ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Nikon Z5 II delivers great image quality right out of the box.
- You’ll appreciate the build quality and snappy autofocusing.
- The lack of weather sealing is felt, as is the price.
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Capturing great photography has gotten easier and easier these days, thanks to the trusty smartphones we all carry in our pockets. However, there are times when a smartphone’s capabilities will not be sufficient. Instead, opt for a dedicated, pro-grade camera, such as the Nikon Z5 II.
No need to lean on AI smarts or computational photography, just lean on the right tool for the right job.
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The team at Nikon was kind enough to loan me its Z5 II for a couple of weeks to see just how well its mid-tier camera body will hold up for day-to-day photography as well as professional scenarios. It’s been a lot of fun trying out the Z5 II. Allow me to share my experience with you.
The basics you should know
The Nikon Z5 II is a 24.5-megapixel full-frame camera capable of grabbing images at 14 frames per second while using the mechanical shutter. But this is the age of mirrorless cameras. Photographers can now shoot with an electronic shutter. The Z5 II allows for 30 frames per second capture in electronic shutter mode.
Making it extremely easy to capture action shots. The Z5 II also captures video in 4K up to 60 frames per second and HD resolution at 120 frames per second. It also includes dual SD card slots for those days when the photoshoot runs really long.
Ant Pruitt / ZDNET
Using the Z5 II on a professional job
Granted I spend most of my time in front of the camera more so this year than behind the it, but from time to time I still shoot high school sports and portraits. I tried the Z5 II in a portrait environment, then really challenged it in not only a sports environment, but a low-light, fast-paced football game. Shooting with controlled lighting in a studio setting was a breeze, as is the case with most cameras these days.
As someone who’s accustomed to shooting in manual mode, I encountered no problems adjusting the shutter speed, ISO, or aperture on the Z5 II because the dials and controls are well-positioned to work with almost anyone holding the camera body.
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I’m a Canon shooter because the ergonomics on Canon bodies best fit my large hands, but this offering from Nikon is a worthy mention in terms of ergonomics, in addition to its image quality.
While shooting a football game, I knew the Z5 II would be challenged. A few variables were stacked against it. First, the football field was poorly lit for photography at higher shutter speeds. Secondly, Nikon loaned me its 24-50mm “kit” lens. This has lower-quality glass as well as a less-than-ideal aperture at f/6.3.
Nikon Z5 II used. Football player runs the ball
Ant Pruitt / ZDNET
Due to these variables, the ISO had to be set higher than 6400 to capture any usable frames. Having an ISO above 1600 can lead to image noise if the camera isn’t properly stabilized during image capture.
With that said, the images from the Z5 II weren’t bad. I wish I could have utilized a tighter focal length, but the images were definitely usable. The image noise was low. The quality was strong. The autofocus was outstanding. Football players running the ball present a lot of challenges. First, they’re moving really quickly — toward you.
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Secondly, the lighting is usually low. From the camera settings, you’ll need a shutter speed that’s fast enough to limit motion blur and an autofocus that will keep up with the subject as it moves quickly into and through your framing.
Nikon Z5 II used. Football player runs pass the camera
Ant Pruitt / ZDNET
As you can see in the image sequence, the Z5 II maintained great focus on the runner with the football and exhibited minimal motion blur, even at a 1/250-second shutter speed.
The runner ran past me and was still in focus. Again, I wish I had a more professional lens attached to this camera body, but this was a fun attempt. Some may notice how green the grass looks in this image. This is not due to the color science of the Z5 II. The grass is truly that green this time of year in Northern California.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The Nikon Z5 II mirrorless camera body is available online for $1,596. You can add the kit lens for a total of $1,896. This is a fair price. Even though you’re paying for a photography kit that’s roughly the same price as your trusty smartphone, it doesn’t even send text messages. What you lack in telephony capability, you gain in true photography prowess.
The full-frame sensor will perform significantly better than your smartphone, both in low-light and well-lit conditions. You’ll get a true 24.5-megapixel image with vibrant colors. Not faux “40-megapixels” offered by smartphones due to pixel binning. My only criticism of the Z5 II is that the image sensor isn’t protected when changing lenses.
Ideally, a shutter curtain should cover the sensor when it’s not in use. That’s not the case with this camera body. I would recommend this camera to photography enthusiasts looking to expand their photography portfolio and take on serious professional work. Just add a prime lens to the Z-mount and start shooting.
