Nikon Z5 II vs Canon R6 Mark II « NEW CAMERA

Canon R6 Mark II versus the Nikon Z5 II — selecting the best camera for your requirements is quite a challenging task, as both are very rich in features. And as we all know, the Nikon Z5 II is an incredible camera, and it was announced in April 2025.  On the other side, we have the Canon R6 II, which is a Mid-range Mirrorless camera that was launched back in November 2022. It is a very high-performing hybrid camera. So, in this particular specification comparison, we are going to compare the major specifications of both the cameras — so let’s dive in.

Design Specifications

Design and Build Quality

Both of the camera bodies are made from aluminium alloy, and both of them are weather-sealed cameras. So you can use them in rain/dust environments — don’t have to worry. But yeah, you have to choose weather-sealed lenses too.

The noticeable difference in both of these cameras is the Nikon Z5 II body is slightly heavier and you are getting a 3.2-inch large display screen with a higher-resolution display. Other than that, both of them are professionally built for pro users.

Photography Specifications

Image Quality Comparison

Both of these cameras feature 24MP full-frame CMOS sensors, but we do have technological differences between them. The Canon R6 Mark II camera features an FSI CMOS sensor and the Nikon Z5 Mark II uses a BSI CMOS sensor. Now, if you are going to compare both of them side by side, even in the base ISO range, you will clearly notice the Nikon Z5 Mark II can capture more details in the images, and here is the reason:

First Image Compared at the base ISO 100, in RAW mode. The pencil sketches in the Nikon Z5 II image file is clearly visible

2nd Image Compared at the base ISO 100, in JPEG mode. The pencil sketches in the Nikon Z5 II image file is clearly visible

The Nikon Z5 II does not have an optical low-pass filter, and the camera maker has done very well in controlling the moiré pattern. So the MORE details that you are getting from the Nikon Z5 II at base ISO range are really very noticeable. On the other side, we have the Canon R6 Mark II with an optical low-pass filter over the sensor. Maybe the reason Canon is not able to manage the moiré patterns at the base level, so they use a strong low-pass filter to avoid that, and due to the presence of a strong OPLF (optical low pass filter), the details get lost.

The Nikon Z5 II camera, equipped with BSI technology, can capture clearer images at higher ISO settings. For example, suppose you compare the two cameras at ISO 51200. What we will notice is that the Nikon Z5 II sensor preserves a bit more colour compared to the Canon R6 II, where the colour lines and boundaries merge into each other.

If you are going to compare the image quality of both the cameras, then the Nikon Z5 Mark II is a clear winner since the camera is using a BSI CMOS sensor with a good sensitivity range. At the very same time, due to the absence of optical low-pass filter, the camera can capture a bit more detail at the base ISO range.

Autofocus Performance Comparison

The Nikon Z5 Mark II camera uses a hybrid-style focus sensor manufactured by Sony, designed by Nikon engineers. In the sensor, we have 273 hybrid autofocus points fabricated. With the help of these 273 autofocus points, the camera acquires and tracks its subject.

The Canon R6 Mark II camera sensor uses Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus sensor technology. In Canon’s 24MP sensor, we have 1053 AF zones, which can be divided further into points, and the number of DPAF points you can say is more than 4000.

So even if we technically compare the two cameras, then the Canon R6 Mark II does have an upper hand with the number of autofocusing points. And at the very same time, Canon and Sony are the market leaders in terms of autofocusing performance, but Nikon is not far behind. The new generation Nikon EXPEED 7 image processor helps them to acquire the same AI AF as the Nikon Z8 camera.

So now the Nikon Z5 Mark II camera has a dedicated product review mode just like Sony’s product showcase mode, and at the very same time, we have 9 different types of automatic subject detection modes inside the camera that automatically track subjects.

Autofocus sensitivity — due to the presence of a better low-light handling BSI CMOS sensor, the Nikon Z5 Mark II camera can track subjects up to -10 EV autofocus sensitivity, whereas Canon can detect subjects up to -6.5 EV sensitivity.

