Nikon has announced an update to its popular entry-level full-frame camera, the Z5II, which comes with the latest EXPEED 7 processor and an expanded feature set.


Angled view of the new Nikon Z5II with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S lens, which will be offered as a kit option. (Source: Nikon.)

The new camera comes with a 24-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which is paired with the high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine ported across from the Z8 and Z9 models. This has enabled Nikon to provide the following key improvements:

  • Pixel shift shooting can combine up to 32 images to deliver a 96-megapixel frame, although the stitching process can only be done in Nikon’s free NX Studio software;
  • The maximum continuous shooting frame rate increases to about 14 fps from 4.5 fps;
  • Focus performance has been boosted to -10EV at base ISO with a f/1.2 lens;
  • Subject detection autofocus is expanded to include a wider choice of subjects plus Wide-Area custom settings;
  • IBIS vibration reduction is CIPA rated at 7.5 stops and Focus point VR has been added;
  • Video capabilities are expanded to include 10-bit H.265 support, 12-bit N-RAW, N-Log, no crop at 4K/30p, the addition of 4K/60p and Full HD/120p and waveform displays;
  • Voice memo, skin softening and high-frequency flicker reduction have been included;
  • The new camera includes Nikon Imaging Cloud support with Flexible Picture Controls;
  • Some changes have been made to the button and control positions and a new Picture Control button has been added to the top of the camera;
  • The menu system has been updated to make it similar to other recent releases with separate sections for PHOTO SHOOTING, VIDEO RECORDING, CUSTOM SETTING, PLAYBACK, SETUP, NETWORK;
  • Customisation options have been expanded.

The new camera’s body is remarkably close in size to the original Z5 but gains weather-resistant sealing and an articulated monitor instead of a tilting one. The EVF’s brightness has been increased threefold to 3000 nits. The battery is the same EN-EL15C power pack as the Z5 and rat5ed for 330-380 frames/charge, depending on whether you’re using the EVF or Rear LCD.

The Nikon Z5II is available to pre-order now at RRP AU$2699 for the camera body or $3249 for the body plus Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens or $3649 for the body plus Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S lens or $3499 for the body plus Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens. Click here for full details.