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91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product photos: Mitchell Clark
The Nikon 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.
Key Features
24MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor
In-body image stabilization, rated up to 7. 5EV
Autofocus subject detection with support for 9 subject types
11 fps Raw w/ mechanical shutter
30fps JPEG-only mode with pre-release capture
3. 69M dot 60Hz EVF with 3000-nit peak brightness
4K/30 full-width, 60p w/ 1. 5x crop
10-bit N-Log or N-Raw capture
Dual UHS-II card slots
Downloadable color mode presets via Imaging Cloud
The Z5II is available for $1699 – a $300 increase over its predecessor in absolute terms, though a very similar price when considering inflation and its greater ambitions. Kits will also be available with a 24-50mm f/4-6. 3 lens for $1999, or with a 24-200mm f/4-6. 3 VR for $2499.
Index:
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Image quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon. comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Apr 3: Initial review published
Aug 11: Image quality, AF, video and conclusion added. Body and handling updated, review gallery added.
What's new
A new old sensor
The Z5II's sensor is one we know well, as it features in cameras like the Zf and Z6 II. While it's certainly not state-of-the-art, it's historically performed excellently and offers noticeably faster readout speeds than the non-BSI sensor found in the original Z5, which hailed from the early 2010s.
That'll be most noticeable in video modes – its readout speeds are still slow enough that you likely won't want to use e-shutter mode unless you really need to shoot silently or are doing JPEG-only bursts where it drops to its faster, 12-bit readout mode. However, the Z5II supports much faster burst rates than its predecessor, shooting in Raw at up to 11fps with its mechanical shutter, where the original topped out at 4. 5fps.
Hybrid abilities
The Z5II is a much more capable video camera than its predecessor, which could only manage shooting at 4K/30 with a substantial 1. 7x crop. The new model, meanwhile, can shoot full-width 4K at up to 30fp and 120fps in 1080p for slow-motion shooting, double what the Z5 was capable of.
It also has a slate of advanced video features such as a product-priority focus mode, electronic stabilization, 10-bit N-Log, waveform monitors and even N-Raw. While the Z5II's target audience likely won't find much use for those later modes, it's hard to complain about their inclusion.
However, while its sensor has good readout speeds, it isn't anywhere near as fast as the one on the more expensive Z6III. That means you'll see more rolling shutter in full-width 4K, and will have to deal with a 1. 5x crop if you want to shoot 60p, though the Z5II is at least capable of the higher framerate.
Latest-gen processor
The Z5II has Nikon's latest processor, the same one that powers cameras like the Z8 and Z6III. That means it largely has the same autofocus capabilities as those more expensive models. It supports the same subject recognition types – the Z5 only recognizes humans and animals, while the Z5II can also detect birds, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains and planes.
It also gains a 30fps JPEG-only mode, which supports pre-burst capture. The Z6III's faster sensor gives it a leg up in this area, though: it can shoot full-resolution JPEGs at up to 60fps and can hit 120fps by dropping down to an APS-C crop.
The company also claims the Z5II supports more advanced noise reduction, putting out cleaner JPEGs at high ISOs, and has added an AF-A mode, where the camera decides whether to use single or continuous autofocus.
A bright viewfinder and a more flexible screen
Nikon says the Z5II's viewfinder can reach a brightness of up to 3000 nits, which should help when shooting in harsh daylight. The company doesn't quote brightness figures for the Z5's EVF, though it otherwise has similar specs – both cameras use a 3. 69M dot display running at 60Hz.
There are also some changes to the Z5II's LCD. At 3. 2", it's the same size as the Z5's, but it's higher resolution and fully articulated, while the original's screen was limited to tilt adjustments.
How it compares
While the Z5II isn't as cheap as its predecessor, it is still among the least expensive full-frame ILCs ever released. Some other cameras on that list, like the original Z5 and Canon's EOS R8, are among its competitors.
At $2000, Panasonic's S5II has a substantially higher MSRP than those cameras and, before the Z5II, offered a more complete package than any full-frame camera in the sub-$2000 range. The S9, which is based around the same sensor, is closer in price to the Z5II but is aimed at a more video-focused audience, as it lacks both an EVF and a mechanical shutter. Given that, it didn't feel as appropriate for this list. While the S5II frequently goes on sale, street prices for cameras drop relative to their MSRPs – a camera that starts off at $1700 is likely to end up significantly cheaper than one that started life at $2000.
