Nikon Z5II Price, Specs, Availability Announced
Nikon has announced the Nikon Z5II, a compact full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiast photographers and content creators. Building on the foundation laid by the original Z5, the new camera introduces several improvements, including faster autofocus, enhanced stabilisation, improved video capabilities and a vari-angle touchscreen.
The Nikon Z5II features a 24.5MP backside-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor paired with nikon’s Expeed 7 processor — the same combination as is used in the Nikon Zf. This pairing promises improved mid-to-high ISO performance, faster image processing and access to a wider set of features, many of which have been brought across from Nikon’s higher-end Z series models.
That sensor and processor combination also enables the Nikon Z5II to capture JPEGs at up to 30fps using the High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode. This mode also includes the option to use Pre-Release Capture, which allows the camera to record images up to one second before the shutter button is fully pressed.
Raw shooting is supported at up to 14fps, or 11fps when using 14-bit files.
Autofocus and Subject Detection
Nikon has given the Z5II a significantly upgraded autofocus system compared to the original Z5. In fact, the company claims it is 68% faster than the original Z5’s, plus it adds intelligent multi-subject detection and 3D tracking. The camera can detect nine subject types, including people, animals, birds, vehicles and aircraft. In low-light conditions, autofocus can operate down to -10EV, equivalent to a scene lit by a half-moon.
Stabilisation and Handling
Nikon’s Focus Point VR technology, first seen in the Zf, has also been included in the Z5II. It is said to give up to 7.5 stops of image stabilisation at the centre of the frame and 6.0 stops at the edges. Unlike traditional stabilisation systems that concentrate on the centre of the frame, Focus Point VR prioritises the area around the active focus point, which can be especially useful when composing off-centre subjects.
The camera's handling has also seen a few changes compared to the Z5.. The Z5II’s grip is deeper than its predecessor’s, which should make it more comfortable to hold, especially with longer lenses. In addition, the button layout has been updated to match Nikon’s more recent mirrorless cameras. As such, the drive and playback buttons have swapped positions to mirror the Z6III’s layout.
The Nikon Z5II has two USH-II-compatible SD card slots.
A new Picture Control button has been added beside the exposure mode dial on the Z5II's top plate, giving quick access to colour profiles for stills and video. The three custom modes from the original Z5 remain on the exposure dial for saving frequently used shooting setups.
Screen and Viewfinder
The 3.2-inch rear display on the Z5II is a vari-angle touchscreen with a 2.1-million-dot resolution, that’s a step up from the Z5’s 1,040,000-dot tilting screen. It’s joined by a 0.5-inch 3690k-dot electronic viewfinder with a brightness of up to 3000 nits and a refresh rate of 60fps. These updates should make it easier to compose shots in bright conditions.
Nikon Z5II Build
Nikon has plumped for dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible), but upgraded the Z5II's weather sealing to the same standard as the Z6III. That additional sealing and the deeper grip mean the new camera weighs approximately 700g, including the battery and card. That’s slightly more (25g) than the Z5.
Video Features
The Nikon Z5II can record video at up to 4K/30p using the full width of the sensor and offers 4K/60p recording with a DX crop. It’s also Nikon’s first camera to support internal N-RAW recording to SD cards. In addition, 10-bit N-Log and HLG recording are available for those who want greater flexibility in post-production.
A few newer video features make an appearance too. Enticingly, there’s Product Review Mode that prioritises the focus on objects held in front of the lens, and High-Res Zoom allows a 2x digital zoom while maintaining full HD resolution, using the full 4K capture area. A 3.5mm mic input and headphone socket are included, and the Z5II can be used as a USB webcam without additional software.
The camera supports Nikon’s Imaging Cloud for automatic firmware updates and cloud storage, and it’s compatible with the optional MB-N14 battery grip for extended shooting time and vertical control.
Nikon Z5II Price and Availability
The Nikon Z5II will be available from late April 2025, priced at £1599 / €1999 /US$1695.95 body only. It will also be available in a number of kits as follows, with the 24–50mm lens for £1,859, the 24–70mm f/4 lens for £2,129 or the 24–200mm lens for £2,299.
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, Lo 1.0, Hi 1.7, Video: ISO 100–51200, 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
Battery life: Viewfinder & Energy saving (photo mode): 380 shots, Monitor & Energy saving (photo mode): 390 shots
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)
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
