Nikon has officially released the Z5 II, the second generation of its entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. While it keeps the approachable price tag, it now offers a bit more bang for your buck. If you’re upgrading from your old DSLR or stepping into full-frame mirrorless, the Z5 II offers a healthy mix of reliability, versatility, and performance. But is it worth the upgrade from its predecessor?
Full-Frame, Compact, But More Capable
At first glance, the Z5 II doesn’t shout about massive changes. However, Nikon has quietly refined it with improvements over the Z5 that make it a more well-rounded hybrid tool for stills and video. It sports a 24.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system. So, the same as the older brother.
But there’s one difference – autofocus gets a nudge. AF sensitivity has improved significantly—from -3 EV on the Z5 to -10 EV on the Z5 II. It’s not a speed demon for burst shooting (topping out at 4.5 fps). But for portraits, landscapes, and general photography, it should do just fine. It’s definitely aimed at new photographers and hobbyists, just like the Z5.
And yes, there’s dual UHS-II SD card slots, so you’re covered on backup or overflow while shooting.
Video Features
When it comes to video, the Nikon Z5 and Z5 II look similar at a glance, but the second-gen model pulls ahead in some pretty significant ways. The original Z5 was often described as a “still photographer’s camera that happens to shoot video,” and for good reason. While it could record in 4K, it did so with a heavy 1.7x crop. That crop not only made it difficult to shoot wide but also limited the creative flexibility for vloggers, handheld shooters, and anyone working in tight spaces. Frame rates were also capped at 30 fps in 4K and 60 fps in 1080p, leaving no room for native slow-motion footage.
The Z5 II changes that entirely. It shoots full-width 4K at up to 60 fps, meaning you can use the entire sensor and your lenses retain their full field of view. It also bumps Full HD recording up to 120 fps, unlocking actual slow-motion capabilities—something the original model lacked entirely.
On the minus side, the Nikon Z5 II is also limited to 8-bit video internally and externally. So, there’s no N-Log or 10-bit recording, which might be a downside for serious color grading workflows. However, the Z5 II improves on the output quality and still provides headphone and microphone inputs. Where the Z5 II really pulls away, though, is in the recording limit. The original Z5 was locked to the traditional 30-minute cap per clip. In contrast, the Z5 II extends this to over two hours of continuous recording. This makes it far more appealing for longer-form content, interviews, or live event coverage.
In short, the original Z5 handles video like a feature on the side. The Z5 II, while not a pro cinema tool, treats video as a legitimate part of its identity. If video is even a small part of your creative workflow, the Z5 II makes a far stronger case.
Nikon Z5 II Is Built for Everyday Creators
There’s a subtle but welcome emphasis on hybrid shooters in this update. The Z5 II supports Nikon’s SnapBridge app (via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), making it easier to transfer files or use your smartphone as a remote control. USB-C input/output is on board and supports both data transfer and charging.
Battery life is around 380 shots per charge using the included EN-EL15c. The camera supports USB power delivery, so you can keep it topped up while streaming or recording.
Nikon Z5 II Specs
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 25.28 Megapixel |
| Effective: 24.5 Megapixel (6048 x 4032) | |
| Image Sensor | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | Photo |
| 100 to 64,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800) | |
| Video | |
| 100 to 51,200 in Manual, Auto Mode (Extended: 204,800) | |
| Show More | |
| Internal Recording Modes | H.264/MOV/MP4 |
| UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps | |
| 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps | |
| External Recording Modes | 8-Bit via HDMI |
| UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 29.97 fps | |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Video I/O | 1x Micro-HDMI Output |
| Audio I/O | 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output |
| 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input | |
| Power I/O | 1x USB-C Input/Output |
| Other I/O | 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Remote Input |
| 1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input) | |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | |
| Display Type | 3-Way Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Battery | 1x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Included) |
| • Approx. 380 Shots | |
| Imaging | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 25.28 Megapixel |
| Effective: 24.5 Megapixel (6048 x 4032) | |
| Image Sensor | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent) | Crop Factor: 1x |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| Built-In ND Filter | No |
| Capture Type | Stills & Video |
| Exposure Control | |
| Shutter Type | Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 Second |
| Bulb/Time Mode | Bulb & Time Mode |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | Photo |
| 100 to 64,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800) | |
| Video | |
| 100 to 51,200 in Manual, Auto Mode (Extended: 204,800) | |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -4 to 17 EV |
| White Balance | Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 4.5 fps at Maximum Resolution |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
| Still Image Capture | |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | HEIF, JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Video Capture | |
| Internal Recording Modes | H.264/MOV/MP4 |
| UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps | |
| 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps | |
| External Recording Modes | 8-Bit via HDMI |
| UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 29.97 fps | |
| Fast-/Slow-Motion Support | No |
| Recording Limit | 2-Hour 5-Minute Maximum |
| IP Streaming | No |
| Built-In Microphone | Stereo |
| Audio Recording | MOV, Raw: 24-Bit 48 kHz AAC Audio |
| MP4: 16-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio | |
| Interface | |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Video I/O | 1x Micro-HDMI Output |
| Audio I/O | 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output |
| 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input | |
| Power I/O | 1x USB-C Input/Output |
| Other I/O | 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Remote Input |
| 1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input) | |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | |
| Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS |
| App Name: SnapBridge | |
| Functionality: Access Stored Files, Firmware Update, Remote Control | |
| Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | GPS |
| *Via Connected Smartphone | |
| Monitor | |
| Display Size | 3.2″ |
| Resolution | 2,100,000 Dot |
| Display Type | 3-Way Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Viewfinder | |
| Type | Electronic (OLED) |
| Size | 0.5″ |
| Resolution | 3,690,000 Dot |
| Eye Point | 21 mm |
| Coverage | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.8x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 |
| Focus | |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF, Full-Time Servo, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 273 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -10 to +19 EV |
| Flash | |
| Built-In Flash/Light | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Curtain Sync/Red-Eye Reduction, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
| External Flash Connection | Shoe Mount |
| General | |
| Battery | 1x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Included) |
| • Approx. 380 Shots | |
| Shoe Mount | 1x Hot Shoe |
| Tripod Mounting Thread | 1x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom) |
| Operating Conditions | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C up to 85% Humidity |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.3 x 4 x 2.8″ / 134 x 100.5 x 72 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 lb / 700 g (With Battery, Recording Media) |
Price, Availability (and A Little Adobe Bonus)
The Nikon Z5 II is priced at $1,696.95 and is expected to start shipping on April 24, 2025. As a bonus, Nikon has teamed up with Adobe for a free Lightroom plan promotion. Here’s how it works:
- Buy a Z5 II from a Nikon Authorized Dealer or nikonusa.com before July 31, 2025
- Register your new Z5 II on nikonusa.com by August 31, 2025
- Receive a redemption link for a complimentary Adobe Lightroom subscription
You can find more details here.
Is Nikon Z5 II Worth the Upgrade?
While it doesn’t bring any headline-grabbing innovation, the Nikon Z5 II refines a well-balanced foundation into something attractive for beginner and enthusiast full-frame shooters. If you already own a Z5 and shoot mostly stills, I don’t think there’s enough here to justify the jump. The image quality will be largely identical, and the handling is pretty much the same.
But if you’re getting into video, or just frustrated with the original’s cropped 4K, the Z5 II could be worth the upgrade. Add in better AF and a few quality-of-life improvements (USB-C power, Wi-Fi upgrades), and it starts to look like a solid step forward for hybrid creators.
And if you’re deciding between the two right now? The price difference isn’t dramatic: $1,396.95 for the Z5 and $300 more for the Z5 II. In this case, I’d say go with the Z5 II.