The one exception to that rule is if a camera sticks around long enough to get a permanent price cut to reposition it when its replacement arrives. That's essentially what's happened with Sony's a7 III, which was originally released in 2018. It shows its age in many ways but is still in a similar class to the other cameras in this comparison.
Nikon Z5II
Nikon Z5
Canon EOS R8
Panasonic S5II
Sony a7 III
MSRP
$1699
$1399
$1499
$1999
$1799 (Originally $2000)
Pixel count
24MP
24MP
24MP
24MP
24MP
Stabilization
IBIS
IBIS
No
IBIS
IBIS
Max burst rate (Mech / E-shutter)
11fps Raw
30 JPEG-only
4. 5fps
6fps elec. first curtain
40fps e-shutter
7fps mech.
30fps e-shutter
10fps
Pre-buffer
Yes, JPEG
No
Yes, Raw, 0. 5 sec
Yes, Raw, 0. 5 sec
No
Autofocus recognition subjects
People
Birds
Animals
Vehicles
Human
Animal
People
Animals
Vehicles
Human, Animal, Car, Motorcycle, Airplane, Train
Eye AF
Max video resolution
4K 60p w/ 1. 5x crop
4K 30p full-width
4K 30p w/ 1. 7x crop
4K 60p full-width
6K 30p open gate
4K 60p w/1. 5x crop
4K 30p full-width
4K 30p w/ 1. 2x crop
4K 24p full-width
10-bit options
N-Raw
N-Log
HLG
N/A
C-Log3
HDR PQ
V-Log
HLG
S-Log 3
HLG
Headphone / Mic jack
Yes / Yes
Yes / Yes
Yes / Yes
Yes / Yes
Yes / Yes
Viewfinder res / mag
3. 69M dots
0. 8x
3. 69M dots
0. 8x
2. 36M dots
0. 7x
3. 68M dot 0. 78x
2. 36M dots
0. 78x
Rear screen
3. 2" 2. 1M dot fully articulated
3. 2" 1. 04M dot tilting
3" 1. 62M-dot fully articulated
3" 1. 84M-dot fully articulated
3" 921. 6K tilting
Storage formats
2x UHS-II SD
2x UHS-II SD
1x UHS-II SD
2x UHS-II SD
1x UHS-II SD
1x UHS-I SD
Battery life (CIPA)
330 shots
470 shots
290 shots
370 shots
710 shots
Dimensions
134 x 101 x 72 mm
134 x 101 x 70 mm
133 x 86 x 70 mm
134 x 102 x 90 mm
127 x 96 x 74 mm
Weight
700g
675g
461g
740g
650g
With the upgrades it gains over its predecessor, the Z5II has become one of the most complete full-frame options for under $2000. You're not giving up IBIS, battery life and an autofocus joystick like you would be with the EOS R8, and you're not giving up an EVF and dual top-plate control dials like with the Panasonic S9. It's relatively evenly matched with the S5II, though we've generally found Nikon's autofocus performance to be more reliable.
The a7 III may still seem like a worthy competitor on paper, especially considering that Nikon and Canon can't match E-mount's wide range of lenses. However, other brands have caught up to its once class-leading autofocus system, and its menus were dated and annoying to use even back in 2018. The once enthusiast-focused Sony is really showing its age.
Body and Handling
The Z5II's design is relatively unchanged from its predecessor, though that isn't a complaint. It has a standard mode dial with three custom slots, as well as two top-plate dials for controlling your exposure settings. The camera also comes with a wide variety of buttons, including two customizable ones on the front near the lens mount.
Nikon has added its Picture Control button, which debuted with the Z50II and lets you easily control your JPEG color mode. While the Z5II comes with Nikon's classic range of color modes built-in, you can also download more via the company's Nikon Imaging Cloud service and create or customize your own using the company's desktop software.
Out of camera JPEG, shot using the 'Deeptone Monochrome' color mode.
