Verdict
Nikon’s entry level Z5II full frame camera will appeal to a broad range of photographers seeking maximum performance and bang for their buck, yet an approachably intuitive set up and handling.
A deep grip means the device sits well in the hand, the eye level viewfinder and touch sensitive flip-out LCD screen provide a variety of creative framing options for both stills and video, while the control layout feels at once traditional yet up-to-the-minute.
With Auto Focus swifter to respond than the time it takes to blink, and its sensor delivering a potentially eye-popping degree of detail as well as rich, contrast-y colours, there is not a lot I can find fault with here given the mirrorless camera’s price and potential audience.
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Full frame sensor in relatively compact, lightweight mirrorless body -
Flip-out, angle adjustable LCD touch screen plus eye-level viewfinder -
Comfortably deep handgrip and intuitive manual control layout
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Deeper grip means a chunkier camera overall -
DSLR-like handling won’t suit everyone -
Lenses required to get the best out of the sensor are expensive bought standalone
Key Features
Introduction
There’s a lot of hype around full frame cameras as the device needed if you are to consider yourself a photo enthusiast or ‘proper’ photographer in the digital age. Largely based on institutionalised industry snobbery perhaps, as a full frame sensor means a match for a 35mm film frame of old. But it’s been a long time since most of us shot film, and there are now generations that never have.
Naturally, full frame cameras, as well as theoretically delivering more picture information and detail than smaller sensor cameras, with images that really ‘pop’ on screen, tend to cost more.
Fortunately, however, the full frame Nikon Z5II model I’m looking at here feels reasonably priced. In fact it’s sufficiently affordable for me to suggest this could potentially be a perfect entry-level mirrorless camera for those who’ve decided it’s full frame they need.
That’s on paper at least. So how does the Nikon Z5II shape up in practice? And is it one of the best cameras on the market?
Design and Handling
- Compact DSLR-like dimensions
- 700g magnesium alloy body
- Vari angle touch screen LCD
The Nikon Z5II design embodies the shape, plus apes the handling of a traditional DSLR or mirrorless camera, albeit one of the more portable examples. Since this promotes handheld use, body integral Vibration Reduction, here effective up to a maximum 7.5 stops in the centre of the frame, is built in and proves useful in mitigating the blurring effects of any hand tremor.
Images are composed here via eye level viewfinder self-activated via eye sensor or flip out and tilt touch screen LCD directly below. The camera’s grip is sufficiently sized that I can squeeze three fingers around it, while my forefinger hovers over the shutter release button and my thumb presses against the leather effect pad at the rear for added purchase and stability.
This deeper grip, as well as what Nikon calls a more intuitive button layout, which here falls somewhere between the button layout of an enthusiast-level compact and a DSLR, are just two points of difference from the original Z5.
While the camera feels robust in the palm, and reassuringly solid once a lens has been affixed and battery inserted, it’s also been built to last. The magnesium alloy body boasts the same drip and dust resistance as the Z6III, further up the range. In short, it feels built to last and to be able to withstand the odd accidental knock.
If there is one gripe, like a lot of entry and mid-range mirrorless cameras these days, my Nikon Z5II arrived without any mains charger. Normally, that would not be an issue, as a USB lead for an Android phone and a mains plug when slotted straight into the camera most often does the job.
However, my review sample elected not to like any of the leads or plugs I tried, its small charging indicator refusing to illuminate. In the quick start guide, the manufacturer acknowledges that it may not work with all third-party cables and adapters, and, given this I’d recommend budgeting for the Nikon-specific EH-8P adapter as an optional extra.
Features
- Full frame sensor
- Built-in Vibration Reduction offers image stabilisation up to a 7.5 stop equivalent
- Dual SD memory card slots for power users
The Nikon Z5II is pitched as an all-rounder, and I found it suitable for shooting most, if not all, subjects.
A lot of users of this class of camera will be shooting on auto to begin with, the claim here being Auto Focus sensitivity is effective down to an impressive -10EV, thereby facilitating low light photography. In terms of light sensitivity, for stills it’s a maximum ISO64000 or ISO51200 for video, which is OK given this class of camera, if not much of a challenge to range-topping alternatives.
AF performance is said to be 68% swifter than the original Z5. While I did not have the earlier camera to compare it to, in practice, point the lens at a subject, squeeze the shutter release halfway and the Nikon Z5II can lock onto a target faster than I can blink. The upshot? I didn’t feel in danger of missing any possible photo opportunity I saw in my mind’s eye as I reached for the Z5II’s shutter release.
Stills aside, videographers can capture 4K resolution clips at 30fps, or boost this up to 4K at 60fps in sensor crop mode.
Dual card slots are provided for power users, though there’s no choice of two different formats, such as the common CFexpress and Secure Digital. Here, the slots are both for SD, which again underlines that this is a camera aimed more at amateur enthusiasts than working professionals – and that’s fair enough.
Image Quality
- 16MP stills photography
- 30fps high speed continuous shooting via electronic shutter, or 10fps utilising mechanical shutter
- Up to 4K resolution video at 30fps, or Full HD clips at 120fps
I was twinning the Nikon Z5II’s full frame sensor with a Nikkor 24-200mm f/4-6.3 zoom lens for the duration of my test period, which can be bought in a kit bundle along with the body, if desired. That will be of interest to anyone trading up from one of the best camera phones and investing in the Nikon system for the first time.
While said lens may not be quite as sharp a match for the sensor as a prime lens might be, I found the combination acquitted itself well, delivering contrast-y images with plenty of detail and punch-y colours under daylight conditions.
Surprisingly, given that this is an enthusiast class of camera with a lot of features that have trickled down from more professional models in the range, I did spot the occasional instance of purple pixel fringing when photographing contrast-y subjects, such as foliage framed against a bright sky background. In fairness, this is only noticeable when actively looking out for it and in most circumstances isn’t an issue.
More generally, results are sharp and rich in terms of the amount of information seen on screen. And if not quite three dimensional in feel, then I’d judge the resultant images as at least very life-like in appearance, providing pleasantly accurate renderings of any subject.
Should you buy it?
If you’ve lusted after a traditional camera
This is a conventionally styled, traditional-handling full-frame DSLR, yet in a more portable and affordable mirrorless chassis.
You don’t need the detail
If you don’t actually need the extra detail delivered by full frame or can justify the expense that goes with it. Not just in terms of initially buying this camera, but in adding lenses of sufficient quality to make the most of the sensor in use going forward.
Final Thoughts
With the Nikon Z5II I feel like I’m getting a full frame mirrorless camera for a price not too dissimilar to what I’m often asked to pay for an APS-C sensor or Micro Four Thirds model.
While I’m not sure the hype around full frame is always justified, if you think you are going to need to maximise detail for making larger prints then this model would seem like something of a steal.
Great value as well as capable, the conclusion here is that there is not much to dislike if you want full frame results on an entry-level camera budget.
How We Test
We test every camera we review thoroughly. We use set tests to compare features properly and we use it as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Full Specs
| Nikon Z5II Review | |
|---|---|
| UK RRP | £1599 |
| USA RRP | $1699 |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Video Recording | Yes |
| IP rating | Not Disclosed |
| Size (Dimensions) | x x INCHES |
| Weight | 700 G |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| First Reviewed Date | 16/09/2025 |
| Zoom | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Burst shooting (mechanical shutter) | Yes |
| Burst shooting (electronic shutter) | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Yes |
| Screen | Yes |
| Image stabilisation | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Number of Memory card slots | 2 |
| USB charging | Yes |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Lens mount | Yes |
