The Nikon Z5II is a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera with stabilized imaging, fast autofocus, and professional video features at a reasonable price point. PCMag called it 'the best value among the current slate of full-frame cameras,' and DPReview noted its improved burst rates and video capabilities over the Z5. Photographers and videographers who want a capable full-frame body without the flagship price are the fit; anyone chasing top-tier video may find better alternatives in higher-end models.
Full review
A 24MP BSI sensor behind the Expeed 7
The Z5II pairs a 24-megapixel backside-illuminated full-frame sensor with the Expeed 7 processor from Nikon's flagship bodies, and that combination is what separates it from the original Z5. Burst capture reaches 11 fps in raw with the mechanical shutter, a large jump over the outgoing model, and The Phoblographer noted that the processor's noise reduction holds up remarkably well at high ISO. Readout is still slower than Nikon's step-up body, which is exactly what produces the rolling shutter and the crop limits described further down.
Nine subject types and a dedicated Bird AF mode
Autofocus is the clearest upgrade. Subject detection now covers nine types - people, animals, birds, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains and planes - where the original Z5 recognized only people and animals, with a dedicated Bird AF mode and Pre-Release Capture rounding it out. PCMag highlighted the 3D Tracking system's ability to hold a moving subject through a burst. It is not the tracking of Nikon's professional bodies, and The Phoblographer was careful to say so, but for travel and general shooting it is well past what this price class used to offer.
Full-width 4K at 30p, a crop at 60p
Video is a genuine step up from the Z5: full-width 4K at 30p, 1080 at 120p for slow motion, and 10-bit N-Log and N-Raw capture, which is unusual at this level. The limits all trace to readout speed - 60p requires a 1.5x crop, and full-width 4K shows more rolling shutter than a faster sensor would. PCMag's read is that the video toolkit is comprehensive but more than the camera's core audience will use; The Phoblographer's is that it makes a strong case for skipping APS-C entirely.
A deeper grip, and no sensor shield
The magnesium-alloy body is weather-sealed and comfortable, with a deeper grip than the Z5 that leaves room between your fingers and the lens mount, plus a pair of configurable function buttons. Dual UHS-II slots give you redundancy, though there is no CFexpress option for anyone with faster cards. The Phoblographer criticized two things directly: the flip-out screen is awkward for vlogging and selfies, and there is no sensor shield when you change lenses, which it argued should be standard by now. Battery life is middling, so carry a spare.
Where the money goes against the step-up body
PCMag calls the Z5II the best value among the current full-frame cameras, and the framing is fair: the gap to Nikon's faster body is readout speed and video headroom, not image quality or autofocus competence. DPReview's coverage lands in the same place, crediting improved burst and video over the Z5 without the flagship price. If you shoot stills with occasional video and want stabilization, weather sealing and two card slots, this is the body. If rolling shutter or full-width 60p is a working requirement, it is not.
Strengths
- +24MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor with improved readout speeds
- +Up to 11 fps Raw capture with mechanical shutter
- +3.69M dot 60Hz EVF with 3000-nit peak brightness
- +Dual UHS-II card slots for redundant recording
Watch-outs
- −Sensor readout speeds still slower than Z6III's
- −Limited video capabilities compared to higher-end models
How it compares
The Nikon Z5II provides better burst rates and dual card slots compared to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, but lacks the in-body stabilization and 4K/60p recording of the R6. Unlike the Sony α7 IV, it has a more compact design and better low-light performance, though the α7 IV offers a higher resolution EVF and better video specs.
Rating sources
“The Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's an update to Nikon's entry-level full-frame Z5 and is essentially a version of the Zf that trades retro styling for a more conventional design.”
Our 4.2 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
