Nikon Full frame mirrorless cameras

As you probably know, I’m passionate about camera equipment. I enjoy scouring the internet, searching, keeping up to date with what’s coming out or what’s about to come out. After having mentioned and detailed all the lenses for the Nikon Z mount on a specific page, I’ll now talk about all the Nikon Full Frame cameras offering this new Z mount.

In July 2018, Nikon entered the mirrorless camera market and decided to release a new mount, the Z mount, dedicated to Nikon’s mirrorless cameras. On this page, I will therefore tell you about Nikon’s full frame mirrorless bodies.

For a brief history of the brand’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, Nikon first released the Nikon Z6 and Z7 bodies in July 2018. Then, these same bodies were updated at the end of 2020 and gave rise to the Nikon Z6 Mark II and Z7 Mark II, providing some improvements compared to their big brothers released 2 years earlier. But that’s not all, as they also welcome a new little brother: the Nikon Z5. For your information, all these cameras offer a 5 axis in-body image stabilization.

The purpose of this page is not to flood you with technical data, but rather to try to analyze together Nikon’s strategy, especially to better understand for whom each of these full-frame mirrorless cameras are intended. We will of course talk about photography, but also a little bit about video since some improvements have been made by Nikon over time. In fact, all the latest cameras now offer increasingly quality video. It is important to understand that all manufacturers are giving more and more importance to this, and it is now a real battle that is being launched about video features. Even if I only take photos most of the time, I would still mention in this page this aspect as it will allow us to better understand the orientation of each camera given by the manufacturer.

If you are looking for a lens for your Nikon camera, we have put together a list of the best current Nikon Z lenses. You will find all the details you need to know about these lenses and their specifications.

Here are all the things you need to consider if you want to know what to look for when choosing your camera.

Five years after releasing the original Z5, Nikon has returned with the Z5 II, an ‘entry-level’ full-frame mirrorless camera unveiled in April 2025. It is equipped with the same 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor found in the Z6 II and Z 7, and also inherits the Expeed 7 processor and the latest autofocus algorithms from the Z6 III. The camera benefits from AI-powered 3D tracking, which can detect humans, animals and vehicles, even when they are moving quickly. Compact and fairly lightweight at 700 g with the battery, its dimensions are almost identical to those of the Z5, but it has a more modern ergonomic design with dual UHS-II SD slots, a new 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.1 million dots and a 3.69-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder.

The Z5 II’s 5-axis stabilisation is rated at up to 7.5 stops (CIPA standard) and performs particularly well in practice. It also offers a 96-megapixel High Resolution mode via sensor shift for highly detailed images. The ISO range extends up to 204,800 and remains stable up to 6,400 or even 12,800. In burst mode, the camera can shoot at 14 fps. A pre-release mode (JPEG) allows you to capture one second of images before the shutter is released, which is useful for action photography.

In terms of video, the Z6 III is a significant advancement, offering support for 6K video at 60 fps in the N-RAW format and 4K UHD at 120 fps with a DX crop. These capabilities make the Z6 III an ideal choice for professional videographers. Additionally, the camera can shoot at speeds of up to 1/16,000 s with the electronic shutter, enabling precise capture of fast-moving subjects.

It also inherits the weather sealing, 8-axis mechanical stabilisation, dual SD/CF memory card slots and EN-EL15c battery from the Nikon Z6 II. Improvements include an increased burst shooting speed of up to 20 fps in RAW with the electronic shutter, as well as significant advances in JPEG burst shooting, where speeds of up to 120 fps can be achieved (limited in pixels). Furthermore, the one-second pre-release mode enhances the responsiveness and accuracy of the Z6 III. These features, combined with technological innovations, make the Nikon Z6 III a competitive offering in the high-end mirrorless camera market, allowing it to rival Canon and Sony.

The Nikon Z6 III is the latest addition to Nikon’s Z series, replacing the Z6 II after four years. This new full-frame mirrorless model is a real technological breakthrough, in line with Nikon’s strategy of offering increasingly high-end cameras for professionals and advanced amateurs. Like its competitors, such as Sony with the A9 and A1, or Canon with the R3, Nikon is seeking to consolidate its market position with significant innovations.