Nikkor Z 50mm F1. 8 S | F5. 6 | 1/2000 sec | ISO 100
Photo: Mitchell Clark
This setup provides a fair amount of flexibility and control over the look of your out-of-camera JPEGs, though it doesn't come with the freedom and enormous back-catalog of the industry-standard LUTs that companies like Panasonic let you use.
Handling
The Z5II is a solid camera with a deep grip, which fits well in the hand. It's sturdy – Nikon says the front, back and top covers are made from magnesium alloy – and sealed against moisture and dust. We shot our sample gallery in light to medium rain with no issues.
The control layout is the same one that Nikon has used across much of its Z lineup – anyone familiar with the original Z5 or Z6 series will be instantly familiar with it. Most of the buttons on the back are generally easy to access while shooting, as is the autofocus joystick. The Z5II also supports using portions of its touchscreen to control the autofocus point. The one button that can be difficult to reach in general use is Picture Control, as its position on the top plate will likely require you to re-adjust your grip to reach it.
A good number of the buttons are customizable, but there are some odd limitations to which settings you can apply to them. For instance, we find it can be useful to have quick access to the shutter speed threshold for Auto ISO, but this can't be assigned to a button. It also can't be assigned to MyMenu, so you can't use the old workaround of putting it there and assigning 'Top item on MyMenu' to a custom button. It's a strange omission from a modern camera.
There's also no way of dismissing the on-screen button that switches between positioning the AF point, touch AF and touch shutter, so expect to tap it occasionally and find you've touch-shuttered some pictures of your feet. The Z5II also lacks a sensor indicating that the rear screen is extended, so its a bit prone to blacking-out the rear screen if you shoot at waist level, unless you switch it to LCD only mode.
Viewfinder
The Z5II's viewfinder is high-resolution and has a relatively high magnification, but where it really sets itself apart from the crowd is in brightness. It has a peak brightness of 3000 nits, which means it should still be clearly visible, even on a bright, sunny day.
The panel runs at 60Hz. While that's not as fast as the 120Hz mode found on Nikon's higher-end cameras, it should be responsive enough for all but the most fast-paced situations.
Screen
The Z5II features a large, high-resolution, fully-articulated display. While it doesn't provide stills shooters with the ability to tilt up or down in a single motion, once you flip it out, you can use it at pretty much any angle. It also lets you monitor video you're taking of yourself, an essential feature for anyone looking to try their hand at vlogging.
Ports and slots
Again, the Z5II's port selection remains largely unchanged from its predecessor's. It retains the dual UHS-II SD card slots, headphone and microphone jacks, USB-C socket and micro HDMI port. Overall, it's hard to find fault with this selection.
Battery
The Z5II uses the same 16Wh EN-EL15c battery as many of Nikon's other full-frame cameras. It's CIPA-rated to get around 330 shots on a single charge. While you can generally expect to get a fair bit more than the literal number of rated shots, the rating provides a consistent benchmark we can use to measure cameras against each other.
We'd consider a rating around 300 to be acceptable for a day of shooting or a weekend where you're occasionally taking photos, but anything more, and you'll probably want to keep an extra battery or USB-C battery bank at hand.
If you routinely have marathon shooting sessions, the Z5II can be fitted with the sold-separately MB-N14 battery grip, the same that's used for cameras like the Z6 II and Z6III. It should roughly double your battery life and lets you hot-swap in a fresh battery without cutting power to your camera.
Image quality
Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors and detail types you'll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes to see the effect of different lighting conditions.
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The test scene throws up no surprises at all: detail capture is consistent with other 24MP full-frame cameras, as is noise performance at high ISO. Default JPEG color is the usual Nikon response: on the punchy side of accurate, which is a result a lot of people like.
JPEG sharpening pulls out a lot of fine detail, though false color isn't as well suppressed as in the Canon's files. Noise reduction smoothes away a little more detail than its peers, but overall, the results are very solid.
This is a well-known sensor, so the results aren't surprising, but until recently, you had to spend a fair amount more than this to get the same combination of IQ, handling and autofocus performance.
HDR photos
Like many recent cameras, the Z5II can capture HDR images using the HLG response curve and 10-bit HEIF files. The process for switching is pleasantly simple: just select HLG, rather than SDR in the menus and the camera jumps from recording 8-bit standard DR JPEGs to 10-bit high-DR HEIFs. Base ISO jumps from 100 to 400, so that exposure gets reduced in order to capture up to 2EV of additional highlight information.
