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Nikon Officially Announces the Z5II

Craig Blair
Craig Blair
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13 Min Read

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Today, Nikon announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark.

Contents

The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.1

The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology.

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This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one third2 the time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise.

The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colors.

“The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for in order to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.”

Reliably Fast Focus and Performance

The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits or action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge 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. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.

  • 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 speeds3 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 Capture4 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.

Embrace Low Light Like Never Before

There’s no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light.

Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.

  • Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EV5 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-stop6 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 VR7 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.

Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved

Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information.

Additionally, the rear 3.2” Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot.

The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance.

Feel the Color with 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 opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative 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.

Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users

The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:

  • Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. 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-RAW8, 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-Log9 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 for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
  • Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
  • Hi-Res Zoom10 uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
  • Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch 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.

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 exclusive 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 shooting11 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 and Availability

The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1699.95* for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95* SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95* SRP.

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ByCraig Blair
Craig is the founder and editorial director for Canon Rumors. He has been writing about all things Canon for more than 17 years. When he's not writing, you can find him shooting professional basketball and travelling the world looking for the next wildlife adventure. The Canon EOS R1 is his camera of choice.
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24 comments

  1. CANON IS DOOMED

    Edit: for real, this camera seems amazing for the price, it’s like a combination of R6 and A7 III (I will not mention the A7 IV due to its higher resolution sensor) for about the price of a R8.

    This will shake up the market.

    I’d say the only camera that won’t be threatened is the R6 Mark III, as long as it comes with a stacked sensor.
  2. CANON IS DOOMED

    Edit: for real, this camera seems amazing for the price, it’s like a combination of R6 and A7 III (I will not mention the A7 IV due to its higher resolution sensor) for about the price of a R8.

    This will shake up the market.

    I’d say the only camera that won’t be threatened is the R6 Mark III, as long as it comes with a stacked sensor.

    It does look really nice, I really have no knocks against any current Nikon camera. I think they're doing really well.
  3. It does look really nice, I really have no knocks against any current Nikon camera. I think they're doing really well.
    And they have some really, really good glass.

    They're taking their time, but I think they're building a great system.
  4. I’m a 5DS user, but enjoy using (good) vintage glass, and was very tempted by the Z5. I had had a RP, but although it was a very comfortable camera to hold, some of the parred back features caused me issues, mainly lack of image stabilisation (I’ve always been a shaky old git even when I was young - too much coffee and fast women), and also the inability to custom a convenient button for magnification. Ultimately I decided I
    couldn’t face different menus and batteries and picked up a nice R6, where you can program the M-fn button (among others) to magnify which is really quick for accurate manual focus.
    The Z5ii makes the R8 pretty plain, but it’s more expensive, and cheaper always seems to win in the real world.
  5. This will shake up the market.

    I’d say the only camera that won’t be threatened is the R6 Mark III, as long as it comes with a stacked sensor.
    I doubt it will shake much up. Maybe they’ll take some market share back from Sony, maybe not.

    Keep in mind that about 75% of the market is APS-C, so a new FF camera is not going to shake much. Also, a high proportion of people in this forum know what a stacked sensor is, but I suspect most actual buyers do not know (or care).

    As @Sporgon points out, the Z52 is on the low end of full frame camera costs, but is still more expensive than the R8…and much more expensive than the RP (which remains ‘current’ in Canon’s lineup).

    And they have some really, really good glass.
    Yes, they do. But what do they have in the way of really, really decent glass? You touted the (relatively) low price of the Z5II, what is Nikon’s selection of (relatively) affordable FF lenses?

    Canon has made a concerted effort in that space with lenses like the RF 15-30, RF 100-400, 16/2.8 and the 600/800 f/11 primes, for example.
  6. Keep in mind that about 75% of the market is APS-C, so a new FF camera is not going to shake much. Also, a high proportion of people in this forum know what a stacked sensor is, but I suspect most actual buyers do not know (or care).
    If they put a 24 Mpx APS-C sensor into that body they could bring out a very competitive APS-C like they did with the D500. It would certainly rival an upgraded 7Rii that we want, but whether it would capture much market share is another matter.
  7. Yes, they do. But what do they have in the way of really, really decent glass? You touted the (relatively) low price of the Z5II, what is Nikon’s selection of (relatively) affordable FF lenses?
    Tamron zooms and the recent Chinese primes are perfect with Z5ii. However, it begs the question, low budget shooters shouldn't nor can afford to buy many lenses. It makes no sense for enthusiasts to invest in lots of cheap primes despite the lenses themselves being ok.



    IMHO it's a solid camera, just 2 years late. From the early YouTube reviews it's not better than R6ii/R8. Everyone keeps saying Z5ii beats R8...but I don't see this as a problem. It's more concerning if Z5ii unable to be better than R8.

    Z5ii true competitor is S5ii and the Nikon shooters jumped ship to Sony few years ago. Z5ii is the Super D780 that Nikkon loyalists needs.
  8. I like that they went and extended the maximum exposure time, because why not? Astrophotographers will love this camera not only for this feature, but also for a display mode that does not burn in your eyes when you look at it during night time.
  9. To me this release raises a few questions:
    Does Nikon need this many 24 mp FF cameras? They have z6iii, zf, and now z5ii within a $600 difference. They also have older versions of these series and price differences has been further shrinking when rebates are offered. On the positive side, the differentiators are clear and they have been offering more value.