The Z6 III retains the same 24.5 Megapixel resolution as the Nikon Z6 II, but features a new semi-stacked sensor and EXPEED 7 processor for improved image quality and low-light performance. It also features an improved 5.76 million-dot viewfinder for greater clarity and comfort when shooting in low light.

On the video side, the Z6 III is a quantum leap forward, supporting 6K video at 60fps in N-RAW format and 4K UHD at 120fps with DX crop. These capabilities make the Z6 III ideal for videographers looking for the very best performance. What’s more, the camera is capable of shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000s (with the electronic shutter), allowing extremely fast movements to be captured with precision.

The tropicalised body, 8-axis mechanical stabilisation, dual SD/CF memory card slots and EN-EL15c battery are all features inherited from the Nikon Z6 II. The improvement of the burst rate to 20 fps in RAW with the electronic shutter and the immense progress in JPEG burst, where you can reach up to 120 fps (pixel limited), underline the significant advances of this model. What’s more, the one-second pre-trigger further enhances the responsiveness and precision of the Z6 III. These elements, combined with technological innovations, make the Nikon Z6 III a competitive and contemporary response to the growing demands of professional photographers and videographers, enabling it to compete with Canon and Sony in the high-end hybrid market.

Released on 23 October, the Nikon Zf, with its elegant design inspired by the Nikon FM2, is a delightful fusion of heritage and innovation. This full-frame camera is equipped with a 24.5 MP sensor and an EXPEED 7 processor, guaranteeing exceptional performance in terms of image quality and processing. Its 8-axis stabilisation and tropicalised construction ensure reliable, stable shooting even in the most challenging conditions. The Zf also performs well in low light, with autofocus down to -10 EV, making it easy to capture night scenes.

This model is also flexible when it comes to storage, with two memory card slots, SD and Micro SD (although not very practical). The viewfinder, which shares features with the Z8 and Z9, is slightly inferior to that of the recent Nikon Z6 III, but still offers a good, detailed viewing experience. Photographers will also appreciate the ability to switch easily between photo and video modes, the latter supporting 4K resolution at 60 fps, which adds to the creative possibilities.

In terms of performance, the Zf doesn’t disappoint, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 and a burst rate of up to 14 fps in RAW, making it ideal for capturing fast action. The addition of advanced video modes, including 1080 120fps, means there’s plenty for videographers to enjoy. The pan and tilt touchscreen completes the package, offering intuitive and efficient operation for all the necessary settings.

Finally, the Nikon Zf combines retro aesthetics with modern technologies to deliver an unprecedented user experience. Precise mechanical controls for manual settings combined with advanced digital features allow users to fully customise their shooting experience. Whether for street photography, landscapes or ambitious video projects, the Nikon Zf is sure to satisfy.

Released in May 2023, the Nikon Z8 is equipped with a 45.7 MP full-frame stacked sensor, providing exceptional resolution for the most demanding photographers. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 25,600, extendable to 102,400, allowing clear images to be captured even in low light. Equipped with an advanced 493-point autofocus system, the Z8 ensures fast and accurate focusing, equally at home with landscape photography or fast-paced sports.

The model has two memory card slots, compatible with CFexpress Type B and SD cards, offering great flexibility for data storage and backup. The Z8’s EXPEED 7 processor delivers impressive responsiveness and processing speed, essential for capturing fleeting moments.

Rugged and durable, the Z8 is tropicalised to withstand the elements, protecting it from dust, moisture and the elements, making it ideal for outdoor shooting. It also features 5-axis image stabilisation, which effectively reduces camera shake for more stable handheld shooting.

Despite its advanced features, the Nikon Z8 weighs just 675 grams. It has a battery life of around 740 shots per charge. Its high-resolution 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder and tiltable rear screen make it easy to shoot from a variety of angles. On the video front, the Z8 can record 8K footage at 30fps and offers a maximum shooting speed of 20fps in RAW burst – perfect for capturing fast action without compromising quality. All in all, the Nikon Z8’s light weight and superior capabilities make it an indispensable tool for photographers who demand quality and performance in every situation.

