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Nikon Z5 II specifications and in-depth review

Nikon Z5 II

Manufacturer: Nikon

The Nikon Z5 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera built around the Nikon Z lens mount, offering a 24.5 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the Expeed 7 processor. It features a weather-sealed body measuring 134 × 100.5 × 72 mm and weighing 700 g, with a 3.2″ flip-out touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder delivering 100% coverage.

For stills, the Z5 II provides 299 focus points with phase-detection autofocus, continuous shooting at 8 fps, and a 7.5-stop CIPA-rated in-body stabilization system that can work in combination with compatible lenses. Video capabilities include 2268-line recording at 30 fps, a 24p cinema mode, slow-motion support, and both a 3.5 mm microphone input and stereo microphone. Connectivity covers Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, USB 3.2 Type-C, dual card slots, and HDMI output, while battery life is rated at 330 shots per charge from a 2280 mAh removable pack.

Pros
  • The 7.5-stop CIPA-rated in-body stabilization, combinable with compatible lenses, provides substantial camera shake compensation across a wide range of shooting situations
  • Weather sealing allows use in light rain or dusty conditions without additional protection
  • The flip-out touchscreen with phase-detection autofocus and touch AF support enables flexible shooting angles with responsive focus control
  • Dual card slots offer redundant storage or extended capacity during longer shoots
  • Lossless compressed RAW support keeps file quality intact while managing storage more efficiently than uncompressed formats
  • The electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage ensures accurate framing without cropping
Cons
  • Battery life rated at 330 shots per charge is relatively limited for extended shooting sessions
  • No built-in GPS means location data cannot be embedded in image metadata without an external device
  • The absence of NFC removes a convenient option for quick wireless pairing with compatible devices
  • Maximum operating temperature is capped at 40 degrees C, which may be restrictive in hot outdoor environments
  • The electronic shutter tops out at 0.000125 s, which is slower than what some fast-action scenarios may demand
Who is this for?

This camera is well-suited to photographers who want a full-frame mirrorless body for versatile everyday and travel use, particularly those who value weather-sealed construction for outdoor or unpredictable shooting conditions. The 7.5-stop in-body stabilization combined with lens stabilization makes it a strong fit for handheld shooting in low light, while the flip-out touchscreen, phase-detection autofocus with AF tracking, and continuous shooting at 8 fps serve users who need flexible framing and reliable subject tracking. The dual card slots, lossless compressed RAW support, and built-in stereo microphone with external audio inputs also make it a practical choice for those who shoot both stills and video regularly.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require extended shooting sessions may find the 330-shot battery life insufficient, particularly for event, sports, or wildlife photography where power demands are high. The lack of built-in GPS makes it a poor fit for those who need automatic geotagging in the field, such as travel or documentary photographers who rely on embedded location data. Additionally, users working in demanding fast-action scenarios may find the 8 fps mechanical burst rate and electronic shutter ceiling limiting compared to what high-speed sports or wildlife shooting typically demands, and the absence of a stacked CMOS sensor further constrains performance at the upper end of action photography.

Design:

Type Mirrorless
viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✓
screen resolution 2100k dots
Has a flip-out screen ✓
viewfinder coverage 100%
screen size 3.2"
weight 700 g
has a touch screen ✓
Has a hot shoe ✓
volume 969.624 cm³
is a system camera ✓
has a flash ✕
lowest potential operating temperature 0 °C
maximum operating temperature 40 °C
Has a tilting viewfinder ✕
width 134 mm
height 100.5 mm
thickness 72 mm

The Nikon Z5 II is a mirrorless system camera with a weather-sealed body measuring 134 × 100.5 × 72 mm and weighing 700 g. It uses an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and no tilting capability, while the 3.2″ flip-out touchscreen resolves at 2100k dots, offering flexible shooting angles. The camera includes a hot shoe for external flash use but has no built-in flash. Operating temperatures range from 0 °C to 40 °C, and the total body volume comes to 969.624 cm³.

