Nikon Z5II Review
Summary Verdict
The Nikon Z5II is a considerable step up from the original Z5. It brings high-end features in a relatively compact, affordable full-frame camera body and shares the same 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and Expeed 7 processor as the excellent Nikon Zf. With faster autofocusing, more intelligent subject detection, upgraded video tools and thoughtful handling refinements, the Nikon Z5II is one of the most versatile mirrorless cameras at this level. It might be Nikon's new entry-level full-frame camera, but it doesn't feel entry-level and has plenty to offer experienced photographers and content creators. I like it a lot.
Score: 5/5
For
Advanced autofocus system with 3D Tracking and nine subject detection types
-10EV low-light autofocus capability
30fps JPEG burst with Pre-Release Capture
Against
4K 60p footage is cropped (DX format)
Unlike the cameras above it, there isn't a secondary screen on the top plate
Raw files required for the best high ISO results
What is the Nikon Z5II?
The Nikon Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for photographers and content creators who want the image quality and control of Nikon’s higher-end models, but in a more affordable and travel-friendly package. It replaces the Z5 in Nikon’s range but builds significantly on it by adopting technology from the Nikon Z6III, Z8, Zf and Z9. This includes a faster processor, enhanced autofocus technology and better video features. It’s designed for a broad mix of users – from upgraders to creatives looking for a reliable, all-round camera.
Nikon Z5II Price and Availability
The Z5II went on sale at the end of April 2025. The Nikon Z5II price is as follows:
Body only – £1599 / €1999 /US$1695.95
With 24–50mm lens – £1859
With 24–70mm f/4 lens – £2129
With 24–200mm lens – £2299
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Like the original Z5, the Nikon Z5II is a relatively compact full-frame mirrorless camera.
Nikon Z5II Specifications
Camera type: Full-frame mirrorless
Announced: 3rd April 2025
Sensor: 24.5 MP full-frame (FX) BSI CMOS
Lens mount: Nikon Z
Sensitivity: Stills: ISO 100–64000 plus Lo 0.3, 0.7, or 1, Hi 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 1.7, Video: ISO 100–51200, plus up to Hi 2.0
Processing engine: EXPEED 7
File format (Photo): RAW/JPEG/HEIF
Phase detection AF area: Single-point AF with 273 points / Auto-area AF with 299 points
Subject detection: People, birds, dogs, cats, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, airplanes
Low light AF detection: -10 EV
Continuous shooting speed: Continuous low: 1 to 7 fps, Continuous high: 7.8 fps, Continuous high (extended): 14 fps (up to approx. 11 fps when set to 14-bit RAW), High-speed frame capture +: 30 fps (image size: Large only, Image quality: JPEG Normal only)
Vibration reduction (IBIS - In body image stabilisation): 5-axis in-body VR giving up to 7.5 stops at the centre and 6.0 stops at the periphery using Focus point VR
Shutter speed: 1/8000–30 s (extendable up to 900 s)
Video frame size and frame rate: 4K 60p (cropped) / 4K 30p, Full HD 30p / 60p / 120p
Video compression: N-RAW (Normal), H.265 / 264
Video recording mode: N-Log, HLG, SDR
Continuous video recording time: Approx. 85 mins
Monitor: Vari-angle 3.2-inch, 2100k-dot touchscreen
Viewfinder: 0.5-inch, 3690k-dot, OLED 3000 cd/m² with 60 fps refresh rate and 0.80x magnification
Storage: 2x SD (UHS-II)
Battery: EN-EL15c
Battery life: Viewfinder & Energy saving (photo mode): 380 shots
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth, Nikon Imaging Cloud
Interface: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI-D, external stereo microphone jack, remote cord headphone jack (compatible with MC-DC3 Remote Cord)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 134mm × 100.5mm × 72mm
Weight (with battery and memory card): 700g
While the Z5 had a flip screen, the Nikon Z5II has a vari-angle screen that is more versatile.
Key Features
Inside the Nikon Z5II is a 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor paired with Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 image processor. That's the same configuration as in the Nikon Zf. Compared with the original Z5, this promises improved high ISO performance, faster data handling and access to features previously only seen on Nikon’s flagship cameras.
The move from a standard CMOS sensor with the Z5 to a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor with the Z5II, plus the upgrade to the Expeed 7 processing engine, gives the Z5II better noise control from around ISO 3200 upwards. The maximum sensitivity setting of the Z5II for stills is also ISO 64,000, up from ISO 51,200 with the Z5. Meanwhile, in video mode, the maximum is ISO 51,200, up from ISO 25,600 with the Z5.
