Nikon Z5 II: Unveiling Rumors, Specs, and Release Date
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
Will the Nikon Z5 II be the best camera in 2023? Of course, we all would like to know that. Nobody knows the answer, because the Nikon Z5 II has not yet been launched.
However, there are a lot of specifications of the Nikon Z5 Mark II that will most likely be included in the production model. These specifications are not made up from scratch, this list has been carefully compiled through rumors, comparisons, and competitors.
We’re almost certain that Nikon is already working on a successor to the Z5, which is more than three years old after all. Nikon should also be able to compete with the Canon R8, which was released in February 2023.
Find out quickly what we can expect from the Nikon Z5 Mark II!
Nikon Z5 II: Everything you have to know
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If we look at the specifications, there are relatively many with the newer Nikon Z5 II. The Nikon Z5 II will be the model that will succeed the current Nikon Z5, which is a very successful model.
Nikon’s Z5 II will get virtually the same sensor as the current Z5, which has a 24-megapixel sensor. This puts Nikon in direct competition with the brand-new Canon EOS R8, which is Canon’s entry-level model.
Many more specs are going to be fantastic, so read on.
Nikon Z5 II release date
I said at the beginning that the current Z5 is already three years old, as it was released in July 2020. The technology has changed drastically in the last 3 years, so it’s time for a successor.
Nikon itself knows this very well. The competitors such as the Canon R8 are really far ahead of technology.
Since it often takes 2-3 years for manufacturers to come up with a new camera, I expect the Nikon Z5II to be launched at the end of 2023.
Nikon Z5 II video specs
If you like to shoot cinematic videos that could be played in the cinema, then the Nikon Z5 II could certainly help you with that. The 4K60p video function is quite good and a big improvement over the Z5’s 4K30p.
Currently, the Z5 has a 1.5x crop factor with the 4K30p video function, which is of course almost useless. It would be a logical choice for Nikon to add a crop to the 4K60p function and not to add a crop to the 4K30p function.
Nikon’s Z5 II would even be able to record 10-bit videos using an external recorder. This way you get maximum editing options.
The video specs of the Z5II really change a lot compared to the Z5, these are the specs listed:
- 4K60p (1.5x crop)
- 4K30p (uncropped)
- 10-bit 4:2:2 with external recorder
- FHD120fps slow motion
A focus mechanism better than ever
The Z5II is of course an entry-level model from Nikon with the aim that you will buy the more expensive models. For that reason, we know for sure that Nikon will not put the best-focusing system in the Z5 II.
However, the current Z5 must get a major upgrade, because for any kind of action photography, you’re better off using an analog camera. Updated subject recognition is the minimum that the Z5II can get.
For example, the Nikon Z5 II will be able to recognize subjects such as people, animals, and cars. It doesn’t matter how small the subject is: the Nikon Z5 II will recognize it. We do expect that this will be less extensive than the Nikon Z6 III or the Nikon Z9.
If Nikon chooses not to make the system so extensive, it will be really difficult to compete with the Canon R8, and Nikon will notice that in sales. The R8 is a very popular camera and Nikon has no good competitor for it.
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There's never too much going on for the Z5 II
Yes, you read that right. There’s never too much action for the Nikon Z5 II. We expect that the Nikon Z5 II will have a faster burst mode than its predecessor, the Z5. Nikon’s Z5 II will be able to capture up to 5-10+ frames per second both mechanically and electronically.
If Nikon chooses a slower burst mode, it will be difficult to compete with Canon, for example. Both the Canon R6 II and the Canon R8 can shoot up to 40 frames per second.
Even the crop-sensor entry-level cameras from other brands have a faster burst mode than the Z5, so 10fps is the minimum that’s expected.
Nikon Z5 II price
Little is known about the price. The Nikon Z5 Mark II is a successor to the Nikon Z5 and the competitor of the Canon EOS R8 and the Sony A7 III. As a result, the price will be between $1500 – $2000. A lower amount is unlikely because Nikon will then already be at the level of the Z50 and one with a higher amount will already be Nikon with the Nikon Z6 II.
