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Head-to-head · Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel

Nikon Z5II vs Sony α6400

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Nikon Z5II comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Professional full-frame buyers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Nikon Z5II
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel
Nikon Z5II
3 sources$1,696.95as of Sep 3

The Nikon Z5II is a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera with stabilized imaging, fast autofocus, and professional video features at a reasonable price point. PCMag called it 'the best value among the current slate of full-frame cameras,' and DPReview noted its improved burst rates and video capabilities over the Z5. Photographers and videographers who want a capable full-frame body without the flagship price are the fit; anyone chasing top-tier video may find better alternatives in higher-end models.

Strengths
  • — 24MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor with improved readout speeds
  • — Up to 11 fps Raw capture with mechanical shutter
  • — 3.69M dot 60Hz EVF with 3000-nit peak brightness
Watch-outs
  • — Sensor readout speeds still slower than Z6III's
  • — Limited video capabilities compared to higher-end models
$1,696.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sony α6400
Ranked #7 in Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel
Sony α6400
4 sources2 derived$898as of Sep 3

The Sony a6400's autofocus is the reason to buy it. DPReview calls the implementation one of the best out there and effectively game-changing at this price, and the tracking holds up on moving subjects with the silent electronic shutter engaged. Image quality from the 24.2MP APS-C sensor is strong, and 11 fps bursts with full raw capture put it in reach of action shooting. The handling is the weak half: DPReview has never warmed to the ergonomics of this body line, Shotkit's reviewer kept hitting the wrong buttons on the crowded rear panel, and there is no in-body stabilisation.

Strengths
  • — Industry-leading autofocus implementation with 425 phase- and contrast-detect AF points
  • — 11fps continuous RAW shooting capability
  • — Detailed 4K video with 100mbps recording and slow motion
Watch-outs
  • — Ergonomics are hit-and-miss with no substantive changes from predecessor
  • — Lacks in-body stabilization limiting video and low-light performance
$898 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Nikon Z5II

The Nikon Z5II provides better burst rates and dual card slots compared to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, but lacks the in-body stabilization and 4K/60p recording of the R6. Unlike the Sony α7 IV, it has a more compact design and better low-light performance, though the α7 IV offers a higher resolution EVF and better video specs.

Sony α6400

The Sony α6400 excels in autofocus performance compared to the Canon EOS R50, but lacks the 4K/60p recording and 10-bit color depth of the Sony α6700. Unlike the Fujifilm X-T5, it has a more compact design and better low-light performance, though the X-T5 provides higher frame rates and better in-body stabilization.

Specs side-by-side

SpecNikon Z5IISony α6400
Sensor24MP BSI CMOS24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Stabilization5-Axis IBIS, up to 7.5 stopsNo in-body stabilization
Video4K/30p full-width, 4K/60p (1.5x crop), 10-bit N-Log/N-Raw4K/30p, 1080 up to 60p/120p
Autofocus9 subject types, Expeed 7, -10 EV sensitivity425 Phase- & Contrast-Detect AF Points
Burst Rate11 fps Raw with mechanical shutterUp to 11 fps
Display3.2-inch fully articulating 2.1M dot LCD3.0" 921.6k-Dot Tilting
EVF3.69M dot 60HzXGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED
Weight700g (with battery and SD card)Less than 1 lb (body only)
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