I know many SheClickers enjoy multiple exposure photography, so it’s good to see that the Nikon Z5II makes a solid offering in this respect. As well as the option to create a single multiple exposure image, you can shoot a sequence of them, and it’s possible to overlay up to ten images using one of four blend modes: Additive, Average, Lighten or Darken. You can also choose whether to save the individual raw files, and there’s the option to switch the overlay view on or off. The final composite image is saved as a JPEG.
Nikon Z5II Autofocus System
One of the most significant enhancements brought by the Z5II is the improved autofocus system, which now offers 3D Tracking and nine types of subject detection, including separate modes for people, animals, birds, vehicles and aircraft. There's also an Auto subject detection mode that looks for any of the detectable subjects, but using the specific subject mode improves its performance for that subject. The system can also identify very small subjects that fill as little as 3% of the frame.
Notably, Nikon claims the Z5II's autofocus (AF) system is 68% faster than the Z5's. Also, like the Nikon Z6III, the new camera is capable of focusing in very low light, down to -10EV, which is about the amount of light available when a half-moon illuminates a night scene.
Unlike the Z9, Z8 and Z6III, the Nikon Z5II has an intelligent Auto-AF mode in which the camera decides whether to use Single AF or Continuous AF. That's handy if you're unsure about which option you should set, or if you don't know if your subject will be still or moving.
The Z5II also has Nikon’s Focus Point VR stabilisation system, which works around the chosen AF point. That's particularly helpful for off-centre subjects as it performs better than a regular centrally-based system. It’s rated to provide up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation at the centre of the frame and 6 stops at the edges.
There's a collection of continuous shooting options available on the Z5II, with the fastest one giving 30fps (frames per second) burst shooting in JPEG mode. This drops to 14fps or 11fps when shooting raw files, with the slower rate being for 14-bit raw files. The 30fps mode comes with an additional option of Pre-Release Capture. This enables you to record images for up to a second before the shutter release is pressed fully home.
Nikon Z5II Video Features
Further good news is that the Z5II is the first Nikon camera to offer internal N-RAW video recording to SD cards. It can also shoot 10-bit N-Log footage for post-production grading. While 4K 60p still comes with a crop, 4K 30p is full-frame and Full HD 120p is available for smooth slow motion.
Like the Nikon Z50II, the Z5II has a Product Review Mode for video. This makes the camera focus on an object held up to the lens, prioritising the subject rather than the presenter's eyes.
In addition, the Z5II has Nikon's High-Res Zoom function, which uses the camera's maximum video resolution (4K) to create Full HD video with the ability to zoom in and out smoothly by 2x. In-camera controls allow you to set the speed of the zoom effect.
Nikon has given the Z5II USB streaming ability, which means it can be used as a high-quality webcam just by connecting it to a smartphone, tablet or computer using a USB-C cable. There's no need for any additional software.
As with the Z5, there are dual SD card slots, both of which are UHS-II compatible, and the camera supports Nikon’s Imaging Cloud for automatic firmware updates and cloud backup.
Apart from the addition of the Picture Control button to the right of the exposure mode dial, the Nikon Z5II’s top plate controls are arranged in the same way as the original Z5’s.
Build and Handling
According to Nikon’s figures, at 134 x 100.5 x 72mm (WxHxD), the Z5II is 2.5mm deeper than the camera it replaces. That's likely because Nikon reworked the grip for the Z5II to make it deeper and more comfortable to use with long lenses.
I used the Z5II with a selection of lenses, but I particularly like it with the Nikon Z 26mm F2/8. It makes a compact package that's ideal for a day trip into the city, a walk in the countryside or an afternoon with friends.
At 700g with a battery and card, the Z5II weighs 25g more than the Z5. That extra weight can be attributed to the new camera's better weather sealing and more robust magnesium alloy build. I'm told the Z5II is sealed to the same level as the Z6III.
Other subtle refinements to the Z5II include reorganising the button layout to match Nikon’s newer mirrorless cameras, making it feel more consistent if you’re swapping between a couple of cameras. The drive mode and playback buttons have swapped positions compared to the Z5, so the drive button is on the top-left corner of the back of the camera (as on the Z6III), while the playback button is in the bottom-right corner.
Apart from the switch around with the locations of the drive mode and playback buttons, the control arrangement on the back of the Nikon Z5 II is the same as that of the original Z5.
Meanwhile, the top plate of the Z5II is almost identical to the Z5 apart from adding a new Picture Control button next to the exposure mode dial on the Z5II. This button gives a quick route to the Picture Control options, encouraging photographers and content creators to capture images with the colour, sharpness and contrast that they want at the shooting stage.
