Are you looking for a full frame mirrorless camera that is relatively inexpensive? See again Nikon Z5 IIThis entry-level model is higher than only one basic camera and provides semi-pesseer features within access.
When you go to a full frame mirrorless camera, you usually end up in a more expensive price range. There are cheap models, but they often lack important functions. With Z5 II, Nikon has solved this problem.
Nikon Z5 II This is the second version of this so -called entry model. For the price of approximately $ 1,850, you get a camera that is much higher than only one early device. It comes with tasks and options that are commonly found in more expensive models.
At a glance Z5 II
As mentioned, the Z5 II is a full frame camera with a 24-megapixel back-side enlightened sensor. The body is similar to the first version, but many things have been improved compared to the earlier models.
Chief specification
- 24 MP back-side enlightened CMOS sensor
- In-body image stabilization is connected to 7.5 stops, focus points
- Up to 11 frames per second in raw, 30 frames per second in JPEG
- JPEG Pre-Buffer
- Subject recognition for people, birds, animals, airplanes and cars
- 299 focus points
- Autofocus sensitivity -10 EV
- 3.69 MP Electronic Views, 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- 3.2 inch fully articulating touchscreen LCD with 2.1 MP resolution
- Dual UHS-II SD Card Slot
- 4K video up to 30p, or 1.5x crop (APS-C) 60p
- N-R, N-log, and HLG 10-bit video recording
Compared to its predecessor, Nikon Z5 II can identify more subjects and shoot at high frame rates. In JPEG, you can also go up to 30 frames per second with pre-buffering.
The LCD screen is now completely artistic, making the camera more suitable for violating. The maximum brightness in the screen increases, which is easy to directly shoot in the sun.
Video features have also improved, high frame rate in 4K and options for raw and log recording. However, the reviews only include photography.
Nikon Z5 II looks
The body design is unchanged from the previous model. The grip feels solid, and the comfort of the thumb on the back gives a safe grip. The camera has a control dial under the shutter button and one on top, but a third dial is missing.
An Joystick and an AF-on button are available. Back, you will also find a photo/video switch with OK button in the center and also a rigid four-way button.
All buttons are easily placed, making it easier to operate the camera. There are two adaptable function buttons at the front on the front that can be programmed in the most used settings.
Dual UHS-II SD card slots are unique in this price range and welcome it very much. On the other side of the camera body are ports: microphone input, headphone jack (which doubles as a remote connector), USB-C PD port for in-camera charging, and mini-HDMI. The latter is a less ideal option compared to more commonly used HDMI.
The battery is familiar EL-El15C (16 wh), which is used in many Nikon full frame cameras. It is rated for about 330 shots (CIPA), although you will find more in practice. If you need additional power, MB-N14 Battery Grip There is an option.
image quality
24 MP back-side enlightened CMOS sensor is the same Nikon Z6 II And Nikon ZFThis is not new, but it is an upgradation on the original Z5 sensor.
The sensor does not have a rapid readout, so the rolling shutter is noticeable when using electronic shutters. Switching on a mechanical shutter will reduce this slightly, but you will lose the rapid burst of 30 frames per second.
ISO performance can be considered good. The maximum ISO is 51,200, expandable by 1.7 stops. The noise on the ISO 12,800 is clearly visible, and the ISO is not really usable except the 25,600 emergency.
It is possible for shade or to four stops for shade or rescue without major problems. Sometimes it can be extended to five stops with the help of a reduction in clever noise in the post.
Autofocus performance
Autofocus performance has been improved. The sensitivity also goes up to -10 EV, which is enough to focus on the stars at night. Thanks to the fast exposed 7 processor, the camera can recognize many subjects: people, birds, animals, cars and aircraft. You can choose a subject type yourself or decide the camera.
Recognition works well if the subject is quite large in the frame. The camera can struggle to find out a subject if it is very small in the frame.
For moving subjects, there is 3D tracking. It works exceptionally well when the theme is prominent in the frame, but again, the performance falls if the theme covers a small portion of the frame.
Other features of Z5 II
The menu of the camera shows how many functions are actually. The image stabilization system can be connected to the autofocus point. There is a special autofocus mode for astrophotography, combined with a red performance option to preserve the vision of the night.
The Z5 II also includes several exposure, timeleps and focus bracketing options. There is a high-resolution mode, and portrait photographers get features such as in-camera skin smoothing and face-purpose exposure.
There are more than 30 picture control profiles from standard landscape and portrait, which looks for styles such as creative filters. You can disable unused picture control to simplify the menu. A dedicated button on top of the camera provides quick access to the picture control profile. If you do not use picture control, you can assign the button to another function.
However, many of these features are limited to JPEG shooting. This includes picture control, 30 FPS burst, and several exposures. High-resolution and focus stacking produce individual images that you will need to combine the computer later.
conclusion
It is striking how much Nikon Z5 II Its price provides for a camera in the range. It usually has features reserved for high-end models. Dual card slot is just an example, but much more.
The camera is so well equipped that it competes even with more expensive Nikon Z6 IIIHowever, the latter offers a more rugged build, sharp raw shoots and low rolling shutters. If you rely on these features, Z6 III is the best option.
Of course, everything is not correct. The four-way button seems rigid, and the third control dial deficiency makes ISO adjustment less convenient. The autofocus is strong but not innocent. The subjects in the frame for reliable recognition must be quite large, and the tracking can sometimes fail, possibly associated with autofocus performance. Slow sensor readout also causes visible rolling shutter.
Nevertheless, the Z5 II performs very well overall, especially considering the price. It is an excellent camera for someone who is looking to step into the world of full frame mirrorless photography.
Nikon Z5 II strength
- Nice ISO Performance and Dynamic Range
- Detailed range of photo features
- Completely artistic, bright LCD screen
- Dual card slot
- Subject recognition and tracking
- Image stabilization up to 7.5 stops
- Autofocus sensitivity -10 EV
- Astro mode with red screen for night vision
- Many options for JPEG photographers
- Casual ergonomics
- Good price
Nikon Z5 II weaknesses
- Slow Censor Readout (Rolling Shutter)
- Rigid four-way button
- No dedicated ISO dial
- Object recognition struggles with small topics
- Tracking is not always reliable
- Headphone jack and remote cannot be used at the same time
- Mini-HDMI instead of Micro/Full-Size HDMI
- No separate battery charger included
