The Nikon Z5 II is Nikon’s second-generation entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. Paired with the compact NIKKOR Z 24–50mm f/4–6.3 zoom lens, this bundle gives photographers and hybrid creators a lightweight, versatile system at a price that makes full-frame imaging more accessible than ever.
It improves on the original Z5 with faster performance, updated autofocus, and stronger video features, while retaining Nikon’s excellent ergonomics, rugged design, and Z-mount ecosystem compatibility. For enthusiasts who want professional image quality without paying flagship prices, the Z5 II hits a sweet spot.
- Full Frame Power – 24.5MP BSI-CMOS FX-format sensor and EXPEED 7 processing engine unlock high-resolution, high-speed shooting up to 30fps
- Advanced Autofocus – Automatic detection of 9 subjects: people, birds, dogs, cats, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains and airplanes. Impressive Low-light Performance- Autofocus detection down to -10EV and up to 7.5 stops of built-in image stabilization
Nikon Z5 II – Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.3MP FX-format CMOS (full-frame) |
| Processor | Dual EXPEED 7 |
| ISO Range | 100–51,200 (expandable 50–204,800) |
| Autofocus | 273-point Hybrid AF with Eye/Animal detect |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis in-body VR (up to 5 stops) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 7 fps |
| Viewfinder | 3.69M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD | 3.2” tilting touchscreen, 1.04M-dot |
| Video | 4K UHD up to 60p, 1080p up to 120p |
| Storage | Dual UHS-II SD card slots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (SnapBridge app) |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots per charge (CIPA) |
| Lens Included | NIKKOR Z 24–50mm f/4–6.3 (compact wide-angle zoom) |
| Weight (Body) | ~1.3 lbs (675 g) |
Key Features of the Nikon Z5 II
1. 24.3MP Full-Frame Sensor
- Produces clean, detailed images with wide dynamic range.
- Great balance of resolution and low-light capability.
- Perfect for landscapes, portraits, travel, and everyday photography.
2. Dual EXPEED 7 Processors
- Faster performance compared to the first Z5.
- Improved autofocus tracking for both stills and video.
- Better buffer handling and quicker menu response.
3. Hybrid Autofocus with Eye & Animal Detection
- 273 AF points cover most of the frame.
- Eye detection works for both humans and pets.
- Smooth continuous AF for video.
4. 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- Up to 5 stops of shake reduction.
- Lets you shoot handheld in low light with slower shutter speeds.
- Works with all Z-mount lenses, including primes.
5. 4K UHD Video at 60p
- Improved over the original Z5 (which topped out at 30p).
- Slow-motion options in Full HD 1080/120p.
- Clean HDMI out for external recording.
- N-Log and HLG for color grading flexibility.
6. Ergonomics & Build
- Magnesium alloy frame with weather sealing.
- Deep grip, intuitive Nikon menu system.
- Dual UHS-II card slots for reliability.
7. 24–50mm Kit Lens
- Compact and lightweight — great for travel.
- Covers wide-angle (24mm) to standard zoom (50mm).
- Retractable design keeps the setup portable.
Performance Review
Image Quality
The 24.3MP sensor strikes an excellent balance between detail and low-light performance. Colors are natural, files are flexible for editing, and high ISO performance up to 12,800 is very usable.
Autofocus
Eye detection locks on quickly in portraits. Animal detect is reliable for dogs, cats, and even birds in good light. Continuous tracking during video is much improved over the first Z5.
Video
The jump to 4K 60p makes the Z5 II a much stronger hybrid camera. Footage is sharp, stabilized, and color-rich. The inclusion of N-Log and HLG appeals to serious videographers.
Handling & Usability
The deep grip and weather sealing inspire confidence. Dual card slots are a huge plus for wedding/event shooters who need redundancy.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Full-frame image quality at an accessible price
- Compact design, great ergonomics
- 5-axis IBIS built-in
- Dual UHS-II SD card slots (rare in this class)
- 4K UHD 60p + N-Log for video creators
- Reliable Eye/Animal AF detection
- Kit lens is compact and travel-friendly
❌ Cons
- 24–50mm lens has a slow aperture (f/4–6.3)
- Battery life is good, but mirrorless still lags DSLRs
- 7 fps burst is slower than rivals like Sony A7 IV
- Limited lens selection compared to DSLR F-mount (though Z-mount is growing fast)
Nikon Z5 II vs Competitors
| Feature | Nikon Z5 II | Sony A7 IV | Canon EOS R8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.3MP CMOS | 33MP CMOS | 24.2MP CMOS |
| Video | 4K 60p | 4K 60p (oversampled 7K) | 4K 60p |
| IBIS | 5-axis (5 stops) | 5.5 stops | No IBIS |
| Card Slots | 2× UHS-II SD | 1× CFexpress + 1× SD | 1× SD |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots | ~580 shots | ~290 shots |
| Price | More affordable | Higher | Similar |
The Z5 II sits as a value leader in full-frame mirrorless, giving you IBIS + dual slots + 4K 60p at a lower price point than Sony or Canon equivalents.
Who Should Buy the Nikon Z5 II?
This camera is perfect for:
- Enthusiast photographers stepping into full-frame.
- Travel shooters who need lightweight, versatile gear.
- Portrait & lifestyle photographers who want reliable Eye AF.
- Content creators & hybrid shooters looking for 4K video with stabilization.
- Wedding/event shooters who need dual card slots for safety.
Not ideal for:
- Sports/wildlife pros who need 20+ fps bursts.
- Videographers who demand 10-bit internal recording (look at Nikon Z6 II/Z8).
- Shooters who prefer fast f/2.8 zoom lenses (the 24–50mm is slower).
Buying Guide – Things to Consider
- Lenses: The included 24–50mm is great for travel, but you’ll likely want to add faster primes or f/2.8 zooms.
- Storage: Dual UHS-II cards are affordable compared to CFexpress, making the Z5 II budget-friendly.
- Video Use: Great for YouTube, weddings, and events, but if you’re a filmmaker, consider the Z6 II or Z8 for more advanced video specs.
- Accessories: A spare battery, gimbal, and fast prime lens (like Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S) make it a complete setup.
Final Verdict: Is the Nikon Z5 II Worth It?
The Nikon Z5 II Full-Frame Mirrorless with 24–50mm Lens (USA Model) is one of the best value-packed entry-level full-frame cameras in 2025. It offers excellent stills, solid video, in-body stabilization, dual card slots, and dependable Nikon ergonomics in a lightweight, weather-sealed body.
It may not have the speed of the Z8 or the advanced video of the Z6 II, but for photographers and creators wanting professional quality at a reasonable cost, the Z5 II is an outstanding choice.
👉 Check current Nikon Z5 II deals here
FAQs – Nikon Z5 II
Q1. Does the Z5 II shoot 10-bit video?
No, it records 8-bit internally but supports 10-bit via HDMI.
Q2. Is the included lens any good?
Yes — it’s compact and sharp for travel, but its slow aperture makes it less ideal for low light.
Q3. Can I use Nikon F-mount lenses?
Yes, with the FTZ II adapter, most F-mount lenses work well.
Q4. Is it weather-sealed?
Yes, magnesium alloy frame with dust and moisture resistance.
Q5. How does it compare to the Z6 II?
The Z6 II has a higher-end sensor, faster shooting, and stronger video, but the Z5 II is more affordable with excellent value.
Q6. What memory cards does it use?
Dual UHS-II SD cards — cheaper and easier to find than CFexpress.
Q7. Is it good for vlogging?
Yes, lightweight with IBIS and 4K 60p, but no fully articulating screen (only tilting).
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