Unlike, say, Sony cameras, you can shoot Raw + HLG HEIF files and use the in-camera options to reprocess the Raw as a HEIF while changing some settings. However, that can only be done with Raws that were originally shot in HLG mode: the camera needs to have exposed for HDR capture (using at least ISO 400 exposures) to capture the additional highlights that the files contain.
This is a JPEG produced in-camera from a Raw/HEIF pair. Viewed on a compatible display, the rose's petals and the upward facing leaves 'glow' in a way that's much closer to how the scene really appeared, in the HEIF version, which you can download by clicking here.
Nikkor Z 28-70mm F2. 8 S @ 70mm | F4 | 1/1600s | ISO 400
Photo: Richard Butler
There's also a separate 'HDR overlay' mode that takes two images and combines them into an standard DR image. The results aren't terrible but they're not nearly as impressive as the 'true' HDR mode that captures more realistic highlights for viewing on wide-gamut, high brightness displays.
Autofocus
The Z5II's eye detection doesn't always put the focus precisely on the iris, but it gets the eye area in very good focus so often that you can just think about composition and timing of your photo, without having to worry about focus.
Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2. 8 S @ 45mm | F5. 6 | 1/125 sec | ISO 100
Photo: Richard Butler
The Z5II has the same autofocus interface as the company's range-topping sports cameras. You can choose from a variety of AF area modes, with a '3D Tracking' area that follows whatever's under the target area, in continuous AF. On top of these, the Z5II has a range of subject recognition modes, including an 'Auto' mode that will look to engage human, animal or vehicle recognition. These can be used with Wide AF areas, 3D Tracking and All-area AF.
AF performance
In terms of performance it works very well and is a big step up from the previous generation of cameras, meaning the sub-$2000 Z5II is an easier-to-use and more dependable camera than the Z6 II that used to sit one step further up the range.
"The Z5II is an easier-to-use and more dependable camera than the Z6 II that used to sit further up the range"
The performance isn't quite on the same level as its more expensive contemporary Nikons, as all of those use sensors that read-out faster. In particular, we noticed the camera was a little prone to picking something near the object we were trying to select, then focusing on that instead, necessitating the disengagement of subject recognition.
These experiences were reinforced by our standardized basic test, where tracking with subject recognition turned off could sometimes lose its subject.
1
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Generic Tracking Rollover
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Face Recognition Rollover
Turning subject recognition on boosted tracking reliability but it still wasn't as responsive as the Nikon Z6III, which was a little better at maintaining focus as the rate-of-approach changed.
As light levels fell we found it got a little less good at finding eyes and faces (we were shooting alongside a camera that was doing very well, in that regard). But overall it's very competitive, relative to its immediate peers. Which is to say: light years ahead of any camera made more than a few years ago. The range of activities to which the Z5 II can adapt is really quite striking.
Video
Nikon's video has improved significantly in the past few years and the Z5II gains the majority of those benefits, making it a much more capable video camera than its predecessor.
The 24MP BSI sensor isn't the fastest to read out, so it has a reasonable amount of rolling shutter if your camera or subject moves too quickly, but this is the same sensor around which Panasonic built its video-focused S1H and S5IIX models, so it's not a bad performer, even if this is an area in which technology is improving.
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The addition of options such as 10-bit capture in SDR, HLG HDR or Log is a major step foward over the Z5, which had to crop-in to even offer 4K. The Z5II also offers N-Raw video, which produces files no larger than the 10-bit capture but appears to be sub-sampled, rather than downscaled, so captures less detail and more is more prone to moir
Autofocus isn't quite as dependable as in stills but, especially for recognized subject types, it does a good job of staying on your chosen target. Autofocus speed can be adjusted depending on whether you want smooth transitions or rapid, attentive autofocus on a single subject. Image stabilization works pretty well, with electronic stabilization improving smoothness in return for an addition 1. 25x crop.
