The Nikon Z5II delivers a range of impressive updates over the original Nikon Z5, that caters to both photographers and video content creators alike thanks to its combination of thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance.
Retaining the compact and rugged design of the original Z5, the Z5II features a deep, comfortable handgrip allowing for secure more handling, even during long shooting sessions, as well as a lightweight magnesium alloy and polycarbonate construction, offering weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts a brightness of up to 3000 nits, making it easier to shoot in harsh daylight conditions and the bright, 3.2” fully articulating rear monitor provides additional flexibility for framing shots from various angles.
At the heart of the Z5II is a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor paired with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 7 processor resulting in faster performance, improved image quality, and enhanced overall responsiveness when compared to the previous model.
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It boasts a native ISO range of 100 to 64,000 ensures outstanding performance in both bright and low-light scenarios and continuous shooting speeds up to 14fps (mechanical shutter) and 15 or 30 fps (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
There is also a Pre-Release Capture function that records images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is full pressed when shooting in certain modes.
The Z5II is also Nikon’s first full-frame camera with AF-A focus mode.
Nikon says that when this mode is selected and shooting stills, the camera will automatically switch between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition allowing the camera to automatically focus on the subject with no additional setting adjustments.
A 3D-Tracking mode is also available, allowing the camera to follow moving subjects with precision even if the subject is moving rapidly or erratically. It can also detect and focus on a wide range of subjects, including people, pets, vehicles, and wildlife.
The in-body stabilization has been boosted to 7.5 stops with supported lenses, ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions and the Picture Control button allows users to preview and switch between colour profiles in real time.
For video content creators, the Z5II offers significant improvements over the original Z5, being able to capture full-width 4K at up to 30fps and 1080p at 120fps for slow-motion footage. it’s worth noting however, that 4K at 60fps is captured with a 1.5x crop.
Other advanced video features like 10-bit N-Log, and N-Raw capture allow for greater flexibility in post-production and the camera’s electronic vibration reduction further enhances video stability, helping to ensure smooth footage even when shooting handheld.
In terms of connectivity, the Z5II features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is compatible with Nikon’s SnapBridge app, which lets you control the Z5II remotely from your smartphone and the dual SD card slots offer additional peace of mind, providing options for backup and overflow storage.
Finally, with its blend of advanced features and robust design, the Nikon Z5II is a excellent option for photographers and video content creators who are looking to step into the world of full-frame cameras without breaking the bank.
