I love my Nikon Z8. It’s a robust camera that is loaded with great features, and it just works, period. But it’s also pretty huge, so it isn’t really the camera I reach for when I’m traveling. I’ve also reviewed a number of compact lenses for Nikon Z, from Nikon’s own Nikkor Z 40mm F2 to really compact lenses like the Viltrox 20mm F2.8 and the even smaller 28mm F4.5 “Chip”. It’s kind of a waste to throw a 70g lens like the 28mm on a 910g camera (which is what the Z8 weighs with battery and memory installed). Now, to be fair, Nikon doesn’t really have any small full frame Z-mount camera. There’s nothing to compare to the Sony A7C series or even even the Canon RP in absolute size. But while it isn’t tiny, the Nikon Z5 II manages to essentially be the most robust, fully featured full frame camera to ever hit the market at a price of under $1700. Frankly this feels like a camera that would typically be competing in the $2200-$2500 range, making it perhaps the best full frame value on the market. We’ll dive deeper into why I think the Z5II is such an appealing camera in this review while also being critical of any of its flaws. You can find my full thoughts in the video review below or by reading my text review.

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The Z5 II used in this review was loaned to me by Nikon Canada.   As always, this is a completely independent review.  All opinions and conclusions are my own.

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Nikon Comparisons | Other Brand Comparisons

I was initially interested in looking at the Nikon Zf as a more travel-friendly option, but then the Z5II arrived. It is, essentially, the Zf in a more conventional body with better ergonomics (a real grip!), a bit less weight, and a slightly cheaper price tag. And, while not small, it is at least considerably smaller than my Z8.

Truthfully Nikon’s “small” camera is about the same size as Sony’s biggest camera!

So no, it doesn’t really meet the criteria of being a travel camera (Nikon doesn’t really have a full frame entry in that space), but fortunately it excels at many other things. Many times when I’m reviewing cameras in this space I come across areas where they feel intentionally crippled. Only one card slot, a maximum shutter speed of just 1/4000th of a second, no camera based stabilization, or very low specs on the viewfinder, but Nikon hasn’t done any of these things.

And, what’s more, while Z-mount isn’t yet fully open, there are a ton of excellent lenses coming from Viltrox and Tamron to Z-mount, making it a far more open platform than Canon R. And, while Sony still gets the most third party development, Sony also intentionally reserves certain features for Sony lenses alone. In almost every case where I’ve reviewed a lens on both Sony E and Nikon Z, I’ve preferred the Z-mount performance. There’s a lot of reason to consider a Z5II, so let’s jump in.

Key Features

• 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 7 Image Processor
• ISO 100-64000, Up to 30 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
• 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• 9-Type Subject Detection AF
• 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
• Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots
• EN-EL15c battery rated at 380 shots

The standout features here are having quality Vibration Reduction, dual card slots, a full 1/8000th shutter speed with mechanical shutter, and having class leading specs on the LCD screen and equaling the best competitor in viewfinder specs. These are all areas where competing cameras often cut to artificially create market separation with their more upscale models. Nikon has taken a different approach with the Z5II, and while it may encroach on the Z6III sales, it looks like it is already resulting in increased market share for Nikon.

Nikon’s autofocus system has been refined over the life of the Z system to date, and it is now competitive with Sony and Canon after lagging behind them initially. I haven’t really noticed many lower capabilities than my Z8.

The 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor used here is probably the least inspiring aspect of the design. It has a few extra pixels compared to the some of the competition (6048 x 4032 vs 6000 x 4000), but it also falls a bit behind the sensors from Canon (R8) and Sony (a7C) in both dynamic range and high ISO performance. That being said, the differences amount to less than a half stop of dynamic range and close performance to the Canon sensor in ISO (the Sony sensor is about 16% better). Low light performance is still quite good.

Bottom line is that the Z5II is competitive even in its weakest areas, while obviously superior in areas of strength, and the market is responding accordingly.

Images of the Nikon Z5 II

Images taken with the Nikon Z5 II

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