During this 2021 winter, Nikon is revealing its long-awaited flagship mirrorless camera: the Nikon Z9. Nikon and Canon have a very important base of sports camera professional users, so it was essential for these brands to offer a monobloc mirrorless camera (with integrated grip) offering the best performance and incorporating the best technologies brands are capable of offering. Sony had already proposed on this segment the A9 and the A1, Canon released its R3, so Nikon was the only one missing to close the market (Panasonic is not very present on this sector, although they will have to do it one day).

The Z9 has impressive and, for some, surprising characteristics. A body monobloc of 1.35Kg, a 45MP stabilized 24×36 sensor like the Z7, a native ISO sensitivity range of 64 to 25600ISO (expandable from 32 to 102400 ISO), a 493 focus AF with human/animal but also vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trains, planes and bikes) recognition, 20fps burst, video mode up to 8K 30p (60p with a later update) as well as 4K 120p without crop, WIFI and Bluetooth, headphone and mic jacks, USB-C charging, a 3.7MP OLED viewfinder like the Z6/Z7, a non-rotatable screen, but tiltable in both orientations (portrait and landscape), 2 XQD compatible CFexpress type B slots…

The most surprising is the abandonment of the mechanical shutter. Nikon has indeed decided, especially thanks to the stacked sensor technology, that the disadvantages of electronic shutter such as rolling shutter (distortion effects because of rapid moves of the camera) or banding (black bands at certain exposure times in certain lighting conditions) will not be a problem on the Z9. However, there is still the possibility in the body to add a sound, adjustable in volume, imitating the noise of a mechanical shutter. A protective flap also closes when the camera is turned off to protect the sensor, as recently offered by Canon and Sony, except that these brands use the mechanical shutter to that end.

The AF, one of the points which were criticized on the other Z’s faced with the competition Sony and Canon, is presented by Nikon as the best ever offered by the brand, including monobloc sports DSLR. Reviews seem to show that Nikon has made up for its delay since we are dealing with an extremely fast and precise AF of high quality, which we hope will be generalized on the successors of Z5/Z6/Z7.

At the end of 2020, Nikon decides to update its first two mirrorless cameras. With the Z6II & Z7II, Nikon wanted to solve some “problems” that had been pointed out by users. We are thus indeed on an improved version rather than a release undeniably going further than its predecessor.

One of the first things reviewed was the Z6’s unique XQD slot. Now, there is a double XQD/SD slot which allows you to have a relay function, to backup or even to record pictures on one card and video on another one, which can really be very practical. It should be noted that the XQD format is much more reliable than SD (also offering higher write speed rates) but does cost relatively more. Nikon therefore lets us choose the card we want to use and no longer makes us use only an XQD card, as they did with the Z6.

You should also know that the Z6II and the Z6 (idem for the Z7II and the Z7) have exactly the same body, no buttons have been moved nor added. This is a good point for those who already liked the Mark I, but on the other hand, those who found that some buttons were misplaced will be a little disappointed.

Regarding performance, the Z6 II & Z7 II now feature two processors, allowing a much faster autofocus than before, with face and animal detection even in video. Note that the buffer is also better and we’re closer to 14 frames per second (we’re not so far from sport cameras anymore).

Another point of evolution: Nikon now allows you to charge your camera or to let it be powered while shooting or recording via the USB-C input, which was previously unavailable.

Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z7 II

As for the battery, it should be noted that a new standard is now available on the Z6II as well as on the Z7II. However, you have to know that they are backwards compatible in both directions. This is a very good thing we rarely see from other manufacturers, who generally rather change the battery type completely.

Regarding sensor and its definition, nothing changes from that side. Nikon has also announced a vertical grip for the Z6II and Z7II, which unfortunately will not be compatible with the Mark I, since the latter do not have a connector.

So, you will have understood that the Z6II & Z7II are improvements/corrections of the first versions and don’t really change anything. Apart from the double card slot, corrections are very minimal, and most people will be able to do without them in the end.

With reference to video, we are here in the same perspective since Nikon offers nothing more than eye-detection AF and 4K 60f/s (available in February 2021 with a new firmware).

About the Z7II, as for the Z6II evoked above, corrections are cast in the same mold and finally quite minor.