The Nikon Z5 II provides a lifelike experience
The Nikon Z5 II will have a bright, very high quality viewfinder. It will have a resolution of 3.69 million pixels and you will hardly notice any lag. Thanks to the 120 fps OLED screen, you can hardly see that it’s a screen! You can also set the viewfinder in a 60Hz mode to save battery. You can find a 3.2″ touchscreen at the back that is tiltable.
In addition, we naturally hope that the Nikon Z5 II will have a no-blackout viewfinder. This is very useful during situations where you want to capture fast action. The camera takes photos without you seeing a black screen. So you will never miss the action again.
The Nikon Z5 II uses the Nikon Z mount. Unfortunately, there are only 35 lenses available for this. That is a lot less than the Sony E mount, for which 187 lenses are available. Yet there is a right lens for almost every situation. You can mount the Nikon FTZ II adapter to the Nikon Z5 II to have a wide choice of Nikon F-mount lenses. This way you have another 360 extra lenses to choose from.
Nikon Z-lenses on the Nikon Z5 II
If you want quality, then you should look at the Nikon Z lenses. The range is expanding considerably every year, so there is plenty of choice for every professional and beginner. The lenses are becoming more and more affordable and lighter, which is of course to everyone’s advantage.
If you like shooting portraits with a blurred background, the Nikon Z 50mm F/1.8 is perfect. When you prefer to go into nature and want to get close to wildlife, the Nikon Z 100-400mm may be the right choice. If landscapes are more your thing, the Nikon Z 14-24mm is fantastic.
By the way, I’ve got many more rumors ready for you. Make sure to check them out to see upcoming cameras!
Canon R5 Mark II – Canon R1 – Nikon Z6 III – Nikon Z7 III – Nikon Z5 II – Nikon Z90 – Sony A7S IV
Competitors of the Nikon z5 Mark II
The new Nikon Z5 Mark II is a professional entry-level camera body, which is not yet on the market. There are a number of other cameras that compete with the Nikon Z5 Mark II. For example, you have cameras from Canon, Sony and Panasonic that also have very good specifications and may be worth considering.
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The Sony A7 III is a very good competitor of the Nikon Z5 Mark II. The A7 III is a bit older, but that is certainly not inferior to it. Both cameras have a 24-megapixel sensor that allows you to shoot fine details, and both cameras have built-in image stabilization.
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The last competitor is the Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark II. This camera was recently launched by Panasonic and the specifications are amazing. Both cameras have a full-frame sensor and can take beautiful videos. The price of the Panasonic S5 Mark II is not far from the Z5 II, so keep that in mind!
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Most outstanding specifications of the
Nikon Z5II
- Very high resolution sensor: 24 MP full-frame CMOS-sensor
- Details: broad dynamic range
- Super high resolution video: 4K video at 60 fps
- Slow motion: FHD video at 120 fps
- Compact: lightweight design
- Lightning fast burst: up to 5/10 fps shooting with full autofocus functionality
- Built-in stabilization: image stabilization up to 6 stops
- 3.2" articulating touchscreen
- Wide variety of lenses: broad choice from Nikon Z-lenses
- Transfer photos using WiFi
- Double storage slots
- Focus in dark environments
Conclusion
The Nikon Z5 II is an exciting camera that will be launched in 2023. The specifications of the Nikon Z5 II will be amazing. Nikon’s Z5 II will have a full-frame 24-megapixel sensor, with image stabilization. You could also shoot 4K video in 60 frames per second, where a 10-bit output via HDMI would be desirable. You would have a burst mode of 5/10 images per second.
The camera is a lot better than the Nikon Z5, mainly due to its impressive video capabilities and a new focus mechanism. The Nikon Z5 Mark 2 is a competitor of the Nikon Z5 and the Canon EOS R, so the price will be between $1500 – $2000.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.