Nikon Z5 II: A Comprehensive Review of the Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Nikon’s commitment to innovation is evident in the Z5 II, a full-frame mirrorless camera that balances compactness with sophisticated features. This review delves into the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Z5 II, assessing its position in the competitive landscape of full-frame photography.

Design and Handling

The Nikon Z5 II features a DSLR-style body constructed from magnesium alloy, resulting in a relatively lightweight build of approximately 620 grams (without battery and SD card). The camera’s ergonomics are reminiscent of the Z6 III, offering a comfortable grip and intuitive control layout. Two rotary knobs on the top panel control shooting mode selection and exposure compensation. The inclusion of a dedicated ISO button near the shutter button provides quick access to ISO settings. Users can also customize settings and save them to U1, U2, and U3 profiles, accessible via the rotary knob.

A 3.2-inch flexible, tilting, and rotating touchscreen simplifies content creation, particularly for vlogging and self-portraits. The bright and clear electronic viewfinder (EVF) aids in precise composition.

Key Features and Performance

The Z5 II is equipped with a 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS full-frame sensor paired with the EXPEED 7 processor. This combination delivers sharp, detailed images with mature color contrast. The camera excels in portrait photography, rendering natural skin tones even under colored studio lighting.

In low-light conditions, the Z5 II performs admirably, offering ISO settings up to 64,000 (photo) and 51,200 (video). Images at ISO 6400 remain relatively sharp with minimal noise. Although noise becomes more noticeable at ISO 12800, and sharpness decreases at ISO 25600 due to noise suppression, images remain usable for smaller prints or social media.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system has been significantly improved compared to the original Z5. The Z5 II can automatically detect nine subjects: people, birds, dogs, cats, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, and airplanes. Dedicated modes for birds and airplanes enhance autofocus accuracy. The autofocus system operates effectively down to -10EV, even in near-darkness, although performance can unhurried and become less consistent in extremely low light.

The camera incorporates 3D Tracking and AF-A mode, a first for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras. AF-A mode automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C modes based on subject movement, optimizing autofocus performance.

Speed and Continuous Shooting

For capturing fast action, the Z5 II can shoot at up to 30 frames per second with an electronic shutter, or up to 15 frames per second in RAW mode. While continuous shooting is capable, autofocus tracking can occasionally falter.

Video Capabilities

The Z5 II supports 4K video recording at up to 60p, as well as 120fps Full HD slow-motion video. It features up to 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization, enabling stable video recording without a tripod or gimbal. A slight crop is present in 4K video recording, but it is not overly intrusive.

The camera supports 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264 recording formats. It is the first Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera to support N-RAW and N-Log video recording directly to an SD memory card. Dual SD card slots provide added flexibility and redundancy.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
• Compact and comfortable design
• Satisfactory photo and video quality
• User-friendly interface
• Good high ISO performance
• Bright and sharp viewfinder
• Dual SD card slots
• Up to 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization
• Cons:
• Average battery life
• Less consistent autofocus tracking
• Slow autofocus performance in very dark conditions
• Crop in 4K video recording mode

Conclusion

The Nikon Z5 II represents a significant step forward for entry-level full-frame mirrorless cameras. Priced at approximately $2,899 (body only), it offers a compelling balance of features, performance, and price. The Z5 II delivers performance comparable to the more expensive Nikon Z6 III, making it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers seeking a compact, feature-rich full-frame camera.