This introduction may seem like a small step, but I find it encouraged me to explore more of the Picture Controls. I also appreciate the fact that the default setting for effect level of some of the Picture Controls is 50%. It means that instead of the Sepia Picture Control turning the image monochrome with an orange tone, for example, the image has reduced saturation and a warm tone. If however, you prefer the 'Tangoed' look, the effect can be cranked to 100%.
The Z5II’s new Picture Control button lets you access the colour, contrast and sharpness controls quickly so you can tailor the look of your images and video to suit the subject, the shooting conditions and/or your mood.
While the effect of the Picture Controls is baked in to Jpeg images, the raw files have standard colouration when they are viewed in Adobe Bridge and opened in Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom. The Picture Control effects can be applied using the Adobe Camera raw or Lightroom colour profiles, but the default setting for the effect level is 100% and you have to choose to reduce it.
The joystick and dual dials are still in the same place, and (also as before) there are three custom modes on the exposure mode dial. Those custom modes are handy if you regularly switch between the same shooting setups.
While a joystick sees less use on a camera with effective subject detection, it's still a very useful control for moving the AF point or navigating a menu. It's more streamlined to use than a navigation pad.
While the back of the Z5II has the same control arrangement as the Z6III, there is a difference on the top-plate as the Z6III's exposure mode dial is to the left of the viewfinder and the Z5II's is on the right. This difference is down to the presence of the secondary display screen on the top-right of the Z6III.
All of the controls on the right side of the rear of the Nikon Z5II are within easy reach of my thumb while I’m holding the camera.
Anyone looking to use the Nikon Z5 II as a second camera with the Z6III, Z7II, Z8 or Z9, may miss the secondary screen, but the information is also visible on the Z5II's vari-angle screen (,ore on this below).
The Nikon Z5II's vari-angle rear screen is a big improvement over the Z5’s tilting design, and now boasts a 3.2-inch panel with 2.1 million dots (up from 1,040,000 dots on the Z5). It’s paired with a 3000-nit electronic viewfinder, which provides excellent visibility in bright conditions. That brightness matches that of the viewfinders in the Z8 and Z9, but is trumped by the Z6III’s 4000-nit viewfinder.
Nikon’s Touch-Fn interface means the vari-angle touchscreen can be used to change settings or move the focus point while looking in the viewfinder. The Information menu and the onscreen display setting displays can also rotate between landscape and portrait orientation for easier viewing when you're shooting upright images. Notably, the main menu does not rotate.
For those who like nighttime or astro photography, there’s a Starlight View mode which boosts the display to make the image easier to compose. It also turns the menu red to protect your night vision.
The Nikon Z5II has two SD card slots, both are compatible with UHS-II media.
Performance
My expectations for the Nikon Z5II's performance were high and I'm happy to say I was not disappointed. The Z5II delivers excellent image quality, with clean, detailed results across most of the ISO range. That said, it's well worth shooting raw files if you plan on using the higher ISO settings.
The Z5II’s Expeed 7 processor brings better noise handling and colour processing than the Z5, with greater clarity and less chroma noise at higher ISO settings. However, if you don't want to process raw files and only use Jpegs, I'd cap the ISO setting at ISO 12,800. Above this value, out-of-focus areas with fine detail get rather mushy. Naturally, this is most apparent when viewing images sized to fill a large screen, or in big prints, but they can also lack clarity on a phone screen. The raw files have more colour noise visible, but they also have more bite, even at normal viewing sizes. And, if you apply the AI Denoise feature in Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom, the results are very impressive, even with images shot at the highest standard sensitivity setting (ISO 64,000). Consequently, I'd be happy to use any of the native ISO settings when shooting raw files with the Nikon Z5 II.
As you'd hope, the Nikon Z5 II's viewfinder and screen provide an accurate preview of the image that will be captured. This means that you can rely on them to guide the exposure, white balance and colour settings. As a result, there should be very few occasions when an image is dramatically under- or overexposed. Also, because the Z5II captures a wide dynamic range, you don't need to worry too much about protecting the highlights or not blocking up the shadows. If you decide to underexpose for any reason, the low ISO raw files have plenty of scope for shadow recovery. You can safely brighten images by over 3EV without concern.
One of the Z5’s main limitations is its autofocus system in low light and fast-paced situations. The Z5II addresses that thanks to a system derived from the Zf, Z6III, Z8 and Z9. It focuses in remarkably low light. And, with nine detection modes and 3D Tracking included, it's far better at locking onto subjects and keeping them in focus than its predecessor or the Nikon Z6II and Z7II.
The subject detection modes generally works well when the AF-area mode is set to one of the wide settings or the whole area. The auto-subject detection mode is useful when you're unsure what you'll be pointing the camera at. It works especially well with humans and mammals. I had more mixed success when photographing birds, even when the bird mode was selected. While the camera identified and locked onto an owl and a woodpecker, for instance, it failed to find their eyes. I had more luck with ducks, geese and swans.