The autofocus performance doesn’t end here. The continuous shooting speed of both cameras, the Canon can push its boundaries up to 40 frames per second, whereas the Nikon Z5 II camera remains limited to 30 frames per second in JPEG easy mode. At the very same time, while you are tracking and shooting, Canon’s large number of autofocusing points will surely help you a lot more.

Due to the number of autofocusing points and AF zones, the tracking performance of the Canon R6 Mark II camera will remain better compared to the Nikon Z5 Mark II. But if you are shooting in low-light scenarios without the help of any external light, then the autofocus sensitivity of the Nikon Z5 Mark II will be more helpful to you.

So, if you are more into sports and wildlife photography, then having the Canon R6 Mark II will be more helpful to you.

Video Specifications Comparison

Video Performance of the Camera

For the video part, we have to prefer Canon R6 Mark II — and the reason is very simple: we are getting uncropped 4K 60 FPS footage from the camera. And the maximum resolution of the Canon R6 Mark II camera goes up to 6K 60 frames per second.

The Nikon Z5 II, being an entry-level camera, remains limited to uncropped 4K 30 FPS recording. And while you are recording 4K 60 FPS videos with the Z5 II, you have to face a 1.5x crop — the DX crop.

Both of the cameras are able to record 10-bit 4K videos, and with Nikon, you’re also getting N-RAW support available at 4K.

So, overall, for high-quality video work, you can prefer the R6 Mark II camera with higher frame rates and resolution.

Price Comparison

If you compare the price of both the cameras, then Canon R6 Mark II camera comes at approx. $2000, and the Nikon Z5 II is approximately available at $1700 with offers. At the very same time, the lenses of both the cameras are a little different, and with the Nikon Z5 II, we get a lot of third-party lens makers. But unfortunately, the R6 Mark II camera (or any other Canon full-frame) third-party lensesn’t have that…

Nikon Z5 II vs Canon R6 II – Pros and Cons

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Pros:

• Faster continuous shooting (40 fps vs. 30 fps) with larger burst buffers.
• Superior autofocus system with 1053 AF Zones
• No video recording time limit and supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording.
• 6K raw video output via HDMI and advanced gamma curves (Canon Log 3, HDR-PQ).
• Lighter body (588 g vs. 700 g)
• Faster USB-C data transfer (USB 3.2 Gen 2).

Cons:

• FSI Sensor, limited dynamic range, and ISO performance
• Smaller monitor (3.0″ vs. 3.2″) with lower resolution (1.62M vs. 2.1M dots).
• Less flexible exposure compensation (±3 EV vs. ±5 EV).
• Weaker autofocus sensitivity in low light (-6.5 EV vs. -10 EV).
• Slightly lower viewfinder magnification (0.76x vs. 0.8x).

Nikon Z5 II

Pros:

• BSI sensor with improved DR range
• Larger, higher-resolution monitor (3.2″, 2.1M dots) with 3-way tilting LCD.
• Better low-light autofocus sensitivity (-10 EV vs. -6.5 EV).
• More flexible exposure compensation (±5 EV vs. ±3 EV).
• Higher viewfinder magnification (0.8x vs. 0.76x).
• Additional metering mode (Highlight Weighted) and more self-timer options.
• Slightly smaller and lighter packaging.

Cons:

• Slower continuous shooting (30 fps vs. 40 fps) with unspecified burst buffers.
• Fewer autofocus points (273 vs. 1053).
• Limited video capabilities (8-bit HDMI, 2-hour 5-minute recording limit, no slow-motion).
• Shorter battery life (380 shots vs. 760 shots).
• Slower USB-C data transfer (USB 3.2 Gen 1)

Verdict:

Canon R6 Mark II is superior in video core specification and autofocusing performance, but comes at a price. Nikon Z5 II features a subtle core specification with superior image quality, and the lens ecosystem is more affordable than of Canon RF Fullframe.

• Choose the Canon R6 Mark II if you need top-tier video features, fast autofocus, and extended battery life.

• Choose the Nikon Z5 II if you’re on a budget and prioritize stills with solid low-light autofocus and Image Quality

Get the Nikon Z5 II camera from B&H Store | Adorama.com | Amazon.com

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image credit: dpreview.com 

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