E stabilization Off
E stabilization On
4K/30/25/24
10-bit
1. 00x crop
(22. 2ms)
1. 25x crop
(17. 8ms)
4K/60/50
10-bit
1. 52x crop
(14. 6ms)
1. 90x crop
(11. 7ms)
4K/30/25/24
12-bit N-Raw
1. 00 crop
(22. 2ms)
1. 52x crop
(11. 6ms)
N/A
Interestingly, the full-width Raw footage is two-thirds the sensor's full resolution (and has aliasing suggesting it may be line-skipped), yet takes as long to read-out as the downscaled, processed 4K footage. By comparison, the N-Raw footage taken from the cropped region is read-out faster than the 4K/60p taken from the same area, suggesting it's further line-skipped at the point of being read.
Conclusion
By Richard Butler
Pros
Cons
Excellent image quality
Very good autofocus, for a range of subjects
Excellent handling and ergonomics
Strong feature set, including image stabilization, interval shooting, etc. . .
Impressive range of video modes and support features
Simple-to-use HDR stills and video capture
Snapbridge App works pretty reliably (at least on Android)
Menus rather long and featureless
Subject recognition can sometimes distract the camera from the thing you'd asked it to focus on
Video autofocus less dependable
Video somewhat prone to rolling shutter
Needs to crop to deliver 4K/60
Battery life reasonable, rather than great
No sensor to stop the camera switching to viewfinder mode with rear screen extended
Lens choice limited by Nikon
The Nikon Z5II is almost unimaginably good for a camera priced under $2000. Previous models in this price range have tended to be significantly cut-down versions of more expensive cameras, assembled from elderly tech or simply been rather aged models re-positioned downmarket, past their best-before dates. That's not the case with the Z5II.
The Z5II is an impressive all-rounder that delivers excellent image quality and good video, underpinned by very good autofocus in a body that's well-designed and comfortable to use. As with any full-frame camera, many of the lenses are quite large (and expensive) but that's the price you pay for the image quality benefits.
The Z5II hasn't been shorn of control points or card slots to distinguish it from its more expensive siblings. So you get plenty of custom buttons, a joystick and two UHS-II slots, despite the lowly position in the lineup.
In part it benefits because the last generation of sensor was already so good that it still gives a solid foundation for a modern camera (Panasonic's newer, more expensive S1IIE is based on the same chip). But also, with Nikon's latest Z6III getting a major speed boost, the Z5II can be very capable without treading on its toes. So it can offer very credible video without undercutting the even better Z6III.
Like many mainstream cameras, the Z5II's menus would benefit from some pruning and reworking (as an aperture priority shooter I'd love to more easily access the Auto ISO shutter speed threshold settings), but the ability to customize the 'i' menu and neat touches like the custom settings menu memorizing which setting you last used within each section can help mitigate the challenges, somewhat.
The Z5II shoots quickly and accurately enough that you can use it for an extremely wide range of shooting. From wildlife to landscapes, portraits to sports, it'll be rare that the camera will hold you back, rather than your abilities and experience.
Nikkor 24-70mm F2. 8 S @ 70mm | F5. 0 | 1/80 sec | ISO 500
Raw reprocessed in-camera: white balance warmed, D-lighting increased to 'Normal'
Photo: Richard Butler
Part of that complexity comes from the fact the Z5II tries to do so much. Each may be of niche appeal but focus bracketing, interval shooting, multi-shot high-res capture and the ability to shoot faster than Nikon's pro sports model did, a decade ago, make the Z5II incredibly flexible. And Nikon hasn't omitted image stabilization or a reasonably-sized battery in the process.
Other than a relaxation of Nikon's rather restrictive approach to third-party lenses, it's hard to see what more an enthusiast photographer could want from a camera. Sure, there are higher res cameras, models with faster sensors for improved video, and pro-focused kit with more solid build and additional bells and whistles, but the Z5II will be more than enough camera for a vast number and variety of photographers. And it's likely to be a very difficult camera to outgrow, regardless of where your creativity takes you. Very few of us truly need anything more.
Scoring
Scoring is relative only to the other cameras in the same category. Click here to learn about what these numbers mean.
