Nikon has introduced the Z5IIC, a more compact version of its Z5 II full-frame mirrorless camera aimed primarily at first-time users and content creators. Despite its smaller body, the camera retains the 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor, EXPEED 7 processor, autofocus system and in-body image stabilisation of its larger sibling.
The biggest change is immediately obvious, as the Z5IIC does away with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) entirely. This allows Nikon to reduce the camera’s weight to 537g, compared to 700g for the Z5 II, while also giving it a more compact design with a full-sized grip. Additionally, it only has a single SD UHS-II card slot rather than two.
Compact Design
The Z5IIC features a 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with a 1.04-million-dot resolution, down from the 2.1-million-dot display on the Z5 II. It also loses the latter’s AF joystick and some physical controls, although Nikon has retained a selection of manual controls for more experienced users.
The camera is available in black or a silver-and-black finish, with the latter giving it a more distinctive appearance. Its revised top plate also accommodates a tally lamp that lights up when recording video, making it easier for subjects to know when the camera is rolling.
The Z5IIC uses the same 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor and mechanical shutter as the Z5 II. It also features the same 7.5-stop in-body image stabilisation, while Nikon has retained its 3D tracking and subject-detection autofocus system.
Photography And Autofocus
For stills, the Z5IIC can shoot at up to 15 frames per second using its mechanical shutter, while electronic shutter shooting can reach 30 fps for JPEG images. It also supports Pre-Release Capture, allowing the camera to continuously record images for up to one second before the shutter button is fully pressed.
Its autofocus system supports detection for humans, animals, birds, vehicles and, somewhat unusually, fish. Nikon says the latter is intended primarily for subjects in aquariums, where the camera can clearly identify and track the fish. The camera also offers an expanded ISO range reaching up to ISO 64,000, making it suitable for shooting in low-light conditions.
Video Features
Despite its entry-level positioning, the Z5IIC retains a surprisingly extensive set of video features. It can record 4K video at 30fps using the full width of its 6K sensor, while 4K at 60fps is available with a 1.5x crop, alongside 1080p recording at up to 120fps.
More importantly, the camera can record 10-bit H.265 as well as Nikon’s N-Log and N-RAW formats directly to its SD card. This gives users more flexibility when grading footage, particularly those looking to move beyond basic vlogging into more serious video production.
Nikon has also included a dedicated product review mode that automatically switches focus between the presenter and an object held in front of the camera. Other video tools include a waveform display, focus peaking and zebra patterns.
For beginners, the camera offers 15 Scene Modes that automatically adjust settings such as colour, brightness, white balance and Picture Control according to the selected subject. It also features an Imaging Recipes button, with additional recipes available through Nikon Imaging Cloud, as well as a film grain function.
Pricing And Availability
In the US, the Nikon Z5IIC will be available from mid-October at US$1,399.99 (~RM5,700) for the body alone. It will also be offered with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for US$1,699.95 (~RM6,930).
Nikon Malaysia has yet to announce local pricing or availability for the Z5IIC. However, the company has already started promoting the compact full-frame camera through its official website and social media channels, suggesting that a Malaysian launch is likely to follow.