The Z7II is also equipped with a dual XQD/SD slot, a dual image processor (the autofocus is reputed to be much better than the Z7) or a loading via USB-C or power supply. It also comes with the new battery standard and, on the video side, no fundamental change except the availability of 4K60fps. Note that the Mark II also lacks a low-pass filter like its big brother, the Z7.

Now, let’s move on to the newest one, released in the summer 2020. With this new 24.3Mpx camera, Nikon targets photography beginners, people looking for a second high-performance camera at a lower cost, enthusiasts or anyone else wanting to start taking pictures with a full-frame mirrorless camera.

Due to its price positioning at the time of its release, we understand that Nikon wanted to offer this full-frame mirrorless camera at a more affordable price than what was already available on the market. There was indeed still a little place available alongside the Canon EOS RP, to name only one.

Regarding its characteristics, we could consider it as a more-affordable Z6. Among the things to remember, the Z5 offers:

• A double SD slot (cheaper therefore),
• Same shutter speed as Z6/Z7 (1/8000)
• Same number of focusing points (273) as the Z6
• 5 axes in-body image stabilization
• Identical ISO increase as the Z6 (up to 51200).

The main difference with its big brother is the burst rate. Indeed, this one is only 4.5 fps on the Z5 against 12 on the Z6. Regarding video, you will have to settle for Full HD at 60 fps maximum, against 120 on the Z6, and 4k at 30 frames per second. In terms of connectors, nothing has been changed compared to other Z bodies.

As you can see, Nikon had to make some concessions in order to offer a more affordable camera to people wanting to buy a full frame camera at a lower cost (well, everything is relative). Note that the LCD screen quality as well as the EVF are a little inferior compared to the Z6.

Below is a list of ‘older’ Nikon Z full-frame hybrids that have either been replaced, are no longer available (or are very hard to find), or are second hand.

We will start without further delay with the first Nikon full frame mirrorless camera, released a few months ahead of its little brother: the Z7. We are back in July 2018 and Nikon presents us its first full-frame mirrorless, the Z6, offering 24Mpx, ISO sensitivity ranging from 100iso to 51200iso (204800 extended), 273 focusing points, burst rate in Raw at 12 frames per second, ability to shoot in 4k (UHD) at 30 frames per second and a well-provided connectivity (microphone and headphone jack, mini-HDMI, USB C input and remote-control jack). As for memory cards, Nikon has opted for a single XQD card port.

Regarding the sensor definition, 24Mpx is for me a standard for a full-frame sensor. Indeed, this definition has many advantages, including having a number of pixels in the image which allows fairly large prints. But in my opinion, the main advantage is to have files with a proper size, especially when you shoot in Raw. As a reminder, the more Mpx you have on your sensor, the bigger your file will be and the more difficult it will be to process (thus requiring a better, more powerful computer).

The possible burst rate up to 12 frames per second in Raw is not the very best on the market, especially for someone who wants to acquire a camera for sports and action shots. In-body image stabilization will allow you to take pictures with a rather low shutter speed without any motion blur.

Regarding video, this body offers some excellent features. Besides the possibility of filming in 4K at 30 frames per second, it’s especially in terms of connectivity that it shows us its video orientation. User feedback reports speak of a very well defined video, with skin colors being well respected. However, the video orientation does not stop here. The microphone input has a lot to do with it, but especially the headphone one which allows to have an audio return when recording. This may seem trivial but be aware that some cameras more video-oriented are lacking it.

As you will have realized, this Z6 does not do better than its competitors but it is versatile enough to meet all types of needs – especially since the quality/price ratio is very good and has never been as good as today. To know that there is a second version of this camera (Mark II) which improves many elements, particularly the autofocus.

While the Z6 is photo/video oriented, the Z7 fully assumes its photographic side, especially with its 45mpx definition, its 14-bit Raw pictures and its 493 focus points. Regarding videos, we are entitled to a 1080p 120 frames per second mode (light crop) and the same connectors than the Z6 has.

As a result, the Z7 is not fundamentally different from the Z6, both in terms of body and connectors. Overall, the Z7 offers almost all the features of the Z6. However, the Z7 has a higher image definition with these 45Mpx, a number of focusing points almost twice as high, allowing the AF to be much more reactive and offering many more possibilities. Also note that the RAWs are 14 bits compared to 12 bits for the Z6 (wider color range) and the Z7 also has a native ISO of 64 ISO, compared to the Z6’s ISO 100.