    The 2nd one: Again a rotating screen? I wish they had a tilting one on the ZF that seems more photography focused. If Nikon is listening: Now that you are so comfortable with carrying so many SKUs, please offer a face-lifted/special release zf with a lighter metal (gray or silver) with tilting screen!
  11. (I’ve always been a shaky old git even when I was young - too much coffee and fast women)
    Same with me but I never realized what caused it. Thinking back, seems like a fair trade-off.
  13. CANON IS DOOMED
    This is some aggressive pricing and will definitely eat into EOS R8 sales, and maybe even a chunk of EOS R6II sales.
    It offers a lot that R6II does, but for ~$500 less. With Sony's release of the A7V approaching, which is probably gonna be a 40MP camera, Canon may not be doomed, but they're gonna be under quite some strategic pressure at Christmas.
    Also, with their self-created problem that people are getting fed up about no third-party lens alternatives (for full frame).
    They've been sleeping for years in the mirrorless market. Then they woke up and managed to surpass Sony. Just to knock themselves in the foot with limiting their lens selection.
  14. They've been sleeping for years in the mirrorless market. Then they woke up and managed to surpass Sony. Just to knock themselves in the foot with limiting their lens selection.
    Mirrorless didn't surpass DSLR market share until Canon fully committed to MILCs. Canon steadily gained on then surpassed Sony even with their 'limited' RF lens selection. In part, that's because with a simple adapter their lens selection is not limited at all. Now, Canon's lens selection continues to increase and they've started allowing Sigma lenses for APS-C (which still represents ~75% of the mirrorless market).

    I get that you're addicted to the Sony KoolAid, but try to come up for a breath of reality once in a while.
  15. This is some aggressive pricing and will definitely eat into EOS R8 sales, and maybe even a chunk of EOS R6II sales.
    It offers a lot that R6II does, but for ~$500 less. With Sony's release of the A7V approaching, which is probably gonna be a 40MP camera, Canon may not be doomed, but they're gonna be under quite some strategic pressure at Christmas.
    Also, with their self-created problem that people are getting fed up about no third-party lens alternatives (for full frame).
    They've been sleeping for years in the mirrorless market. Then they woke up and managed to surpass Sony. Just to knock themselves in the foot with limiting their lens selection.
    You're right!
    Canon seem sooo desperate right now, they are struggling to survive. The R8 doesn't stand a chance against the Z5.
    Sad, sooo sad...
    PS: Keep on dreaming. 😛
  16. You're right!
    Canon seem sooo desperate right now, they are struggling to survive. The R8 doesn't stand a chance against the Z5.
    Sad, sooo sad...
    PS: Keep on dreaming. 😛
    No need to be ironic. We all know if Canon didn't have the name Canon, they'd be nowhere as popular. Imagine if Fujifilm made the choice to close their mount, they might as well close their business.
    This Z5II is even an option for wedding photographers, whereas the R8 isn't because of Canon's cripple hammer - one card slot and limited to 1/4000 shutter. Sorry but hard facts. This camera will sell well. And new customers will listen to the influencers telling them that Canon has fewer lens options.

    Mirrorless didn't surpass DSLR market share until Canon fully committed to MILCs. Canon steadily gained on then surpassed Sony even with their 'limited' RF lens selection. In part, that's because with a simple adapter their lens selection is not limited at all. Now, Canon's lens selection continues to increase and they've started allowing Sigma lenses for APS-C (which still represents ~75% of the mirrorless market).

    I get that you're addicted to the Sony KoolAid, but try to come up for a breath of reality once in a while.
    Sorry for bursting your bubble, but I own 3 Canon cameras so probably pretty far from being addicted to any Sony KoolAid. And I much rather would buy a Nikon before I buy a Sony. I feel a lot of projection from somebody who's so addicted to the Canon KoolAid that he's unable to read and reflect on any justified criticism.
    While it's true, Canon made most of their sales with cheapo DSLRs like the Rebel T7 or Rebel SL3, Sony held No1 in Mirrorless cameras for a long time (still does in Japan AFAIK). And it was almost too late for Canon to catch up, so they basically had to repurpose the 5DIV as a mirrorless. If they didn't have their name to rely on, that story could've ended very differently.
  17. And it was almost too late for Canon to catch up, so they basically had to repurpose the 5DIV as a mirrorless. If they didn't have their name to rely on, that story could've ended very differently.
    Yes, just like Canon was late with the EOS M. Then that line became the global best-selling MILC line, at one point 17% of all cameras sold were EOS M. Then they were late to FF MILC, and now they lead that as well. Justified criticism is fine. Rewriting history, not so much.
  18. I like that they went and extended the maximum exposure time, because why not? Astrophotographers will love this camera not only for this feature, but also for a display mode that does not burn in your eyes when you look at it during night time.
    It is easy on my R5 to use the internal intervalometer for any exposures past 30s or just count in my head with a manual release.
    I was shooting the milky way last night but didn't have any issues with burning my eyes. I normally use the rear screen but it was pretty dark and used the viewfinder to accurately align a bridge before hitting the shutter.

    I believe that Sony have their "bright monitoring" feature for nightscapes but I don't really miss it on my R5. Easy to check manual focus using the x15 zoom on the rear screen on a star for instance (or in playback for any wind/camera shake etc).
  19. Well it looks like the numbers are in and the Z5II is doing pretty good for Nikon, at least in Japan.

    https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/...e-mirrorless-market-share-for-first-time-ever

    BCN+R has charted Nikon’s monthly share at 33.4%, just 1.3% ahead of Sony, with Canon lagging behind at 24%. So what’s caused this sudden upturn in Nikon’s fortunes? Well, it’s all down to the manufacturer’s brand new entry point into full-frame cameras, the Nikon Z5 II, which wasn’t even released until April 25. Despite costing significantly more than the original Nikon Z5's release price, BCN+R has pointed out that in today’s market the Z5 II is simply good value.

    Seems like the value play is working out for them.

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