Nikon releases Z5 IIC full-frame camera

Nikon has introduced the Z5 IIC full-frame digital camera, a more affordable and compact version of the Z5 II. The manufacturer managed to reduce the device’s price while retaining the key electronics of the higher-end model. The main compromises made to lower the price affected the ergonomics and body design. The new model completely lacks an electronic viewfinder and a physical autofocus joystick, has lost the second memory card slot, and has had the resolution of its built-in display reduced from 2.1 to 1.04 million dots. Removing the viewfinder made the camera significantly more compact at the top.

Despite the external simplifications, the camera’s technical foundation remains at a flagship level. The Z5 IIC is built around a modern 24.5 MP full-frame sensor paired with the powerful EXPEED 7 processor. Photographers still have access to a reliable mechanical shutter, in-body image stabilization, and advanced autofocus with 3D tracking and automatic subject recognition. For action photography, a pre-release capture mode saves images from one second before the shutter button is fully pressed. In this mode, the camera reaches 30 fps when using the electronic shutter, while the mechanical shutter delivers up to 15 fps.

Particular emphasis has been placed on enthusiasts and novice creators, for whom Nikon has implemented 15 automatic scene modes for the first time in its full-frame lineup. The camera analyzes the scene on its own and selects the ideal white balance, brightness, and color reproduction.

Creative options have been expanded with a dedicated physical Imaging Recipes button for quickly applying presets, a film grain effect, and support for the Nikon Imaging Cloud service for downloading new color profiles. Videographers will appreciate the addition of a separate recording indicator light and support for recording 10-bit video in H.265, N-Log, and N-RAW formats directly to a standard SD card.

The Nikon Z5 IIC will go on sale in mid-October for $1,400 for the body-only version and $1,700 for a kit with the standard 24–50 mm f/4–6.3 lens.