It's worth noting that even in the default Matrix setting, the metering system is linked to the subject detection system. When photographing my dog, who has dark markings around his eyes, for instance, the Z5II sometimes overexposed the background. As I mentioned previously, the image in the viewfinder makes this apparent and I could counteract it by adjusting the exposure settings.
Nikon has improved the in-body image stabilisation inside the Z5II compared to the Z5. I found I can get close to 100% of my images sharp when shooting with a shutter speed around 6 stops slower than the standard 'safe' value with the Nikon Z 85mm F1.2 S, and on the odd occasion, I got 7 stops of compensation. This is something that varies from person to person and day to day, so it may be different for you.
The original Z5’s video performance was hampered by a significant crop of its 4K footage and the lack of a vari-angle screen. Both of those have been addressed in the Z5II (at least when shooting 4K 30p), which makes it a far more capable hybrid camera.
Nikon has given the Z5 II (shown here with the tiny Nikkor Z 26mm F/2.8 lens) a deeper grip than the original S5 to make the new camera more comfortable to use with long lenses.
Nikon Z5II Sample Images
Here are a few of my images from the Nikon Z5II. Follow the link to browse and download full-resolution images from the Nikon Z5II. Please respect my copyright.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The Nikon Z5II is a great choice of camera for everyday photography and days out.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 at f/1.2, 1/6400 sec and ISO 100.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. When scenes like this greet you, you’re grateful for the Z5II’s onboard Snapbridge technology that can send the image straight to your phone automatically so you can share it with friends, family or followers straightaway.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 at f/2.8, 1/400 sec and ISO 100.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The Nikon Z5II’s subject detection system was quick to spot the fox’s eyes and kept them sharp as she moved around the area. Although I shot the scene using a couple of different Picture Control options, I like this one taken using the Sepia setting at 50% best.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR at 600mm, f/6.3, 1/500 sec and ISO 5000.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. When set to detect birds, the Nikon Z5II recognised this little owl’s body, but failed to home in on either of its eyes.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR at 600mm, f/6.3, 1/125 sec and ISO 100.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. This ISO 64000 JPEG image looks much softer than the simultaneously captured raw file. I recommend taking a look at the full-resolution image to see it more clearly, but you can also scroll down to the raw file below.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 at f/16, 1/200 sec and ISO 64000.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. This ISO 64000 image was created from a raw file and looks much sharper than the simultaneously captured JPEG, but it’s a bit noisier. I recommend looking at the full-resolution image to see it more clearly.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 at f/16, 1/200 sec and ISO 64000.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. This ISO 64000 image was created from a raw file that has been treated with the AI noise reduction in Adobe Camera Raw. I recommend looking at the full-resolution image to see it more clearly.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 at f/16, 1/200 sec and ISO 64000.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. Another image shot with the Picture Control set to Sepia setting at 50%.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.8 VR at f/6.3, 1/200 sec and ISO 100.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The Animal Eye detection system works well with Otto, especially when his eyes are well illuminated by the window light.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/2.8, 1/30 sec and ISO 500.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. Like the previous image, this shot had +0.67 exposure compensation applied to brighten Otto’s face.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/2.8, 1/30 sec and ISO 320.ens
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. This image had more exposure compensation (+1.3EV)applied than the previous two images to bring out Otto’s eye, which means the windows are blown out but there’s a feeling of spring sunshine.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/2.8, 1/30 sec and ISO 1000.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The Nikon Z5II had no problem focusing on these plants photographed in the city a t night.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/2.8, 1/30 sec and ISO 7200.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The strong backlighting created interesting shadows and silhouettes in this street scene. The camera had no problem focusing and the lens controlled flare very well.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/8, 1/80 sec and ISO 100.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. Shooting close with the 26mm lens at maximum aperture has blurred the background behind the subject, but the context os still clear.
Camera Z5II, lens Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 at f/2.8, 1/800 sec and ISO 100.
Verdict
The Nikon Z5II is an excellent full-frame mirrorless camera for those who want serious features in a compact, affordable package. It maintains the core strengths of the original Z5, including portability, robust build quality and dual SD card slots, while addressing many of its shortcomings. The faster, more intelligent autofocus system, improved image stabilisation and enhanced video features all contribute to a camera that feels much more capable and refined.
With the same sensor and processor combination as the Zf, the Nikon Z5II delivers impressive image quality and low-light performance. It might sit at the entry point of Nikon’s full-frame range, but it handles like a much more advanced model. Whether you're just stepping into full-frame photography or want a more affordable companion to a pro-level camera, the Z5II is a very strong contender.
