Nikon has announced its new full-frame / FX format Z5II. This is being touted as the first camera in an entirely new generation of intermediate-level options that combine the latest high-end features into a lightweight body.
We have started to see a trend where manufacturers are targeting the ever-increasing content creator market. Nikon is clearly wanting a slice of that pie with the Z5II. I know a lot of people are still waiting patiently to see RED color science and the ability to record .R3D files in a Nikon camera, but that hasn’t come…yet. Whether that ever happens remains to be seen.
The Nikon Z5II is claimed to feature incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets, and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.
The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine that is found in the Z8 and Z9. This processor is claimed to offer extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. The high-speed auto focus is said to be a massive leap from its predecessor, locking onto a subject at approximately one-third of the time. In addition, the Z5II utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor.
The Z5II features a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls. The camera utilizes a 24.5MP sensor.
AF Performance
The AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains.
- 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
- The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
- Fast continuous shooting speeds with a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
- Pre-Release Capture function when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.
Low Light Performance
The combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine means that the Z5II is claimed to deliver the best low-light capabilities in its class. Images and video are said to be rendered with minimal noise, and the AF detection is claimed to be excellent in low light conditions.
- Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EV delivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
- A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
- The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
- Focus-point VR tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
- Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Color Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
- Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode. Perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.
EVF & Vari-angle LCD touchscreen
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is claimed to be 6x brighter than any competing model. The rear 3.2” Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle.
Weight & Size
The Nikon Z5II weighs 620g / 1.36 lb. (camera body only).
So how does this weight compare to some other entry-level full-frame mirrorless hybrids? Below you can see:
| WEIGHT | |
| Nikon Z5II | 620g / 1.36 lb. (camera body only) |
| Panasonic LUMIX S9 | 403.7g / 0.89 lb (Body Only) |
| Nikon Z5 | 590g / 1.3 lb (Body Only) |
| Sony a7C | 509g / 1.1 lb (With Battery, Recording Media) |
| Sony ZV-E1 | 399g / 0.88 lb (Body Only) |
| Canon EOS R8 | 441g / 0.9 lb (Body Only) |
| Sigma fp | 370 g / 0.81 lb (Body Only) |
Usability & Build Quality
The grip was designed to be comfortable to minimize fatigue.
The Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which is claimed to deliver durability and dust-and drip-resistance.
Picture Controls
The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button is said to provide film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user.
Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting.
Video Features
The Z5II offers a good array of video features for content creators, however, you are limited to 4K 30p when shooting full frame. 4K 60p requires the use of a 1.5x crop. You can record in 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, or 8-bit H.264. The maximum recording time is 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- Capture 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
- Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
- N-Log tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED.
- Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
- Hi-Res Zoom uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality.
- Product Review Mode switches focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
- Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
- The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.
Movie Frame size (pixels) and frame rate
- 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD): 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- 1920 × 1080: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- 1920 × 1080 (slow-motion): 30p ×4 (slow-motion)/25p ×4 (slow-motion)/24p ×5 (slow-motion)
- Actual frame rates for 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps, respectively
Movie Frame size (pixels) and frame rate – RAW VIDEO
- FX: 4032 × 2268: 30p/25p/24p
- DX: 4032 x 2268: 3984 × 2240: 30p/25p/24p
- 3984 x 2240: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
Note: Actual frame rates for 30p, 25p, and 24p are 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps, respectively.
Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II
- Dual SD card slots
- Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
- Equipped with Nikon’s portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
- Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software).
Adobe Creative Cloud Promotion
For a limited time, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get 1 year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage. For more information and terms of this promotion, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Price & Availability
The new Nikon Z5II will be available in April 2025 for $1,699.95 USD for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1,999.95 USD, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2,499.95 USD.
How does this price compare to the direct competition?
| PRICE | |
| Nikon Z5II | $1,699.95 USD |
| Panasonic LUMIX S9 | $1,497.99 USD |
| Panasonic S5 II | $1,699.99 USD |
| Panasonic S5 | $1,797.99 USD |
| Nikon Z5 | $1,396.95 |
| Canon EOS R8 | $1,299 USD |
| Sony ZV-E1 | $2,198 USD |
| Sony a7C | $1,598 USD |
| Sigma fp | $1,899 USD |
The Nikon Z5II is competitively priced, however, competition in the hybrid mirrorless space is pretty intense, with so many manufacturers offering good options.
