Nikon just announced the Nikon Z5II, a full-frame intermediate-level mirrorless packed with high-end, high-performance features and priced at SRP $1999.95 with Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens ($1699.95 body-only).

Certain to be a market disrupter, the new Nikon Z5II features film-inspired “looks” that instantly change the color characteristics of a scene and are conveniently accessible via a dedicated Picture Control button. To sweeten the pot, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get one year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage (Limited Time Offer). Note that Lightroom is typically billed at $11.99 per month, so this represents a significant added value.

Key Features of the Nikon Z5II
Front, back, top covers made from magnesium alloy
Full-frame (FX)
24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
EXPEED 7 processor (same as Z8 and Z9)
5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system
Focus-point VR function
OLED EVF with 3000 nits brightness (“nits” = cd/m2)
3.2-inch Vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor
14-bit Raw
3D tracking AF
Auto switches from AF-S to AF-C when needed
Bird detection mode

Key Features of the Nikon Z5II (cont.)
14 fps burst (mechanical shutter) up to 30 fps (electronic)
Optional Pre-Release Capture function
Autofocus detection down to -10EV (up to +19EV)
ISO sensitivity 100 to 64,000, expandable to ISO 204,800
Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes)
Pixel Shift shooting options
Dual SD card slots, SDXC UHS-II compliant
Dedicated Picture Control Button
Full array of Creative Picture Controls
Compatible with Nikon Imaging Cloud
Extensive in-camera image editing, Raw processing
Robust weather-resistant seals
EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion (accepts EN-EL15a & EN-EL15b)

Nikon Z5II Key Video Features
4K/30 UHD video with no crop
12-bit N-RAW video (first camera to record N-RAW on SD)
N-Log
Full HD/120p
UVC/UAC-compliant USB port
Headphones & microphones port

Nikon Z5II Dimensions
5.3 x 4.0 x 2.9 inches (134 x 100.5 x 72 mm) WxHxD
24.7 ounces (700 g) with battery and memory card

Price & Availability
The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for the SRP of $1699.95 for the body only. Also available with a Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95 or a Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95.

Read our review of the Nikon Z6III here.

∞ Shutterbug Staff

 

For outdoor photographers looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera, Nikon has officially unveiled the Z5 II—a powerful second-generation FX-format camera designed to bring pro-level image quality at an entry-level price. Priced at $1,700, the Nikon Z5 II is built around the EXPEED 7 image processor, the same cutting-edge engine found in Nikon’s flagship Z8 and Z9 models.

 

Faster Autofocus & AI-Powered Subject Detection

One of the biggest upgrades in the Nikon Z5 II is its AI-driven autofocus system, designed to track fast-moving subjects with precision. The EXPEED 7 processor powers an ultra-fast autofocus (AF) system, enabling subject detection for wildlife, birds, animals, vehicles, and more.

For wildlife photographers, this could be a game-changer—whether you’re tracking a bald eagle soaring through the sky or capturing a cheetah in motion, Nikon claims the Z5 II locks focus nearly three times faster than its predecessor. A dedicated bird detection mode is designed to make it even easier to capture razor-sharp images of elusive subjects.

Superior Low-Light Performance for Landscape and Night Photography

The Nikon Z5 II is designed to excel in low-light conditions, thanks to its 24.5MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. This advanced BSI sensor enhances low-light performance, such as for sunrise and sunset landscapes, astrophotography, and night-time wildlife scenes. Expect crisp textures, rich details, and minimal noise, even at higher ISO settings in dim environments.

Creative Tools & Advanced Customization for Photographers

Beyond its high-performance hardware, Nikon has packed the Z5 II with advanced creative tools to enhance photographic expression. Features like:

• Picture Control Button for instant access to presets
• Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls for film-inspired looks and deep color customization
• Brightest electronic viewfinder (EVF) in its class, allowing for exceptional clarity before you even press the shutter

Real-World Hands-On Test: First Impressions from WPPI

Our colleague, David Schloss from Imaging Resource (OP’s sister site) had the chance to test the Nikon Z5 II at the WPPI trade show in Las Vegas. He took the camera into one of the darkest, most neon-lit locations—a KISS tribute museum arcade—to evaluate its real-world low-light performance.

His findings:

• Exceptional low-light autofocus: Locked onto subjects and eyes instantly, even in extremely dim, LED-lit environments.
• Sharp image quality: Despite the lighting challenges, the Z5 II delivered impressive color accuracy and detail.
• Compact yet ergonomic: Unlike some small mirrorless cameras, the Z5 II has a comfortable grip, well-placed buttons, and an intuitive menu system—ideal for photographers on the move.

Watch Schloss’ below video to see his hands-on first impressions of the camera.

The post Nikon Z5 II Launched: An Affordable Full-Frame Camera for Outdoor Photographers appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

Nikon just announced their newest mirrorless camera – an update to the Nikon Z5 called the Z5 II! This new camera raises the bar of performance and effectively matches the Nikon Zf in features. That said, the price has gone up, too: the original Z5 was $1400 at launch, while the Z5 II is $1700.

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