Nikon's new full-frame mirrorless camera features a 24.5-megapixel-class sensor, 7.5-stop image stabilisation, 4K video recording and a beginner-friendly shooting interface.

Nikon Corporation has announced the Z5II C, a full-frame mirrorless camera featuring the company's Z-mount system, designed to make photography and video creation more accessible to beginners while offering advanced features for experienced users.

The new camera delivers the same performance as the Nikon Z5II, which was released in April 2025, while introducing a streamlined design, scene modes, and dedicated access to custom image presets.

The Z5II C is Nikon's first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature scene modes on its mode dial, allowing users to select from 15 shooting scenarios. The camera automatically adjusts settings such as white balance, colour and Picture Control based on the selected scene.

A dedicated button provides quick access to Imaging Recipes, presets developed by Nikon and photographers and creators, enabling users to capture images with customised looks without extensive manual adjustments or post-processing.

Nikon Z5II C: Key features and specifications

Beginner-friendly shooting modes and AI autofocus

The Nikon Z5II C offers 15 scene modes covering subjects and situations such as portraits, pets, food, night landscapes and twilight photography.

The camera uses Nikon's deep-learning-based artificial intelligence technology to detect subjects and optimise shooting settings. In Auto mode, it can automatically adjust exposure parameters, including aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, alongside autofocus settings.

The camera also features in-body vibration reduction (VR), offering up to 7.5 stops of correction at the centre of the frame, according to Nikon. The stabilisation system is designed to reduce camera shake and help users capture sharper images.

For action photography, the camera supports continuous shooting at up to approximately 14 frames per second. Its Pre-Release Capture function can record images up to one second before the shutter is fully pressed, with continuous shooting speeds of up to 30fps in High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode.

Compact design with a vari-angle touchscreen

The Z5II C features a streamlined body designed for portability and everyday photography. It comes with an ergonomically designed grip and a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen that can be adjusted for different shooting positions, including low-angle shots and selfies.

The touchscreen supports familiar smartphone-style gestures, including double-tap, pinch-to-zoom and swiping, alongside touch-based focusing and shutter release.

Nikon says the camera's construction incorporates magnesium alloy in key areas for added rigidity, along with dust- and drip-resistance for outdoor use.

The camera will be available in two colour options: black and silver.

Full-frame sensor and EXPEED 7 processor

The Nikon Z5II C is equipped with a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the same processor used in Nikon's flagship camera models.

The combination is designed to deliver detailed images with reduced noise, natural background blur and improved tonal reproduction, including in low-light situations such as night landscapes.

The camera also features a Film Grain function, first introduced with the Nikon Zf, allowing users to add a film-inspired appearance to photographs and videos.

4K video recording and content creation features

The Nikon Z5II C supports 4K UHD video recording at up to 60 frames per second, although recording at this frame rate involves a crop to the DX format. It also supports Full HD recording at up to 120fps.

The camera offers slow-motion recording at four or five times the normal speed, depending on the selected frame rate.

For content creators, the camera includes a Product Review Mode that shifts focus to an object brought close to the lens, making it easier to record product demonstrations and review videos.

A recording lamp and a red frame indicator around the monitor provide a visual confirmation when video recording is in progress.

The camera supports H.265 10-bit video recording and Nikon's N-Log format for more advanced colour grading and post-production workflows. It also supports N-RAW recording to an SD memory card.

With USB-based UVC/UAC support, the camera can be connected directly to a computer for use as a webcam or for live streaming.

Additional features

The Nikon Z5II C introduces several additional features aimed at improving photography and workflow:

Fish subject detection: A new subject-detection option, introduced for the first time in a Nikon camera.

High-speed shooting: Continuous shooting at up to approximately 14fps.

Pre-Release Capture: Records images up to one second before the shutter is fully pressed, with speeds of up to 30fps in the supported mode.

SnapBridge enhancements: A camera-simulation function and photography-learning content have been added to Nikon's smartphone app.

Nikon Imaging Cloud: Supports post-shooting data management.

N-RAW recording: Enables recording of N-RAW video directly to an SD memory card.

Nikon said it would continue developing imaging technologies and products to meet users' evolving needs and expand creative possibilities in photography and video production.