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Nikon has started shipping its newest full frame camera the Z5 II and is now available in most retail and online stores. With a competitive price of $1699/1899€ for body only, it is Nikon’s new entry level full frame camera that, depending on your region, is available in various bundles; with the 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens, the 24-70mm f/4 S and the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. Official Nikon retailers are also offering promotional bundles with a free battery and charger, the F FTZ II adapter or a Nikon backpack.
Best entry level FF photo camera
Nikon has packed a lot of features that make this camera a very compelling purchase for photography focused users. With its 24.5 MP sensor, dual SD card slot and 7.5 stops IBIS it ticks all the right boxes for serious photographers who are switching to a full frame format for the first time and want to have a camera that can be used professionally.
The new Expeed 7 processor boosts the autofocus performance of this camera to a new level, allowing for 3D-trackikng and 3-subject detection modes, including the very useful auto mode. Its bright 3000 nit viewfinder, fully articulated 3.2 inch 2.1 MD fully articulating screen and very capable low light performance also add to overall capability of this camera.
Photo first, essentials for video
Where Nikon has skimped in terms of features is in the video department. Other than the 12-bit N-RAW in camera recording and 4k 24/30p down-sampled form 6k, the rest of the features are very similar to the Z50 II; 4k 60p with a 1.5x crop, N-log and up to 120p full HD. While having dual card slots, unlike with photos, you cannot record video on 2 cards simultaneously, which is a shame.
Great choice for photographers
In its price range, the Nikon Z5 II dominates in the features its offers, particularly for photographers. Sony and Canon have to step up their game a refresh their lineup of entry level full frame camera if they want to stay competitive.
As for predominantly video shooters, there are alternatives that do offer some of the downsides of the Z5 II; the Canon R8, which is cheaper, does have 4k 60p uncropped and the Lumix S5 II has more video features (6K 3:2 open-gate, internal ProRes, 4k anamorphic, proxy recording, internal cooling fan, film markers…).
For basic video shooters, the 4k 24/30 is great with the ability of filming in N-Log and applying Red LUTS, so if you mainly focus on photography and also do some video work, this camera is a perfect match for you.