A very important thing that deserves its own paragraph: the Z7 has no low-pass filter (just like the Z7 Mark II) and this information is unfortunately not very raised although it is very important. Indeed, for those who do not know, the AA filter is used to attenuate moiré effects but reduces the sharpness of the image. In the case of the Z7, we have enough Mpx on the sensor to attenuate this effect and thus remove the low-pass filter that other cameras of this range have. This gives the Z7 a stunning image sharpness.

As you can see, we are here on a high-end camera but not without any compromise. Since the definition of the Z7 is high, the burst rate is a bit slower on this body compared to its big brother (9i/s vs 12i/s). So, the Z7 will be better suited for studio shots, when the Z6 is ideal for outdoor use.

Finally, a few words, or rather a summary table, comparing the above boxes.

If you are looking for a Nikon camera, I recommend you to check out our dedicated page covering the most interesting Z-mount wide-angle lenses. We mention the best choices for a full frame camera (the ones on this page), but also what to choose if you have a Nikon Z APS-C camera.

Then, what’s my opinion on these bodies? The objective of this small paragraph is to guide you as best as I can in your future purchase.

Let’s start with the “cheap full-frame mirrorless camera”, the well-known Nikon Z5. In my opinion, it outperforms the few full-frame cameras in its category – I’m referring to the Canon Eos RP in particular. It is for me an excellent choice for those wanting to start with a full frame camera, with good characteristics, a very good image quality and without necessarily spending a fortune. It could also be an excellent camera for a video maker, for example. A positive point, still about price, is the choice of a double SD slot, much cheaper than the XQD format.

If you’re an amateur or intermediate photographer on a budget, the Nikon Z5 is a good choice (even if the camera is starting to show its age). It’s perfect for portraits, landscapes and family photos. With its 24.3MP sensor, 5-axis stabilisation and dual SD slot, it offers excellent image quality. However, it will be less suitable for action scenes (sports / animals) or more advanced video applications.

The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II are interesting options if you’re looking for a more powerful and versatile camera with a bigger budget (although both are getting a bit out of date). The Z6 II, with its 24.5MP sensor and 14fps shutter speed, is ideal for versatile photographers and videographers, especially with its 60fps 4K video. The Z7 II, with its 45.7MP sensor and improved autofocus, is perfect for detail enthusiasts, especially for landscape and studio photography. Since April 2025, the Nikon Z5 II has been a camera to consider, offering a reasonable price and impressive burst mode as a bonus!

For more experienced photographers or professionals looking for the best performance, newer models such as the Z6 III (excellent value), Z8 and Z9 stand out. The Z6 III, with its 6K video and 24.5MP sensor, is a powerful camera for photographers looking for both still and video quality. The Z8, with its 45.7 MP sensor and 8K video capability, is ideal for demanding creative projects (it’s a bit like the Z9, but cheaper!). Finally, for professional photographers and wealthy sports and wildlife enthusiasts looking for superior performance, the Z9 is priced at €6,000. With its ultra-fast burst, advanced autofocus and one-piece design, it’s the ideal camera for Nikon to take this category of professional photographer from SLR to mirrorless, while competing effectively with the likes of the Canon R3 and Sony A1.

In short, whether you’re a full-frame beginner, a demanding amateur or a professional, Nikon has a range to suit you: from the Z5 for excellent value, through the Z6 II/Z7 II for versatility, to the top-of-the-range Z6 III, Z8 and Z9, perfect for pushing your creative boundaries.

I hope this page will be useful for you anyway if you are deeply thinking about buying your full frame camera body. For those wishing to go further, you can take a look at our page dedicated to Nikon APS-C mirrorless cameras, which currently contains the unique Z50/Z Fc cameras.

Of course, this page will be updated as the brand’s new full-frame mirrorless cameras are released.

Don’t hesitate if you have any comments. For those who are still unsure about their choice, don’t hesitate to have a look at the page summarizing everything about Canon full frame mirrorless cameras. You may find what you are looking for.

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!