Nikon announces entry-level full-frame camera Z5II C
The Nikon Z5II C offers a relatively affordable entry into full-frame photography. However, it is only an option for people who do not need a viewfinder.
Nikon's product range and model names are slowly becoming a bit complicated. The Z5 launched in 2020 as the most affordable full-frame mirrorless camera in Nikon's lineup. In 2025, the successor model, the Z5II, hit the market. And now, a kind of variant of it: the Z5II C is, simply put, a Z5II without a viewfinder. This makes it slightly more compact.
In theory, it should be cheaper without the viewfinder, and in theory, it is. Nikon recommends a retail price of 1899 francs for the Z5II and 1549 francs for the Z5II C. However, the actual "street price" of the Z5II is significantly lower: you can get this camera for under 1400 francs. Because the Z5II C is not yet available and therefore only the MSRP is known, it seems more expensive at the moment, but that will certainly level off quickly.
Source: Nikon
Good low-light performance
The sensor used is the proven 24-MP veteran, which is also found in the regular Z5II and the Z f. While it doesn't offer the highest resolution, it does provide very good performance in low light. This is complemented by the autofocus, which, according to Nikon, still works at a light value of –10 EV. That is still a very good figure in 2026 and allows the use of autofocus in dim moonlight. Also practical in low light is the built-in image stabilizer (IBIS). According to Nikon, it compensates for up to 7.5 stops. This makes the Nikon Z5II C a good overall package for low-light shooting.
Source: Nikon
The autofocus speed is also identical to the Z5II. The subject detection covers ten different subjects – the Nikon camera now also recognizes fish. The concept of a compact body without a viewfinder would be well-suited for underwater photography. However, that would require a third-party manufacturer to offer a suitable underwater housing.
Targeted at beginners
The Nikon Z5II C is aimed at beginners. Specifically, younger ones who have sharp vision at close range – a viewfinder would offer diopter correction for those with presbyopia. The camera has a dedicated button to select a picture style; Nikon calls these styles "recipes." There are 140 recipes to choose from in the Nikon Cloud, and you have ten of them available on the camera itself at any one time. For this camera, Nikon has also dug up the good old scene modes. They adjust the camera settings appropriately for the respective subject and are a help for anyone who has no idea how to do that manually.
Beginners probably won't need two memory card slots either. Still, I find it surprising that the Z5II C only has one, as the Z5 II has two.
Source: Nikon
Practical for videos
Those who want to try their hand at being a YouTuber have a few small aids with the Nikon Z5II C. A special autofocus mode automatically focuses on a product as soon as you hold it up to the camera. The screen can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing you to see yourself when standing in front of the camera. A recording light on the front also signals whether recording is in progress. The Nikon Z5II C has ports for headphones, a microphone, and a micro-HDMI cable.
Source: Nikon
Like the Z5II, the Z5II C can record videos in 4K and oversampling quality. However, the disadvantage remains that at fast frame rates from 50 FPS, the full image frame is not available. The image is cropped by a factor of 1.5. On the plus side, the camera can record N-RAW internally, though beginners won't need that.
Prices and availability
The Z5II C is expected to be available from mid-October in black and black-silver color variants for 1549 francs or euros. In addition to the body only, it is available in three kits with different lenses. As mentioned, the prices are currently MSRPs and therefore relatively high compared to older cameras.
My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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