For outdoor photographers looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera, Nikon has officially unveiled the Z5 II—a powerful second-generation FX-format camera designed to bring pro-level image quality at an entry-level price. Priced at $1,700, the Nikon Z5 II is built around the EXPEED 7 image processor, the same cutting-edge engine found in Nikon’s flagship Z8 and Z9 models.

One of the biggest upgrades in the Nikon Z5 II is its AI-driven autofocus system, designed to track fast-moving subjects with precision. The EXPEED 7 processor powers an ultra-fast autofocus (AF) system, enabling subject detection for wildlife, birds, animals, vehicles, and more.

For wildlife photographers, this could be a game-changer—whether you're tracking a bald eagle soaring through the sky or capturing a cheetah in motion, Nikon claims the Z5 II locks focus nearly three times faster than its predecessor. A dedicated bird detection mode is designed to make it even easier to capture razor-sharp images of elusive subjects.

The Nikon Z5 II is designed to excel in low-light conditions, thanks to its 24.5MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. This advanced BSI sensor enhances low-light performance, such as for sunrise and sunset landscapes, astrophotography, and night-time wildlife scenes. Expect crisp textures, rich details, and minimal noise, even at higher ISO settings in dim environments.

Beyond its high-performance hardware, Nikon has packed the Z5 II with advanced creative tools to enhance photographic expression. Features like:

Our colleague, David Schloss from Imaging Resource (OP’s sister site) had the chance to test the Nikon Z5 II at the WPPI trade show in Las Vegas. He took the camera into one of the darkest, most neon-lit locations—a KISS tribute museum arcade—to evaluate its real-world low-light performance.

His findings:

Watch Schloss’ below video to see his hands-on first impressions of the camera.