purchased the Z5 and the z 24-120mm f4 s along with the z 40mm f2 s lenses. Your videos helped so much! I've been shooting Olympus for years now, and will be sticking with the OM-1 for sports and wildlife, but for everything else, the Z5/24-120 combo is cracking. Great images SOC and far less post processing. Thanks Ralph for your straight-up assessment and quality videos!

[ForeverYoung]

@09:56 Actually as of firmware 2.2, the z6 supports cfexpress type b cards which thankfully now have more economic options than XQD. You can pick up a 512gb Angelbird cfexpress b for 180.

[Kevbo]

Great vid. A couple years later and the prices on these three are still bobbing up and down in odd ways!

[jimmcquade]

After years with Nikon cameras I have finally settled on the Z6 and Z7. I will use the Z6 mainly for video and low light whilst the Z7 will be my main camera. I don't find the single card a hindrance. This is a personal choice which suits my needs. The Z system lenses are perfect with the Z cameras and look forward to new releases. Thanks Ralph for the video and the information provided.

[rickrenda]

I'm currently have a z6 and love it. I don't do videos, just still photography. My backup camera is a D7200, but I am going to buy a Z5 for my backup. So that's my choice

[Willymaze]

I did something similar wanting to upgrade from a D750; for me the Z5 is more of a side step and a true bridge from this model. I decided to jump into mirrorless when Nikon announced the Z9, where we could see the leap in technology how suddenly how much more promising the Z system became. Also the announcement of the 24-120 and the FTZ II told me that it was time.
Instead of getting a Z6II and adapt all of my lenses I snatched a Z5 at $999 and bought the 50 1.8S, the 14-30 and was able also to get the 105 late last year when it was really hard to get.
Now after getting the 24-120 I’m shooting to get the Z8, although I think this year the Z6 III is more realistic.

[vivekgopinath]

An awesome excellent buying guide .!!!
U covered all areas ...like how much it takes higher if u have to spend on memory cards ....then how much is the increment on price etc ..superb ....and am subscribing ❤

[BTScotty]

I had this debate and chose the z6ii, huge upgrade from my d5600 which I had for almost 3 years

[bfs]

If possible, I'll suggest to wait for the post Z9 models, such as the Z5 II or Z6 III. The Z9 established the technology, file format and interface similar to the D3 with the DSLR.

Answering your question as an enthusiast, I bought a Z6 + 50 f/1.2 S while waiting for the Z9. I would have gone with a Z50 if it has IBIS to keep the cost down. The Z5 fps is too slow (not about shooting at xx fps, but burst rate) and the opportunity cost of the Z6 II is too high as an interim/backup camera.

[adss]

HI and thank you. I am not looking for a new camera... but I loved this video. I liked your analytical mind and the "what does that mean?" aspect to all the features. You have a new Subscriber

[hhz]

Very nice reviews on these cameras, helpful indeed, thanks!

[markstangable]

Excellent help here and you provided it in a great way of your personality. Thank you!

[adrianvanleeuwen]

I appreciate that this video is made in 2022. The price of CFexpress B usuable in Z6ii is available from Sandisk for $95 USD for 128Gb from B&H Photo New York, as holiday sale in Dec. 2023 and $140 USD for 256GB plus taxes. Less of a big price now compared to 2022. Although Sandisk Pro SD cards are extremely low priced at B&H online. Makes the Z6ii and Z5 affordable to buy memory cards in any format. Cheers!

[ilusoriob]

Exactly the type of video I needed. Thank you so much.

[baobo]

Very informative for my researching at the moment. First I had heard of the more expensive cards which sure effect the sums. Thanks very much and have subscribed.Cheers.