Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark. The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired colour presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera .
The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest calibre professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology.
This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one-third the time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise. The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Colour Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colours.
Reliably Fast Focus and Performance
The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits to action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.
- 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
- The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
- Fast continuous shooting speeds with a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
- Pre-Release Capture function when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.
Embrace Low Light Like Never Before
There’s no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light. Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.
- Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EV delivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
- A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
- The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
- Focus-point VR tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
- Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Colour Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
- Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode are perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.
Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved
Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information. Additionally, the rear 3.2″ Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot. The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance.
Feel the Colour with Picture Controls
The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive colour, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the colour tone and colour of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in colour presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user.
Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Colour Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique colour styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Colour allows for a wider variety of colour and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting.
Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users
The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:
- Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
- Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
- N-Log tone modes offer greater flexibility for colour grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
- Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
- Hi-Res Zoom uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
- Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
- Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
- The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.
Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II
- Dual SD card slots
- Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
- Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
- Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software)
Price and Availability
The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,299.95 for the body only, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for an MSRP of $2,699.95.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.
Nikon Releases Firmware Version 2.00 for the Nikon Z6III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Posted in Commentary with tags Nikon on August 27, 2025 by itnerdNikon Canada Inc. has announced the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6III. This marks the first major update since the launch of the Z6III and introduces several features equivalent to those found in the flagship Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8.
With its already incredible high-speed performance, this firmware update adds the long-awaited [Birds] mode to subject detection, offering an enhanced shooting experience for both still and videos. Plus, the Auto Capture function now enables automatic shooting under pre-configured conditions, supporting flexible shooting styles tailored to various situations.
Additionally, for the first time for a Nikon product, the Z6III supports the Nikon Authenticity Service – a solution primarily aimed at media organizations and creators who require a high level of trustworthiness in their work. The service is compatible with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, clearly recording provenance information from shooting through to editing to ensure greater transparency and reliability of content.
Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
Improved Subject Detection with Dedicated [Birds] Mode
A dedicated Birds mode has been added to the Z6III’s subject-detection options. When Birds mode is selected, the camera automatically tracks birds in flight with great precision, keeping them in focus even against complex, high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and rocky mountains. This allows photographers to concentrate on framing images, helping to meet their expectations. There is also a Focus limiter setting that can be assigned to a custom control to limit the shooting distance range, for more accurate focusing on the desired subject. In addition, the JPEG fine image quality setting can now be selected when Pre-Release Capture, which records images for up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, is used during full-frame shooting at 60 fps. This makes it possible to capture the moment a bird takes flight with superior image quality.
C2PA Compliance With Image Provenance Function
Nikon is committed to developing an image provenance function that supports confirmation of image authenticity, aiming to protect individuals and enterprises in the imaging industry from any unfavourable results caused by falsification and/or image manipulation, and to realize a society in which creative and business activities can be conducted with greater peace of mind. Z6III firmware version 2.00 includes an image provenance function that complies with the C2PA standard and is part of the Nikon Authenticity Service. By making a prior request through Nikon Imaging Cloud, users can load the digital certificate necessary for recording provenance data onto the Z6III.
The image provenance function adds metadata – such as information about the equipment used and data that makes it easy to verify whether the image has been tampered with, including a digital signature – to captured image files. This enables users to prove that a photo was taken with a Nikon camera.
Auto Capture Function Expands Shooting Possibilities in Any A Variety Of Situations
Firmware version 2.00 adds the Auto Capture function, which enables automatic shooting with pre-configured conditions. This allows users to specify the subject type, direction of movement, and shooting distance range to capture previously difficult scenes, such as those that require shooting in places or positions where photographers would disturb their subject. The function is also equipped with a scheduling feature that allows the user to specify the day and time to initiate Auto Capture in advance, reducing battery consumption between camera setup and the start of shooting. In combination with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, it enables high-speed data transfer even to remote destinations, meeting the high demands of professional environments.
Expanded Functions and Improvements to Operability
Nikon Z6III owners can visit the website here to learn more about the new firmware. Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
Leave a comment »