Nikon Z5 II Launched: An Affordable Full-Frame Camera for Outdoor Photographers
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For outdoor photographers who want full-frame image quality without paying flagship prices, Nikon has officially unveiled the Z5 II—an upgraded, second-generation FX-format mirrorless camera aimed squarely at value-minded shooters. Priced at $1,700, the Nikon Z5 II is powered by the EXPEED 7 image processor—the same high-performance engine used in Nikon’s flagship Z8 and Z9—bringing faster speed, smarter autofocus and modern features to an entry-level full-frame body.
Faster Autofocus & AI-Powered Subject Detection
A headline improvement on the Nikon Z5 II is its AI-driven autofocus system, built to keep up with fast, unpredictable outdoor subjects. Driven by the EXPEED 7 processor, the updated AF system supports advanced subject detection for wildlife, birds, animals, vehicles and more, helping photographers maintain accurate focus as subjects move across the frame.
For wildlife shooters, that’s a meaningful upgrade—whether you’re tracking a bald eagle in flight or photographing a cheetah at full sprint. Nikon says the Z5 II can acquire focus nearly three times faster than the previous model, and a dedicated bird-detection mode is intended to make it easier to get consistently sharp results on small, erratic subjects.
Superior Low-Light Performance for Landscape and Night Photography
The Nikon Z5 II is also positioned as a strong option for low-light outdoor work, thanks to its 24.5MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. BSI sensor design typically improves light-gathering efficiency, which can translate into cleaner high-ISO files and better shadow detail—useful for sunrise and sunset landscapes, astrophotography and night-time wildlife scenes. Expect detailed textures, solid dynamic range and controlled noise performance when working in dim conditions.
Creative Tools & Advanced Customization for Photographers
Beyond performance upgrades, Nikon is leaning into customization and in-camera creativity on the Z5 II. Photographers get a toolkit designed to speed up workflow in the field and expand creative options, including:
- Picture Control Button for quick, one-touch access to presets
- Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls for film-inspired styles and more precise color tuning
- Brightest electronic viewfinder (EVF) in its class, designed to provide a clearer, more confident view of exposure and color before you press the shutter
Real-World Hands-On Test: First Impressions from WPPI
Our colleague, David Schloss from Imaging Resource (OP’s sister site) had the chance to test the Nikon Z5 II at the WPPI trade show in Las Vegas. To stress-test its autofocus and image quality, he brought the camera into one of the darkest, most neon-saturated environments available—a KISS tribute museum arcade—an ideal setting to reveal how well a camera handles mixed light and extreme contrast.
His findings:
- Exceptional low-light autofocus: Focus snapped onto subjects—and eyes—quickly, even under dim, LED-heavy lighting.
- Sharp image quality: Despite challenging color casts and low illumination, the Z5 II produced convincing detail and strong color rendering.
- Compact yet ergonomic: While many small mirrorless bodies compromise handling, Schloss noted a comfortable grip, well-placed physical controls and an intuitive menu system—helpful for photographers working quickly in the field.
