Nikon Announces the Z5 II

Interesting upgrade from the Z5 - for $300 more

Nikon announced the Z5 II, the latest version of the Z5 lineup. Its $1699 MSRP puts it closer to the R6 Mark II.  The EOS R8 is cheaper than this camera, but less features as well.

One area the EOS R8 wins hands down, is on portability and size, which are far more important to people like me. The R6 Mark III was expected this year, but that's not a competitor to this camera either.

Some people wondered if Nikon had already adjusted the price to include tariffs from the USA, but it's 1766 USD in the price in Japan of 258,000 Yen, so it's probably not adjusted yet.  But I'd love to be surprised on this.

Pre Order Options

• B&H Photovideo - $1696.95
• Adorama - $1696.95

Key Features

• 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 7 Image Processor
• ISO 100-64000, Up to 30 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
• 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.2" 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• 9-Type Subject Detection AF
• 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
• Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots

Key Details

A High-Quality Creative Companion

A trustworthy tool for your creative journey, the Nikon Z5 II upgrades its predecessor with improved processing speed, subject recognition AF, and low-light performance. With a new color preset button, an ultra-bright viewfinder, and easy sharing options, the camera offers a step up to creators seeking full-frame imagery.

24.5MP FX Sensor & EXPEED 7 Image Processor

The full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is paired with an EXPEED 7 image processor to provide a versatile mixture of improved sensitivity, nuanced image quality, fast, AI-powered autofocus, and full-resolution continuous shooting up to 30 fps. At native values, a sensitivity range from ISO 100-64000 permits working in a broad array of lighting conditions and can be further expanded up to ISO 50-204800 for extreme lighting conditions. The combination of resolution and sensor size also contributes to clean image quality and smooth color transitions with reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range.

Autofocus You Can Trust

Using inherited algorithms and deep learning technology from the Z9, including sophisticated Subject Detection for nine different subject types, the Z5 II can recognize a variety of distinct subject types, ranging from humans to animals to airplanes to bicycles. The popular dedicated Bird Detection mode is also featured. When working in Auto-Area AF, these subjects will automatically be detected, focused on, and tracked to ensure sharp focus when the subject is moving across the frame.

UHD 4K Video Recording

Capable of recording more than just stills, the Z5 II has improved its video capture abilities as well, now supporting UHD 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Full HD recording up to 120 fps along with recording time limits up to two hours, a video self-timer feature, built-in electronic Vibration Reduction, and the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or an optional external recorder via HDMI out. In-camera time-lapse shooting is also possible with the ability to produce a finished UHD 4K video file directly from the camera.

Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction

Built into the body is a 5-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism that compensates for up to five stops of stabilization regardless of the lens in use. With compatible lenses, up to 7.5 stops of stabilization is possible. Also, benefitting video recording, Electronic VR is available to help steady footage to suit handheld shooting.

Color Control for Creators

Nikon has added a Picture Control button atop the Z5 II to make access to its 31 built-in presets available even in Auto mode. The color presets can now be overlaid in the rear LCD screen, giving you the ability to visualize the color shifts as you create. Creator Recipes built by fellow Nikon shooters are available through the Nikon Imaging Cloud and can be downloaded and integrated alongside the presets.

Body Design and Connectivity

• A large 3.2" 2.1m-dot LCD screen doubles the brightness for clear and vivid image playback and live view shooting. The vari-angle touchscreen design boasts more intuitive operation, navigation, and settings control.
• An ultra-bright, 3.69m-dot electronic viewfinder is present for comfortable eye-level viewing.
• Dual SD memory card slots both support up to the UHS-II protocol for high-speed and efficient photo and video file saving.
• The headphone jack doubles as a terminal for Nikon's optional MC-DC3 Remote Release Cord, and the USB-C terminal provides both camera charging and USB power delivery. A micro-HDMI port allows for external recording and live view.
• Built-in SnapBridge connectivity to enable seamless transfer of low-resolution imagery as well as remote shooting capabilities. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Wi-Fi enable communication between the camera and a smart device and, additionally, the mobile device can remotely trigger the shutter and display a live view image from the camera to enable working from a distance.
• Included EN-EL15c rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides approximately 380 shots per charge, and in-camera charging is supported via USB, even when the camera is in use.

Press Release Nikon announces the Nikon Z5II: Let full-frame be the next step in your creative journey

Amplify any Aesthetic & Unleash Your Full Creative Potential with the Most Feature-Packed Camera in its Class

MELVILLE, NY (April 3, 2025) -- Today, Nikon announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark. The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.1

The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one third2 the time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise. The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colors.

“The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for in order to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.”

Reliably Fast Focus and Performance

The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits or action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.

• 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
• The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
• Fast continuous shooting speeds3 with a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
• Pre-Release Capture4 function when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.

Embrace Low Light Like Never Before

There's no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light. Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.

• Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EV5 delivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
• A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
• The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop6 increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
• Focus-point VR7 tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
• Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Color Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
• Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode. Perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.

Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved

Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information. Additionally, the rear 3.2” Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot. The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance.

Feel the Color with Picture Controls

The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user.

Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting.

Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users

• The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:
• Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
• Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW8, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
• N-Log9 tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
• Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
• Hi-Res Zoom10 uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
• Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
• Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
• The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.

Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II

• Dual SD card slots
• Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
• Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
• Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting11 to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software).

Adobe Creative Cloud Promotion

For a limited time, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get 1 year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage. For more information and terms of this promotion, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1699.95* for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95* SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95* SRP.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

1. Based on Nikon research as of April 3rd, 2025.

2. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. The measurement values are based on the following testing conditions: Subject brightness of 10 EV; in photo mode using aperture-priority auto (A), single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at 70-mm focal length with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.

3. Max framerate of 14 fps in mechanical shutter mode is JPEG only. C15 and C30 are JPEG only, electronic shutter modes. Rolling shutter distortion may occur depending on the type of subject and shooting conditions.

4. Available only with JPEG recording.

5. In photo mode using single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at ISO 100 equivalent and a temperature of 20°C/68°F with an f/1.2 lens.

6. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll compensation performance when using the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (telephoto end, NORMAL)

7. Only in photo mode with NIKKOR Z lenses not equipped with VR. Does not function when multiple focus points are displayed.

8. When a frame size and rate of [[FX] 4032×2268 30p], [[FX] 4032×2268 25p], [[FX] 4032×2268 24p], [[DX] 3984×2240 30p], [[DX] 3984×2240 25p], or [[DX] 3984×2240 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. Picture quality is equivalent to that of a video quality setting of [Normal]. Use of Video Speed Class 90 (V90) SD memory cards is recommended.

9. When [H.265 10-bit (MOV)] or [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu.

10. Hi-Res Zoom is available when all the following conditions are met:- [FX] is selected for [Image area] > [Choose image area] in the video recording menu, [H.265 10-bit (MOV)], [H.265 8-bit (MOV)], or [H.264 8-bit (MP4)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu, and - a frame size and rate of [1920×1080; 30p], [1920×1080; 25p], or [1920×1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu.

11. Both the subject and the camera must be still. RAW images shot with the pixel shift shooting feature must be combined using NX Studio.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.