Optics:

sensor size Full frame
lens mount Nikon Z
focus points 299
megapixels (main camera) 24.5 MP
maximum ISO 64000 ISO
maximum expanded ISO 204800 ISO
has sensor shift stabilization ✓
continuous shooting (mechanical) 8 fps
has AF tracking ✓
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos ✓
fastest shutter speed 0.0005 s
has manual focus ✓
has touch autofocus ✓
has manual shutter speed ✓
has a built-in HDR mode ✓
has a BSI sensor ✓
has manual exposure ✓
has a two-stage shutter ✓
has a serial shot mode ✓
has a CMOS sensor ✓
has manual ISO ✓
flash sync speed 0.005 s
has manual white balance ✓
exposure time 30 s
Maximum electronic shutter speed 0.000125 s
has a stacked CMOS sensor ✕
image stabilization rating (CIPA) 7.5 stops
can combine image stabilization ✓

The Nikon Z5 II uses a full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor — though not a stacked design — delivering 24.5 MP of resolution via the Nikon Z lens mount. Autofocus is handled through 299 phase-detection points with AF tracking and touch autofocus support, while the 7.5-stop CIPA-rated sensor-shift stabilization can be combined with compatible lenses for greater steadiness. Native ISO reaches 64000, expandable to 204800, and exposure times extend up to 30 s with full manual control over shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and exposure. The mechanical shutter tops out at 0.0005 s with a flash sync speed of 0.005 s, while the electronic shutter reaches 0.000125 s; burst shooting runs at 8 fps. Additional capabilities include AF tracking, a two-stage shutter, serial shot mode, built-in HDR, and manual focus.

Videography:

video recording (main camera) 2268 x 30 fps
Has phase-detection autofocus for videos ✓
has continuous autofocus when recording movies ✓
has a microphone input ✓
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✓
has a stereo microphone ✓
Has timelapse function ✓
number of microphones 2
has a 24p cinema mode ✓
supports slow-motion video recording ✓

The Nikon Z5 II records video at 2268 lines at up to 30 fps and includes a 24p cinema mode alongside slow-motion recording support. Autofocus during video is handled by phase-detection with continuous AF active throughout recording. Audio is covered by a built-in dual stereo microphone, and both a dedicated microphone input and a 3.5 mm headset jack are available for external audio connections. The camera also supports timelapse recording.

Battery:

Battery life (CIPA) 330 shots
has a removable battery ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓
battery power 2280 mAh

The Nikon Z5 II is powered by a removable, rechargeable 2280 mAh battery rated for approximately 330 shots per charge under CIPA testing conditions. A battery level indicator is built in, allowing users to monitor remaining power during use.

Features:

processor Expeed 7
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Has Bluetooth ✓
Has dual card slots ✓
has pixel shift shot ✕
shoots raw ✓
supports lossless compressed raw ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports a remote smartphone ✓
has an HDMI output ✓
has GPS ✕
has an advanced hot shoe ✕
has NFC ✕
has an external memory slot ✓
Has USB Type-C ✓

The Nikon Z5 II runs on the Expeed 7 processor and supports RAW capture including lossless compressed RAW, though pixel shift shooting is not available. Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) alongside Bluetooth, with smartphone remote control supported; NFC and GPS are not included. Physical connectivity includes a USB Type-C port, HDMI output, and an external memory slot, while dual card slots provide additional storage flexibility. The hot shoe present on the body is a standard type without advanced functionality.

Miscellaneous:

USB version 3.2

The Nikon Z5 II features a USB 3.2 connection for data transfer and connectivity.

Final Verdict

The Nikon Z5 II presents a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless option for photographers and videographers who prioritize build quality, stabilization, and versatile shooting capability. Its 7.5-stop in-body stabilization combined with a weather-sealed body, 24.5 MP BSI sensor, and reliable phase-detection autofocus system give it a strong foundation for a wide range of real-world shooting scenarios. While battery endurance and the absence of GPS or NFC connectivity are worth considering depending on intended use, these limitations do little to undermine the camera's overall capability for everyday, travel, and hybrid shooting. For users seeking a capable full-frame body on the Nikon Z system with solid stabilization and a practical feature set, the Z5 II makes a compelling and well-considered choice.

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