Nikon has announced the new Z5IIC, an entry-level, compact-sized mirrorless hybrid that shares a lot of the features of the Z5II.
The Z5IIC features a flat-top design with no EVF, and like a lot of the smaller-sized mirrorless hybrids on the market, you are limited to just using the rear LCD screen. Nikon states that omitting a viewfinder reduces the size of the camera but also keeps users connected to what’s going on around them. Call me old-fashioned, but I personally feel that not having an EVF makes shooting harder, especially when you are outdoors.
“The Nikon Z5IIC represents an important step in expanding access to full-frame photography for a new generation of creators. As more consumers look beyond smartphones and seek higher image quality without added complexity, the Z5IIC delivers the performance, creativity and confidence they need in a compact, approachable design.”
Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.
Key features
- 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
- Low-Profile Design with No EVF
- EXPEED 7 Image Processor
- ISO 100-6400, Up to 30 fps Shooting
- UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
- 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 10-Type Subject Detection AF
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Single SD UHS-II Card Slot
Sensor
The Z5IIC uses the same 24.5-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 image-processing engine as the existing Z5II. The EXPEED 7 image-processing engine is also found in the Z8 and Z9.
Size & weight
The Z5IIC weighs in at just 1.36 lb / 620g. As a comparison, the Z5II weighs exactly the same, while the ZR weighs 1.19 lb / 540g (Body Only).
The camera features a dust- and drip-resistant design, and a body that uses magnesium alloy in key areas for added rigidity.
Video Features
When it comes to video, the Z5IIC can record 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. It can also do 4K UHD at 60 fps, but only in the DX format (APS-C size). It can also do Full HD at 120 fps. These are fairly underwhelming specifications for a camera being released in 2026, but specifications never tell the full story of any camera.
Movie Frame size (pixels) and frame rate
- 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD): 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- 1920 × 1080: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- 1920 × 1080 (slow-motion): 30p ×4 (slow-motion)/25p ×4 (slow-motion)/24p ×5 (slow-motion)
- Actual frame rates for 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps, respectively
Movie Frame size (pixels) and frame rate – RAW VIDEO
- FX: 4032 × 2268: 30p/25p/24p
- DX: 4032 x 2268: 3984 × 2240: 30p/25p/24p
- 3984 x 2240: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
Note: Actual frame rates for 30p, 25p, and 24p are 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps, respectively.
The camera can record in H.265 10-bit (MOV), N-Log, and N-RAW 12-bit (NEV). Nikon recommends using Video Speed Class 90 (V90) SD memory cards. There is no ability to record in REDCODE RAW (R3D NE) or ProRes. The maximum recording time is 2 hours 5 minutes.
There is a USB-C SuperSpeed USB connector, a Type D HDMI connector, a stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter; plug-in power supported), and a stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter) /MC-DC3 remote cord can be used. The connector function can be set to either auto-switch or fixed to headphones.
The Z5IIC features the Film Grain film simulation that allows the user to adjust the size and intensity of the grain to suit their personal taste. Additionally, there is a dedicated button that gives users instant access to Nikon’s Imaging Recipes, which is a full library of recipes.
When recording video, there is a REC lamp/tally light and a red frame indicator that are shown around the monitor display. Nikon has also added its Product Review Mode that allows users to smoothly shift focus to an item brought close to the camera, making it easy to record review and product-centric videos.
The Z5IIC has UVC / UAC support, so it can be used for live streaming by connecting it to a PC via USB cable.
Five-axis In-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization with up to 7.5 stops of correction allows users to capture blur-free photos and stable handheld video.
The camera also has the following video features
- Time Code
- Movie e-VR
- Movie HDMI Output
- Movie Focus Peaking
- Movie Highlight Display (Zebras)
- Time-Lapse Movie
- Raw Video Option
- N-Log and HDR (HLG) video
- Waveform display
- Red REC frame indicator
- Extended shutter speeds (mode M)
- Extended shutter speeds (mode S)
- Dual-format (proxy-video) recording for RAW video
- Option to view video recording info available via I menu
- Hi-Res Zoom
Stills Performance
You have the ability to do high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 14 fps. Users can also shoot up to 15-30 fps at lower settings for faster speeds.
The Pre-Release Capture function can be set to record up to one second before the shutter is released in High-Speed Frame Capture, which enables continuous shooting at up to 30 fps.
- Continuous low-speed: Approx. 1 – 7 fps
- Continuous high-speed *: Approx. 7.8 fps (when the shutter type is set to [Auto] or [Mechanical shutter])
- Approx. 9.4 fps (when the shutter type is set to [Electronic front-curtain shutter])
- Approx. 10 fps (when silent mode is set to [ON])
- Continuous high speed (extended) *:
- Approx. 14 fps
- Approx. 15 fps (when silent mode is set to [ON])
- High-speed frame capture + (C15): Approx. 15 fps
- High-speed frame capture + (C30): Approx. 30 fps
- When using an image quality setting other than NEF (RAW) and NEF (RAW) +
3.2-inch vari-angle monitor
The camera utilizes a 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor that enables shooting from a variety of positions, from low angles to over-the-head shots. The monitor can also be turned around for simple vlogging and selfies. This appears to be the exact same LCD monitor that comes with the Z5II.
Other Features
Scene Modes is something that simplifies the process of choosing the right settings for different subjects and situations that is aimed at entry-level users of the camera. Users can select the scene that best matches what they are photographing, and the camera automatically optimizes color, brightness, white balance, Picture Control, and other imaging settings. Fifteen Scene modes are available, ranging from portraits, pets and food to more challenging situations such as night landscapes and twilight.
Setting the Z5IIC to AUTO mode analyzes the subject and scene, then automatically optimizes autofocus, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. This gives new users a dependable starting point.
As far as AF goes, the camera can automatically detect and track people, dogs, cats, birds, vehicles, aircraft, and fish.
Pricing & Availability
The new Nikon Z5IIC will be available in mid-October 2026 for $1,399.95 USD for the body only, or $1,699.95 USD packaged with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens. Bundles with the 26mm f/2.8 pancake and 40mm f/2 will also be available through various retailers.
How does this price compare to some of the direct competition?
| PRICE | |
| Nikon Z5IIC | $1,399.95 USD |
| Nikon Z5II | $1,696.95 USD |
| Panasonic LUMIX S9 | $1,497.99 USD |
| Panasonic S5 II | $1,997.99 USD |
| Nikon Z5 | $1,396.95 |
| Canon EOS R8 Mark II | $1,899 USD |
| Canon EOS R8 | $1,449 USD |
| Sony ZV-E1 | $2,498 USD |
| Sony a7C II | $2,498 USD |
The Nikon Z5IIC is competitively priced, however, competition in the hybrid mirrorless space is pretty intense, with so many manufacturers offering good options.
