Nikon Creators Go Hands-on With the New Z5II for the First Time

Hosted in Austin, Texas, the Nikon team showed off the new Z5II mirrorless camera by putting it into the hands of a diverse group of photographers and videographers as part of a Nikon Creators Camp.The goal was to let actual creatives test out the Z5II and explore how its full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor was able to handle the stress of high-octane photo and video shoots in a variety of situations.We got to stop into the latest Nikon Creators Camp and check out the Z5II for ourselves for the first time as well. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new Nikon mirrorless camera, how it handles high-end photography, and—most importantly—how it felt to shoot UHD 4K video in these challenging, yet fun, situations.Hands-on with the Nikon Z5IIWhen first announced earlier this month, the Nikon Z5II was billed as a next-gen intermediate-level camera that would be an ideal easy-entry option for video professionals who wanted something a step above your cheaper, true beginner cameras, but didn’t want to break the bank for the highest-end mirrorless options.And, from testing out the Z5II in person for the first time, we have to say that’s exactly where the camera is going to end up. Featuring a solid full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor that is paired with Nikon’s EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5II is able to capture detailed 4K UHD video at 30 fps with no crop, as well as features the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame and with more wide-angle freedom. The camera is also able to record 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264 and will further boast some helpful specs and features for video and other types of content creation. Overall, from a spec standpoint, it’s a great option for its $1,695 base model price point (as well as for its $1,995 price with a 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens option as well).Reviewing the Nikon Z5II for VideoJoining in with the Nikon Creators Camp at the historic Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas, the Nikon Z5II was put to the test shooting photos in a dark music venue and capturing video of a band on stage. Ergonomically, the Z5II feels great and is in line with the rest of the Nikon FX-format mirrorless lineup.Most of the talented and diverse shooters in the Nikon Creators Camp were photo-oriented, however, those recording video of the loud and flashy performance found the camera to be more than up to handling the rich lighting and wide dynamic range thanks, in part, to the Z5II’s ability to record 12-bit N-RAW.For a camera of its price point, the Z5II has some nice specs and features too for video specifically as it can record 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Full HD up to 120 fps with recording time limits of up to two hours.The camera also features a video self-timer feature, built-in electronic Vibration Reduction, and the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or an optional external recorder via HDMI out. In-camera time-lapse shooting is also possible with the ability to produce a finished UHD 4K video file directly from the camera, which was cool to try out for the first time.Price and AvailabilityOverall, Nikon is adding another high-quality hybrid mirrorless camera to an already stacked FX-format lineup of its own. At a $1700-$2000 price range for a base camera or kit, it should be a competitive option with similarly priced cameras from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic.But, with Nikon’s growing lineup, high-quality lens selections, and pending video improvements possibly set to come thanks to the company’s acquisition of RED, it does feel like Nikon is more intriguing and more worth the investment for interested photographers, videographers, or content creators of all levels than ever before.If you’re curious to check out the Nikon Z5II yourself, here are the full specs and purchase options.24.5MP FX-Format CMOS SensorEXPEED 7 Image ProcessorISO 100-64000, Up to 30 fps ShootingUHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder3.2" 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD9-Type Subject Detection AF5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration ReductionBuilt-in Wi-Fi and BluetoothDual SD UHS-II Card SlotsNikon Z5 II Mirrorless CameraA trustworthy tool for your creative journey, the Nikon Z5 II upgrades its predecessor with improved processing speed, subject recognition AF, and low-light performance.

Apr 24, 2025 - 19:14

Nikon Creators Go Hands-on With the New Z5II for the First Time

Hosted in Austin, Texas, the Nikon team showed off the new Z5II mirrorless camera by putting it into the hands of a diverse group of photographers and videographers as part of a Nikon Creators Camp.

The goal was to let actual creatives test out the Z5II and explore how its full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor was able to handle the stress of high-octane photo and video shoots in a variety of situations.

We got to stop into the latest Nikon Creators Camp and check out the Z5II for ourselves for the first time as well. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new Nikon mirrorless camera, how it handles high-end photography, and—most importantly—how it felt to shoot UHD 4K video in these challenging, yet fun, situations.

Hands-on with the Nikon Z5II

When first announced earlier this month, the Nikon Z5II was billed as a next-gen intermediate-level camera that would be an ideal easy-entry option for video professionals who wanted something a step above your cheaper, true beginner cameras, but didn’t want to break the bank for the highest-end mirrorless options.

And, from testing out the Z5II in person for the first time, we have to say that’s exactly where the camera is going to end up. Featuring a solid full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor that is paired with Nikon’s EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5II is able to capture detailed 4K UHD video at 30 fps with no crop, as well as features the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame and with more wide-angle freedom.

The camera is also able to record 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264 and will further boast some helpful specs and features for video and other types of content creation. Overall, from a spec standpoint, it’s a great option for its $1,695 base model price point (as well as for its $1,995 price with a 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens option as well).

Reviewing the Nikon Z5II for Video

Joining in with the Nikon Creators Camp at the historic Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas, the Nikon Z5II was put to the test shooting photos in a dark music venue and capturing video of a band on stage. Ergonomically, the Z5II feels great and is in line with the rest of the Nikon FX-format mirrorless lineup.

Most of the talented and diverse shooters in the Nikon Creators Camp were photo-oriented, however, those recording video of the loud and flashy performance found the camera to be more than up to handling the rich lighting and wide dynamic range thanks, in part, to the Z5II’s ability to record 12-bit N-RAW.

For a camera of its price point, the Z5II has some nice specs and features too for video specifically as it can record 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Full HD up to 120 fps with recording time limits of up to two hours.

The camera also features a video self-timer feature, built-in electronic Vibration Reduction, and the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or an optional external recorder via HDMI out. In-camera time-lapse shooting is also possible with the ability to produce a finished UHD 4K video file directly from the camera, which was cool to try out for the first time.

Price and Availability

Overall, Nikon is adding another high-quality hybrid mirrorless camera to an already stacked FX-format lineup of its own. At a $1700-$2000 price range for a base camera or kit, it should be a competitive option with similarly priced cameras from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic.

But, with Nikon’s growing lineup, high-quality lens selections, and pending video improvements possibly set to come thanks to the company’s acquisition of RED, it does feel like Nikon is more intriguing and more worth the investment for interested photographers, videographers, or content creators of all levels than ever before.

If you’re curious to check out the Nikon Z5II yourself, here are the full specs and purchase options.

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

Nikon Z5 II Mirrorless Camera

A trustworthy tool for your creative journey, the Nikon Z5 II upgrades its predecessor with improved processing speed, subject recognition AF, and low-light performance.