Nikon Z5IICategory: Entry Level Full Frame CameraBuild qualityErgonomics & handlingFeaturesMetering & focus accuracyImage quality (raw)Image quality (jpeg)Low light / high ISO performanceViewfinder / screen ratingOpticsPerformanceMovie / video modeConnectivityValuePoorExcellentConclusionThe Nikon Z5II combines a well-regarded sensor, with a broad range of features for both stills and video shooters. It's a fairly sizeable camera, especially once you include lenses, but the provision of in-body stabilization and Nikon's latest AF systems make it a hugely accomplished all-rounder. Good forA remarkably broad range of photographers and videographers. Not so good forPhotographers looking for a compact kit for travel. Anyone with the most demanding AF requirements. 91%Overall scoreRegularScoreCompareWidget({"mainElementId":"scoringWidget","mainProduct":"nikon_z5ii","scoringSchema":{"id":"SLRs","variables":[{"id":"BuildQuality"},{"id":"ErgonomicsAndHandling"},{"id":"Features"},{"id":"MeteringAndFocusAccuracy"},{"id":"QualityRaw"},{"id":"QualityJpeg"},{"id":"LowLightHighISO"},{"id":"ViewfinderScreenRating"},{"id":"Optics"},{"id":"Performance"},{"id":"Movie"},{"id":"Connectivity"},{"id":"Value"}],"categories":[{"id":"EntryLevel","label":"Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Entry Level"},{"id":"MidRange","label":"Mid Range Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Mid Level"},{"id":"EntryLevelFullFrame","label":"Entry Level Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Entry Level Full Frame"},{"id":"MidRangeFullFrame","label":"Mid Range Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Mid Range Full Frame"},{"id":"SemiProfessional","label":"Semi-professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Semi-professional"},{"id":"SemiProfessionalFullFrame","label":"Semi-professional Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Semi-professional Full Frame"},{"id":"Professional","label":" Professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Professional"},{"id":"LargeSensorCompactEntry","label":"Entry Level Large Sensor Compact Camera","shortLabel":"Entry Level Large Sensor Compact"},{"id":"LargeSensorCompactEnthusiast","label":"Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact Camera","shortLabel":"Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact"},{"id":"VideoCamera","label":"Video Camera","shortLabel":"Video Camera"}]},"helpText":"Choose one or more cameras from the drop-down menu, then roll your mouse over the names to see how their scores compare to the camera on review. "})
Compared to its peers
The Canon EOS R8 is a very capable camera but its lack of image stabilization, its short battery life and small, lower-res viewfinder look the corners that had to be cut, to stop it competing with the more expensive EOS R6 II. That's not the case with the Z5II, which is differentiated from the Z6III by the use of a different sensor, so there's less need to hold the cheaper camera back. The EOS R8 doesn't need to crop to deliver 4K/60, but the Z5II is stronger in just about every other respect.
Panasonic's Lumix DC-S5II is priced a little higher than the Nikon and it's noticeable in the more solid-feeling metal body. It offers open-gate shooting from the same, not-especially-fast sensor, along with better stabilization algorithms and a cooling fan for extended recording periods. But the Nikon's more dependable autofocus in both stills and video makes a big difference. The L-mount system offers a wider choice of autofocus lenses, but in terms of everyday usability, the Nikon's AF gives it the edge, for us.
Sony's a7 III was the camera to beat when it launched, but that was in early 2018, before Canon or Nikon had introduced their full-frame mirrorless systems. Its eye detection AF is still competitive with the Z5II but the autofocus interface and implementation, along with the rest of its UI and menus, really show their age. The Nikon comfortably out-points it in just about every other respect: video quality, video AF, viewfinder and screen quality, card slot consistency, feature set. We'd probably choose the Z5II over the more expensive a7IV, if it came down to it.
Nikon is selling off the original Z5 at some very tempting prices. We'd still be inclined to go for the Mark II if you can save for a little longer, or your budget will stretch. The image quality of the two cameras is pretty similar but the Z5 II is better in most other ways. Most noticeably, its autofocus is hugely improved, in terms of operation and performance, with the 3D Tracking mode working better, even before you engage any subject recognition. The newer model shoots faster, offers a wider array of features and has vastly improved video: it's just a more capable all-rounder.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon. comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoNikon Z5II sample gallery
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Pre-production sample gallery
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. . dpreview.com
2025-8-13 17:43