Nikon Z5 II
Announced April 3, 2025
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon Z5 II provides a capable full-frame mirrorless platform that balances advanced subject-tracking autofocus and reliable image quality with an accessible price point. While it lacks some of the high-end speed and resolution of professional models, it serves as a well-rounded hybrid tool for enthusiasts and those transitioning from smaller sensors.
Weighted from 44 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly capable autofocus system with advanced subject detection and tracking
- Excellent image quality and low-light performance
- Robust build quality featuring dual SD card slots and weather sealing
- Effective in-body image stabilization rated up to 7.5 stops
- Strong video capabilities including internal N-RAW recording
Cons
- 4K 60fps video recording is limited by a 1.5x crop
- Susceptibility to rolling shutter effects during fast action or electronic shutter use
- Lacks a top-plate LCD status display
- Battery life is modest compared to previous generations or competitors
- Connectivity relies on micro-HDMI rather than a full-size port
- Launch price $1,699 (USD)
- Sensor 24.5MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 29.97p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 44 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- PetaPixel 9.5/10
The Z5 II is a true jack-of-all-trades with quality hardware throughout, and after using it, I'm convinced that this is my favorite option living in the sub-$2,000 full-frame camera market.
- DPReview 91/100
The Nikon Z5II combines a well-regarded sensor, with a broad range of features for both stills and video shooters.
-
[T]he Z5 II is an exceptional value.
-
Despite my complaints, I still think it's very capable and it's made even more compelling by its price tag of just 1700 US dollars.
-
For the price, you get an extremely capable full-frame camera that delivers well across a wide variety of different situations.
-
I consider the Nikon Z5II to be a remarkable success as a camera. I often find reviewing cameras in this class fairly frustrating, as you can see the potential of the camera being intentionally held back by the manufacturer.
-
The Z5 Mark II though would absolutely be my choice for a lowerriced full-frame camera, even if it's still not cheap. Highly recommend it.
-
I told you at the beginning, you’re probably going to just buy this camera and go take pictures.
-
The Z5II is an exceptionally good update to a long-established favorite camera.
- WIRED 8/10
The second version of Nikon’s Z5 brings improved autofocus, faster burst rates, and impressive video specs, making it one of the best “entry-level” full-frame cameras on the market.
-
The choice at this price level is relatively limited, but the Z5 II sits in there very nicely, with a really attractive set of specs and superb handling.
-
The Z5 II takes Nikon's entry-level mirrorless camera forwards in veritable leaps and bounds, improving on the original model in lots of different areas, which is probably what you'd expect given that the Z5 was launched in 2020.
-
I think it's for a beginner, I think it's for someone who maybe wants a backup camera to their full frame that they already have, though I would rather spend money on glass personally.
-
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.
-
The Nikon Z5 II is an absolutely stellar camera that is capable of superb results when shooting pretty much anything, be it portraiture, landscapes, sports or wildlife, thanks to its accurate focusing, brilliant low-light performance, and impressive frame rate.
-
The Nikon Z5II delivers stabilized, full-frame imaging along with fast autofocus and professional video features for a reasonable price.
-
The Nikon Z5 II is a calculated and well-executed camera that blurs the line between affordability and performance.
-
If you’re an enthusiast or semi-pro looking to take your photography to the next level, I’m not sure you can do better than the Z5II without dumping a serious amount of cash. I think I might've just become a Nikon shooter.
-
The Nikon Z5II is not the most advanced video camera in its class. It does not try to be.
-
With the Z5 II they certainly now have a big reason to get into Nikon for those on the smaller budget.
-
So with the Nikon Z5 II we have a major upgrade from the original Z5 and that now we have a 24 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor.
-
Mainly the stickiness of the autofocus and that kind of blackout or slideshow effect in the viewfinder that can make it difficult to track fast action, but it definitely makes up for it on the other hand with the video features.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The Nikon Z5 II provide remarkably good value for money for an ‘entry-level’ camera.
-
The Nikon Z5 II is the camera I would recommend without hesitation to a wildlife or action photographer looking for a full-frame enthusiast body at this price.
-
It might lack the top deck LCD display but it has everything else any photographer (from amateur to pro) might need to make great photos. This is great buying.
-
For these situations, I do think the Nikon Z5 II is a solid Nikon option as it offers a good set of features and performance for the price.
-
I think at the price point, that's the key. At this price, it's the perfect backup camera. It's the perfect upgrade from the Z5. It's just a really, really good camera.
-
Full-frame sensor coverage and the fun factor is off the charts with this camera.
-
So all in all, I really really enjoy this camera. Fantastic for video creators as well.
-
What I'm trying to say is the sensor is just amazing. 24 megapixels is easily enough. And it's a great entry to full-frame photography.
-
It’s an excellent camera for anyone looking to step into the world of full frame mirrorless photography.
-
If for some reason you're sold on full-frame Nikon, by all means, this is my favorite and it is the best camera that Nikon makes.
-
The new Nikon Z5 II is a lightning-quick and almost night-vision camera for a fair $1,699 price. That's a steep increase over the previous $1,299 Z5, but the Z5 II is being pushed out as a much more capable camera.
-
Now, if you are someone who's had the Z5 for a number of years, or let's say you're thinking of moving to fullframe from DX, then this would be a serious contender, I would say.
-
Whether it was a well-lit stage or a grungy, poorly lit city alley, it just did what I wanted it to every single time, and you really can't ask for more than that.
-
The Nikon Z5 II is an exciting update to Nikon’s full-frame lineup, which offers a great mix of accessible features in an intuitive, compact body.
-
The Nikon Z5II is a considerable step up from the original Z5. It brings high-end features in a relatively compact, affordable full-frame camera body and shares the same 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and Expeed 7 processor as the excellent Nikon Zf.
-
I made sure to use the Z52 for things that a general photographer might because like I said at the beginning of this video, this camera is a fantastic choice for a lot of people. I had zero complaints.
-
If you're on the fence, you're on a budget, but you want a good all-around camera that's fullframe, this is going to be a hard camera to pass on. You're really going to enjoy what this has to offer for you.
-
[W]hat we have is a really solid camera with a lot of really great functions that works really well.
-
[A] really solid hybrid camera. So, if you're into both video and photo, maybe a really good option for you at that range.
-
Obviously, the resolution is not as high, but for what you get out of it, it's actually really well priced.
-
For me, the Nikon Z5 II is one of the most sensible full-frame cameras in Nikon's current lineup.
-
[T]he Nikon Z5II emerges as a well-rounded upgrade over older models and a recommended option for those who are looking to buy their first full-frame camera.
